At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex operational excellence initiatives and drive measurable improvements across the organisation.
- Company: Join Zilch, a fast-growing payment tech company on a mission to empower customers.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, private medical insurance, and flexible hybrid working options.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with exciting growth plans.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operational excellence and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Who we are: Zilch is a payment tech company on a mission to create the most empowering way to pay for anything, anywhere. Combining the best of debit, credit and savings, we give our customers the option to earn instant cashback or spread the cost of pricier purchases, completely interest free and with no late fees. We started in 2018 with a small team and a big dream - to make credit accessible to all. Since then, we've achieved double unicorn status and taken on more than 5 million customers. There are some exciting projects coming up and we’ve got big growth plans.
About the Role: The Operational Excellence Principal is the most senior operational practitioner within the Operational Excellence function, responsible for leading the delivery of the organisation's most complex operational excellence initiatives and ensuring Operational Excellence frameworks are applied consistently across the business. Working across Product, Engineering, Customer Operations, Risk, Compliance and other business functions, the role translates customer and operational insight into measurable improvements, ensuring strategic change is operationally ready, effectively embedded and delivers sustainable customer and business outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operational Excellence Delivery: Lead the delivery of the organisation's most complex and strategically significant Operational Excellence initiatives. Translate customer, operational and business signals into clearly defined problems, practical solutions and measurable business outcomes. Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve customer experience, operational performance, scalability and operational resilience.
- Portfolio Leadership & Prioritisation: Support the Director of Operational Excellence in managing the Operational Excellence portfolio. Assess new improvement opportunities, recommend prioritisation and ensure work is routed through the appropriate governance and delivery approach.
- Change Delivery & Operational Readiness: Lead Operational Readiness activities for Tier 1 and strategically significant change initiatives. Chair Operational Readiness forums, driving cross-functional accountability and delivery.
- Continuous Improvement & Benefit Realisation: Lead complex cross-functional improvement initiatives from discovery through implementation. Facilitate structured workshops to identify root causes, validate assumptions and develop sustainable solutions.
- Governance & Operational Assurance: Ensure Operational Excellence governance frameworks are applied consistently across strategic initiatives. Produce executive-quality reporting that provides clear insight into portfolio health, operational readiness, delivery risks and realised benefits.
- Technical Leadership & Capability Development: Act as the senior technical practitioner within Operational Excellence. Coach and develop Operational Excellence Analysts, strengthening capability in analysis, root cause investigation, facilitation, process improvement and benefit realisation.
- Strategic Partnership: Build trusted relationships across Product, Engineering, Customer Operations, Risk, Compliance, Data and other business functions. Influence strategic priorities through operational insight, customer evidence and measurable business impact.
Measures of Success:
- Strategic initiatives delivered to agreed Operational Readiness and governance standards.
- Operational Excellence initiatives delivering measurable customer, operational and commercial benefits.
- High levels of stakeholder confidence in Operational Excellence delivery and governance.
What We're Looking For:
- Experience: Significant experience in Operational Excellence, Business Transformation, Continuous Improvement or Operational Change. Extensive experience leading complex cross-functional improvement and transformation initiatives.
- Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving capability. Strong facilitation and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation.
Benefits:
- Compensation & Savings: Pension scheme, Death in Service scheme, Income Protection, Permanent employees enjoy access to our Share Options Scheme.
- Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance including GP consultations, prescribed medication, mental health support.
- Family Friendly Policies: Enhanced maternity pay, enhanced paternity pay, enhanced adoption pay.
- Learning & Development: Professional Qualifications, Professional Memberships, Learning Suite for e-courses.
- Workplace Perks: Hybrid working, casual dress code, workplace socials.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Excellence Principal in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Zilch. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Excellence Principal in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Zilch.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Zilch's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zilch
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Zilch.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Zilch will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Zilch employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
