Project People
Head of Operations (Financial Services)
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Head of Operations (Financial Services)
Perm
Carlisle, England | Hybrid
You must be eligible to work in the UK without the need for Sponsorship
Project People is partnering with a well-established and highly respected organisation within the Financial Services sector to recruit an experienced Head of Operations.
This is an outstanding opportunity for a senior finance operations leader to take ownership of a business-critical function responsible for delivering operational excellence, robust financial controls, regulatory compliance, and exceptional customer outcomes.
Reporting to the Operations Director, you'll play a key role in developing operational strategy while leading multiple specialist finance teams and driving continuous improvement across the organisation.
The Opportunity
You'll provide strategic and operational leadership across Finance Operations, ensuring scalable processes, strong governance, and operational resilience while supporting the business through its next phase of growth.
Working closely with Operations, Risk & Compliance, Corporate Finance, Change & IT, you'll influence business-wide improvements, strengthen financial controls, and enhance the customer experience.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop high-performing Finance Operations teams
- Drive operational excellence, efficiency, and continuous improvement
- Own the operational finance control framework
- Ensure robust governance across payments, reconciliations, payroll, and client money activities
- Deliver meaningful management information to support strategic decision-making
- Lead automation and process improvement initiatives
- Manage operational risk, audit actions, and control effectiveness
- Support the delivery of the wider operational strategy
What We're Looking For
We're keen to speak with candidates who have:
- Significant leadership experience within Finance Operations, Financial Control, or Operational Accounting in a regulated Financial Services environment
- Strong knowledge of financial controls, reconciliations, banking operations, and operational risk
- Experience leading and developing large operational teams
- A proven track record of delivering process improvements and operational transformation
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels
- Experience using management information to improve operational performance and customer outcomes
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Desirable Experience
- ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualification (or equivalent operational finance experience)
- Experience within pensions, wealth management, or investment administration
- Knowledge of Client Money and CASS regulations
- Understanding of regulated financial services and customer-focused operational environments
Why Apply?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing and well-respected Financial Services organisation where you'll have the autonomy to shape a key operational function and influence the future direction of the business.
You'll have the opportunity to:
- Lead a business-critical operational finance function
- Drive transformation, automation, and process improvement
- Develop and mentor high-performing teams
- Work closely with senior leadership to influence business strategy
- Make a genuine impact within a regulated, customer-focused organisation
If you're an experienced Finance Operations leader looking for your next strategic leadership opportunity within Financial Services, we'd love to hear from you.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills