Operations Director
đź“Ť Taunton
đź’Ľ Senior Leadership | IFA / Wealth Management
đź’° Competitive salary + bonus + benefits
Hybrid - 4 days office 1-day WFH, after probation period. Initially you will be needed in the office 5 days per week.
We're working with a highly regarded Independent Financial Advisory firm with c. £600m AUM, strong links to a well‑known accountancy practice, and a reputation for delivering high‑quality, holistic financial planning. As the business continues to grow, they're looking to appoint an experienced Operations Director to help take the firm to the next level.
The Opportunity
This is a senior, hands‑on leadership role working closely with the Managing Director / CEO. You'll have full responsibility for driving operational excellence across the business, ensuring the smooth, compliant, and efficient delivery of advice while supporting long‑term growth and scalability. Primary focus is on operations, administration, process improvement, and data/systems optimisation. Please note this person MUST have extensive, direct experience within an IFA (Independent Financial Adviser) business.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Develop and deliver operational strategy aligned to business goals
Oversee day‑to‑day operations across administration, paraplanning, and client support
Drive process improvement, efficiency, and cost optimisation
Manage operational budgets and resourcesPeople & Team Management
Lead, mentor, and develop operations teams
Set KPIs and monitor performance
Support recruitment, onboarding, and training
Foster a high‑performance, client‑centric, and compliant cultureCompliance & Risk
Work closely with the Compliance Officer to ensure FCA compliance
Maintain robust internal controls and procedures
Oversee audit readiness and regulatory reporting
Embed Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) principles across operationsClient Service & Experience
Ensure a consistently high standard of client service
Improve client journey and onboarding processes
Manage escalated client issues or complaints
Enable advisers to deliver efficient, compliant adviceSystems & Technology
Ownership of CRM and operational systems (e.g. Intelliflo Office)
Drive digital transformation and automation initiatives
Ensure strong data integrity and MI
Evaluate and implement new operational toolsCommercial & Strategic Support
Monitor operational KPIs and MI
Identify opportunities for cost savings and revenue enhancement
Support strategic growth initiatives (including scaling and acquisitions)
Collaborate with finance on budgeting and forecasting
About You
Essential
Significant experience within an IFA / wealth management environment
Strong understanding of UK financial services regulation
Proven senior leadership and people management experience
In‑depth knowledge of operational workflows within advice firms
Highly organised, commercially aware, and solutions‑focused
Strong working experience with Intelliflo Office
Demonstrable operational management and leadership experience within the financial planning sector.
Strong competency in systems/process improvement, especially data and technology platforms relevant to IFAs.
Hands-on management approach; must be willing and able to implement as well as lead.Desirable
Chartered status or relevant professional qualifications
Experience with platforms such as Aviva, Quilter, or similar
Exposure to process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)
Please be aware this advert will remain open until the vacancy has been filled. Interviews will take place throughout this period, therefore we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment.
Tate is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
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