Operations Manager
West-End
Permanent
£60,000 - £70,000
cer Financial are working alongside an international bank, who are based in the West-End. They are seeking an Operations Manager to work with them on a permanent basis.
The responsibilities of the Operations Manager will include:
· Oversee processing of all domestic and international payments
· Ensure payment instructions are verified, authorised, and released per policy
· Review and improve operational processes
· Ensure tasks meet SLAs with high accuracy and control standards
· Maintain strong controls (segregation of duties, maker-checker, policy adherence)
· Lead, mentor, and develop team performance and succession planning
· Support internal and external audits
· Manage resourcing, staff engagement, performance reviews, and training
· Promote accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement
· Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, AML/KYC, and segregation of duties
· Lead quality control across operations and client service delivery
· Coordinate priorities through regular meetings with department heads
· Authorise payments and operational messages as required
· Approve invoices and contribute to budgeting with COO
· Identify and implement process improvements, automation, and system enhancements
· Lead/support change initiatives, system upgrades, and SWIFT-related projects
· Strengthen operational resilience, business continuity, and disaster recovery
· Support COO with planning and key business decisions
· Oversee implementation of new/updated products and processes
· Act as authorised signatory where required
· Identify, manage, and escalate risks appropriately
· Manage operational business contracts
· Produce regular management information (MI) reports
· Ensure compliance with laws, policies, training, and reporting obligations
· Support operational resilience training and incident response
· Lead, motivate, and develop team through reviews and 1-1s
· Support recruitment, onboarding, and staff development
· Ensure continuous training and development for staff
The candidate will have:
· Degree-level education or equivalent experience in banking/financial services
· Minimum 5+ years’ banking experience
· Strong background in banking operations and payments processing in regulated environments
· Knowledge of payment schemes (SWIFT, BACS, Direct Debits) and operational requirements
· Familiarity with Equation Banking system (advantageous)
· Understanding of AML, sanctions, PSRs, and financial crime risks in payments
· Experience managing teams in fast-paced operational settings
· Knowledge of operations, third-party vendor management, private banking, treasury, risk, and compliance