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