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- Tasks: Lead Direct Banking Operations, ensuring top-notch service and operational excellence.
- Company: Join a leading banking institution in Milton Keynes with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in banking operations while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing outsourced relationships and operational leadership.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a strong emphasis on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
The predicted salary is between 102000 - 142800 £ per year.
About The Role
SALARY: From £102k pa dependent on experience
LOCATION: Milton Keynes
HYBRID WORKING: Our current hybrid working policy requires a minimum of 60% of working time to be based in the Milton Keynes office and flexibility is expected to meet the needs of the business and the role.
HOURS / CONTRACT TYPE: Full Time Permanent – 35 hours per week
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as Head of Direct Banking Operations & Outsourcing. This is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing the end-to-end operations of our Direct Banking division, ensuring exceptional service delivery, operational efficiency and compliance across all outsourced partnerships and intra-group service arrangements, while meeting our obligations under Consumer Duty. You will lead a high-performing team, manage critical third-party relationships and drive operational excellence to support our customers and business objectives. This role requires a strong blend of leadership, operational expertise and supplier management skills, with a focus on continuous improvement, innovation and a clear accountability for operational resilience. This role holds Senior Manager Function (SMF24) responsibility under the SM&CR (Senior Manager & Certification Regime) and therefore obtaining and maintaining regulatory approval is a mandatory requirement.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead and manage the Direct Banking Operations function, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, efficient and customer-focused services. You will be accountable for operational performance across all Direct Banking activities, driving consistency, accuracy and excellence in service delivery.
- Oversee outsourced operations, taking full responsibility for managing third-party providers and intra-group service delivery. This includes monitoring contractual compliance, ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are met and implementing robust governance frameworks to mitigate risk and maintain operational integrity.
- Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to streamline processes, enhance productivity and leverage automation and technology solutions. You will lead transformation projects aimed at improving efficiency and reducing operational costs without compromising service quality.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal governance standards across all operational activities. You will maintain strong controls, conduct regular audits and ensure adherence to industry regulations, safeguarding the business against operational and reputational risks and ensuring we meet our Consumer Duty responsibilities.
- Manage operational risk effectively, implementing comprehensive risk management frameworks and monitoring mechanisms. You will proactively identify potential risks, develop mitigation strategies and ensure resilience in operational processes with clear accountability for operational resilience planning, testing and oversight.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including outsourced partners, internal teams and senior leadership. You will act as a trusted advisor, ensuring alignment between operational delivery and strategic objectives while fostering collaboration and transparency.
- Develop and implement strategies to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency, ensuring that all processes are designed with the customer in mind. You will champion a culture of service excellence, driving initiatives that improve satisfaction and loyalty.
- Provide leadership and direction to the operations team, creating an environment that promotes accountability, engagement and high performance. You will coach and develop talent, ensuring the team has the skills and capabilities to deliver against current and future business needs.
Essential experience & skills:
Extensive experience in managing third-party and outsourced relationships, including acting as a Material Outsource for a UK.
Head of Direct Banking Operations in Milton Keynes employer: Volkswagen Financial Services
Contact Detail:
Volkswagen Financial Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Direct Banking Operations in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the banking industry, especially those who might know about opportunities at our company. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching our company culture and values. We love candidates who align with our mission, so be ready to share how your experience in direct banking operations can contribute to our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, highlight specific examples of how you've led teams or managed third-party relationships effectively. We want to see that you can drive operational excellence and foster collaboration.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our success.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Direct Banking Operations in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Direct Banking Operations role. Highlight your experience in managing third-party relationships and operational excellence, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational efficiency and managed teams in the past. We love a good story that showcases your leadership skills!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, make sure to highlight your leadership style and how you foster high-performing teams. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and engage their team, so share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about StudySmarter and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Volkswagen Financial Services
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of direct banking operations and outsourcing. Brush up on key metrics, compliance standards, and best practices in the industry. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to lead.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you've driven operational excellence or improved customer experience. This will highlight your ability to lead a high-performing team.
✨Understand Regulatory Requirements
Familiarise yourself with the Senior Manager & Certification Regime (SM&CR) and Consumer Duty obligations. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure compliance and manage operational risks effectively. This shows you're not just about performance but also about governance.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Think about how you would foster strong relationships with both internal teams and external partners. Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with stakeholders in previous roles to achieve strategic objectives. This will demonstrate your ability to act as a trusted advisor.
