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- Tasks: Lead operations and scale a fintech lending platform while ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Company: Fast-growing fintech lending business based in London with a purpose-driven mission.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, hybrid working, and 40 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Join a senior leadership team and make a real impact in the financial services sector.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in financial services, with experience in regulated lending environments.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant ownership and growth opportunities in a thriving industry.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ per year.
Zest4Talent is recruiting a Chief Operating Officer (COO) for a high-growth fintech lending business based in London. This is a senior leadership role working closely with the Founder and CEO, responsible for scaling a regulated lending operation and building best-in-class operational capability.
This Chief Operating Officer (COO) role offers significant ownership, influence, and long-term equity upside within a fast-growing financial services company.
The Role
As Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will take full ownership of day-to-day business operations, ensuring the company can scale its lending platform safely, compliantly, and efficiently.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading operations across Credit Risk, Underwriting, Customer Service, Product, People, Finance Operations, and Regulatory
- Scaling a regulated lending operation to support rapid loan book growth
- Driving execution, performance management, and operational excellence
- Leading People and Culture, including hiring, leadership development, and people operations
- Overseeing internal finance operations in partnership with the CFO and external providers
- Ensuring compliance with FCA regulation, Consumer Duty, and GDPR
- Managing relationships with investors, regulators, and funding partners
Requirements
Essential requirement: Candidates must have previously worked for a company that provides lending or consumer credit products. Experience must be within a regulated lending environment.
Other requirements include:
- 10+ years experience in financial services or fintech
- Previous Chief Operating Officer (COO), VP, or Head of Operations experience, or demonstrably ready to step into a COO role
- Proven experience scaling teams and operations in a high-growth or scale-up business
- Strong, hands-on leadership style with a delivery-focused approach
- Solid understanding of FCA regulation and operational risk in lending businesses
Salary and Benefits
£90,000 to £120,000 salary plus equity
Hybrid working with a London office (minimum 2 days per week)
40 days annual leave plus birthday off
Senior leadership role in a purpose-driven fintech lending business
This Chief Operating Officer (COO) position is managed by Zest4Talent, a specialist recruitment agency supporting high-growth fintech and financial services companies.
This is a UK-based role. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Zest4Talent is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Chief Operating Officer in City of London employer: ZEST 4 TALENT LTD
Contact Detail:
ZEST 4 TALENT LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fintech space and let them know you're on the lookout for a COO role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of FCA regulations and operational risk. We want you to be able to showcase your expertise and how it aligns with the company's needs, so do your homework!
✨Tip Number 3
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, don’t just talk about your past experiences. Share your vision for scaling operations and driving performance in a high-growth environment. Show them you’re ready to take ownership!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of COO. Highlight your experience in scaling operations and leading teams, especially in regulated lending environments. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about fintech and how your leadership style can drive operational excellence. Keep it engaging and relevant to the role.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how you've successfully scaled operations or improved compliance in previous roles. We love numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your journey started!
How to prepare for a job interview at ZEST 4 TALENT LTD
✨Know Your Numbers
As a COO, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of financial metrics and operational KPIs. Brush up on the key performance indicators relevant to lending operations, and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills, so prepare examples that highlight your experience in scaling teams and driving operational excellence. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you led your team through them, focusing on your hands-on approach.
✨Understand Regulatory Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with FCA regulations and compliance requirements in the lending sector. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles and how you would approach regulatory challenges in this new position.
✨Cultural Fit Matters
Zest4Talent is looking for someone who can lead people and culture effectively. Reflect on your leadership style and how it aligns with the company's values. Be ready to share your thoughts on building a positive workplace culture and developing talent within the organisation.
