Chief Operating Officer

Role Overview

A rapidly expanding UK subsidiary bank is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead operational excellence while ensuring compliance within the regulatory framework. This senior executive role reports directly to the CEO, holds the SMF24 regulatory responsibility under the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR), and plays a critical role in defining and executing the bank's operational strategy to support resilient and scalable growth. The position is based in London city offices and requires working four days per week onsite.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the approved SMF24 Chief Operations Function holder, ensuring full compliance with PRA and FCA regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and advance robust operational frameworks aligned with regulatory standards, promoting the Senior Manager Conduct Rules.
• Provide strategic operational leadership, managing key processes, systems, controls, and ensuring efficiency and scalability aligned with risk appetite.
• Oversee the Operational Middle Office and related functions, driving ongoing improvements and innovations.
• Lead and enhance the Operational Resilience Framework, managing Important Business Services and ensuring continuity during disruption scenarios through scenario testing and remediation.
• Manage business continuity planning, crisis management, and disaster recovery efforts while delivering executive-level reporting.
• Serve on the Executive Committee, contributing to strategic planning, governance, risk management, and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.
• Oversee outsourcing and third-party vendor relationships, ensuring compliance, performance monitoring, and risk mitigation.
• Sponsor and lead technology-driven transformation projects, ensuring successful implementation and operational readiness without compromising control environments.
• Build and mentor leadership teams within the COO function, cultivating a culture focused on ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Required Expertise

• Extensive senior leadership experience in operational roles within UK-regulated banking institutions.
• In-depth knowledge of PRA and FCA regulatory frameworks including SM&CR, operational resilience, outsourcing, and conduct rules.
• Direct experience holding or supporting the SMF24 Chief Operations Function role.
• Proven ability to lead operational resilience, business continuity, crisis management, and comprehensive operational risk oversight.
• Background managing Operational Middle Office teams and functions.
• Successful track record in leading IT projects, technology-enabled operational changes, and transformations.
• Experience managing operational risk as part of the first line of defense.
• Strong governance experience with the ability to influence at Board and Committee levels.
• Excellent leadership with a capability to drive cultural and organizational change.
• Advanced analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Superior communication skills to engage effectively with regulators and senior stakeholders.

Additional Information

• Compensation: Up to £200,000 base salary dependent on candidate qualifications.
• Additional Benefits: Discretionary bonus, healthcare coverage, and pension scheme.
• Work Schedule: Four days per week onsite in London city offices.