Chief Operating Officer

Overview

An international banking institution based in the UK is seeking a highly experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join its Executive Committee. This role is critical as the bank embarks on its next growth phase, focusing on operational excellence, transformation, and resilience. The COO will hold the SMF24 regulatory responsibility and oversee a broad portfolio covering operations, operational resilience, business continuity, outsourcing management, governance, facilities, financial crime analysis, and international expansion efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as an Executive Committee member and contribute to strategic planning, risk management, and organizational decision-making.
• Provide comprehensive reports to the Board and Board Committees regarding operational performance, resilience, and risk matters.
• Maintain SMF24 accountability under the Senior Managers & Certification Regime ensuring robust operational controls, governance frameworks, and transparent relations with PRA and FCA regulators.
• Lead the Operational Resilience Framework, including management of Important Business Services (IBS), scenario testing, and impact tolerance settings.
• Oversee business continuity, disaster recovery, and crisis management capabilities, promoting ongoing improvements in operational risk and resilience.
• Manage core banking operations such as payments, settlements, reconciliations, client onboarding, KYC operations, and transaction processing.
• Ensure operational processes are efficient, scalable, compliant with regulations, and aligned with business strategy.
• Oversee the Operational Middle Office functions to maintain strong control environments.
• Champion and sponsor major business and technology transformation initiatives in partnership with technology leaders.
• Drive operational efficiency through innovation and continuous improvement.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams fostering accountability, operational excellence, risk management, and compliance culture.
• Build organisational capabilities and succession plans to support sustainable growth.

Required Experience and Expertise

• Extensive senior leadership experience within UK-regulated banking institutions.
• In-depth knowledge of PRA and FCA regulatory frameworks, including SM&CR, operational resilience, and outsourcing regulations.
• Hands-on experience performing or supporting the SMF24 role, preferably as the lead or senior function holder.
• Proven track record in operations leadership, business continuity, operational resilience, and risk management.
• Strong experience managing Operational Middle Office teams.
• Demonstrated board-level, executive committee, and regulatory interface experience.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills.

Additional Information

Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will play a pivotal role in steering the bank’s operational strategy and regulatory compliance while aligning with its commercial ambitions. This senior role is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned banking executive seeking to influence organizational success profoundly and engage directly with regulatory bodies.

Compensation

Salary range is £190,000 to £200,000, supplemented by bonus and benefits.