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Chief Operating Officer
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COO, UK Based International Bank - £190,000 - £200,000 + bonus + benefits, City of London
An international banking institution with an established UK presence is seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join its Executive Committee and help drive the next phase of its growth, transformation and operational excellence agenda.
Ideal role for an established COO or a number-two looking to step up into the COO role.
This is a rare opportunity for a senior banking executive to take ownership of a broad and strategically critical portfolio encompassing operations, operational resilience, business continuity, outsourcing oversight, transformation, governance, facilities management, financial crime analysis, and international expansion initiatives.
The successful candidate will be the SMF24 and play a pivotal role in ensuring the Bank maintains a robust, well-controlled, and resilient operating environment while supporting ambitious commercial and strategic objectives.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a key member of the Executive Committee, you will be responsible for leading the Bank's operational strategy and ensuring compliance with PRA and FCA regulatory requirements under the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR).
You will provide executive leadership across critical operational functions while partnering closely with Board members, regulators, and senior stakeholders to strengthen governance, resilience, efficiency, and customer outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
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Executive Leadership & Governance
- Serve as a member of the Executive Committee and key governance forums.
- Contribute to strategic planning, risk management, and organizational decision-making.
- Provide regular reporting to the Board and Board Committees on operational performance, resilience, and risk.
SMF24 Regulatory Accountability
- Hold accountability for the Bank's operational environment under SM&CR.
- Ensure effective oversight of operational processes, systems, controls, and governance frameworks.
- Maintain constructive and transparent relationships with the PRA and FCA.
Operational Resilience & Business Continuity
- Lead the Operational Resilience Framework, including Important Business Services (IBS), impact tolerances, and scenario testing.
- Oversee business continuity, disaster recovery, and crisis management capabilities.
- Drive continuous improvement across resilience and operational risk management.
Operations & Control Environment
- Lead core banking operations including payments, settlements, reconciliations, client onboarding, KYC operations, and transaction processing.
- Ensure operational processes remain efficient, scalable, and aligned to regulatory expectations and business strategy.
- Oversee a strong and effective Operational Middle Office function.
Change, Technology & Transformation
- Sponsor and oversee major business and technology transformation initiatives.
- Partner with technology leaders to ensure change programmes are delivered safely, effectively, and in line with regulatory expectations.
- Drive operational efficiency through innovation and continuous improvement.
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Leadership & Culture
- Lead and develop high-performing teams across a diverse operational portfolio.
- Foster a culture of accountability, operational excellence, strong risk management, and regulatory compliance.
- Build organizational capability and succession plans to support long-term growth.
Experience Needed:
- Significant senior leadership experience within a UK-regulated banking environment.
- Deep knowledge of PRA and FCA regulatory frameworks, including SM&CR, operational resilience, and outsourcing requirements.
- Experience performing or supporting an SMF24 function as a lead or as a C-1.
- Proven expertise in operations leadership, business continuity, operational resilience, and risk management.
- Strong experience managing Operational Middle Office functions.
- Board, Executive Committee, and regulator-facing experience.
- Outstanding stakeholder management, communication, and leadership capabilities.
This is an opportunity to join the executive leadership team of an ambitious international banking organization and play a central role in shaping its operational strategy, regulatory standing, and future growth. You will have significant influence across the organization, direct engagement with regulators, and the opportunity to lead a broad portfolio that is fundamental to the Bank's continued success.
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