Verity Search Limited
Chief Operating Officer
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Fast grow UK subsidiary bank has begun the search for a new COO.
Up to £200k base for perfect candidate.
Discretionary bonus
Healthcare + Pension
4 days a week in London city offices.
This is a pivotal executive leadership role for an experienced Chief Operating Officer who combines strong operational leadership with deep regulatory awareness. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and holding the SMF24 Chief Operations Function under the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR), the COO will play a central role in shaping the organisation's operational strategy, resilience and long-term success.
As a member of the Executive Committee, the COO will influence key business decisions, drive operational excellence and ensure the organisation remains resilient, scalable and well-positioned for future growth. Working closely with the Board, regulators and senior stakeholders, the successful individual will help foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and collaborative leadership across the business.
This is an opportunity to make a genuine impact, leading critical operations, sponsoring transformation initiatives and ensuring the organisation delivers exceptional service while maintaining the highest standards of governance and regulatory compliance.
Skills / Knowledge Required
- 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 requirements, outsourcing rules and conduct expectations.
- Demonstrable experience performing or directly supporting an SMF24 role.
- Strong expertise in operational resilience, business continuity, crisis management and end-to-end operational process oversight.
- Proven experience managing an Operational Middle Office.
- Strong track record of involvement in IT projects, technology-enabled change and operational transformation.
- Proven ability to manage operational risk within the first line of defence.
- Strong governance and committee experience with Board-level influence.
- Excellent leadership skills and ability to drive cultural change.
- Strong analytical, strategic planning and problem-solving capabilities.
- Exceptional communication skills and ability to engage with regulators and senior stakeholders.
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Job role
Regulatory Leadership (SMF24)
As the approved holder of the SMF24 Chief Operations Function, you will:
- Fulfil all SMF24 responsibilities in line with PRA and FCA requirements and expectations.
- Ensure the organisation's operational framework remains robust, well-controlled and aligned with regulatory standards.
- Promote and uphold the principles of the Senior Manager Conduct Rules across the operational environment.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with regulatory stakeholders.
Operational Leadership & Oversight
You will provide strategic leadership across the operational landscape, ensuring that processes, controls and capabilities support the organisation's ambitions.
Responsibilities include:
- Maintaining oversight of core operational processes, systems and controls across the business.
- Ensuring operational activities are efficient, scalable and aligned with the firm's risk appetite.
- Driving operational effectiveness through ongoing improvement, innovation and simplification.
- Providing leadership and oversight of the Operational Middle Office and associated operational functions.
Operational Resilience
Operational resilience sits at the heart of this role.
You will:
- Lead and continually enhance the firm's Operational Resilience Framework.
- Oversee the identification and management of Important Business Services (IBS) and associated impact tolerances.
- Ensure the business can continue to deliver critical services during severe but plausible disruption scenarios.
- Sponsor scenario testing, operational mapping and remediation programmes.
- Maintain oversight of business continuity planning, crisis management and disaster recovery capabilities.
- Deliver meaningful insight and reporting to Executive and Board-level stakeholders.
Governance & Executive Leadership
As a key member of the Executive Committee, you will help shape the organisation's strategic direction while ensuring strong governance remains embedded throughout the business.
You will:
- Contribute to strategic planning, risk management and executive decision-making.
- Provide clear and insightful reporting to the Board and Board Committees.
- Champion a culture of accountability, transparency and operational excellence.
- Support the business in balancing commercial objectives with regulatory expectations.
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Outsourcing & Third-Party Oversight
You will ensure the organisation derives maximum value from its third-party partnerships while maintaining appropriate oversight and control.
This includes:
- Overseeing outsourced services and key third-party relationships.
- Monitoring service performance, resilience and regulatory compliance.
- Ensuring outsourcing arrangements remain aligned with applicable regulatory requirements and business needs.
- Identifying and mitigating risks arising from external dependencies.
Change, Transformation & Technology
The COO will act as a senior sponsor for strategic change initiatives that enhance operational capability and support the organisation's growth ambitions.
You will:
- Lead and sponsor technology-enabled transformation programmes.
- Ensure operational readiness for new platforms, systems and business capabilities.
- Partner closely with technology teams and key stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes.
- Balance innovation with operational stability, resilience and risk management.
- Ensure change activity strengthens rather than compromises the firm's control environment.
Leadership & Culture
A key part of the role will be building high-performing teams and creating an environment where people can thrive.
You will:
- Lead, mentor and develop leaders across the COO function.
- Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Champion high standards of conduct, risk awareness and customer focus.
- Ensure the function is appropriately resourced, skilled and positioned to support future growth.
- Inspire teams to deliver operational excellence while embracing change and innovation.
What Success Looks Like
The successful COO will be a visible and influential leader who combines strategic vision with operational discipline. They will create an environment where strong governance, operational excellence and commercial growth work hand in hand, ensuring the organisation remains resilient, well-controlled and positioned for long-term success.
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