Operations Manager

Operations Manager

City of London

Permanent

£60,000 - £70,000

cer Financial are working alongside an international bank, who are based in the City of London. 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