Chief Operating Officer

A pivotal executive leadership role for an experienced Chief Operating Officer at a fast-growing UK subsidiary bank, responsible for operational strategy, resilience, regulatory compliance, and driving growth.

Location: London, UK

Salary: Up to £200k base plus discretionary bonus, healthcare, pension, 4 days a week in London offices

Responsibilities

• Shape and oversee operational strategy and resilience.
• Lead operational excellence and transformation initiatives.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and maintain SMF24 responsibilities.
• Manage operational risk and oversee operational processes.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Build and maintain relationships with regulators and stakeholders.
• Oversee outsourcing and third-party relationships.
• Lead strategic change and technology-enabled transformation.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Extensive senior leadership experience in banking operations within a UK-regulated financial institution.
• Deep understanding of PRA/FCA regulatory frameworks, including SM&CR, operational resilience, outsourcing, and conduct expectations.
• Experience supporting or performing an SMF24 role.
• Expertise in operational resilience, business continuity, crisis management, and operational process oversight.
• Experience managing an Operational Middle Office.
• Proven track record in IT projects, technology-enabled change, and operational transformation.
• Ability to manage operational risk within the first line of defence.
• Strong governance and board-level influence experience.
• Excellent leadership, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication skills with regulators and senior stakeholders.

Benefits

• Discretionary bonus
• Healthcare
• Pension
• 4 days a week in London offices

Additional Information

• Reporting directly to the CEO.
• Holding the SMF24 Chief Operations Function under SM&CR.
• Influence key business decisions and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Lead critical operations, transformation initiatives, and ensure regulatory standards are met.