Head of Operations

About the company

StrideUp is building a more values-led approach to finance. By 2025, it had become the 5th fastest-growing fintech across the UK and Ireland, and it has already arranged hundreds of millions in property finance to help people reach their goals.

The business stands out by pairing purpose with strong commercial results. It first launched with home finance, offering an alternative trusted by the Muslim community and also attractive to anyone looking for fairer, more transparent products. That product-market fit has driven rapid growth, and the ambition now extends much further: to broaden the product set and create a financial institution that serves communities that have often been overlooked.

StrideUp is a high-growth, values-driven organisation with a proven track record and significant room to scale. It is supported by leading venture capital and private equity investors, with more than £40m raised in corporate funding and over £600m secured in institutional funding lines.

Role overview

As Head of Operations, you will take ownership of the operational engine that keeps StrideUp running smoothly. This senior leadership position sits at the centre of customer delivery, with accountability for improving efficiency, simplifying processes, using technology effectively, and making sure every customer interaction reflects the standards the company is known for.

You will join the executive team and help shape how operations grow in step with the wider business. You will also lead a team of operations professionals and foster a culture focused on improvement, accountability, and strong outcomes.

What you'll be responsible for

• Leading the strategy and day-to-day management of Operations, including Servicing and Underwriting, and turning company priorities into department goals, OKRs, and budget ownership.
• Building a culture of continuous improvement by spotting inefficiencies, removing obstacles, and raising performance standards across the team.
• Representing the operations perspective in product and technology discussions, working closely with Engineering and Product to shape feature priorities, highlight operational pain points, and support solutions that improve efficiency and customer experience.
• Ensuring customers receive consistently strong service at every stage by embedding customer-first thinking into workflows, processes, and team practices.
• Developing and leading a high-performing operations team, setting clear expectations, and creating an environment where accountability and collaboration can flourish.
• Maintaining reliable operational MI and reporting so the executive team has timely visibility of performance and can make informed decisions.
• Partnering with senior colleagues in Finance, Engineering & Product, Sales & Marketing, and Compliance & Risk to keep operational priorities aligned with company strategy and to manage third-party relationships against agreed standards.

What the company is looking for

• Extensive senior-level operations leadership experience in a regulated financial services business, ideally within fintech, specialist lending, or mortgage lending.
• A proven background in scaling operational teams, improving processes, introducing technology, and managing performance.
• Practical understanding of FCA-regulated environments and the conduct standards expected in financial services operations.
• Experience managing and developing senior direct reports, including functional leaders.
• Strong analytical skills and confidence working with operational MI and data to guide decisions and ongoing improvement.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience operating at executive level.
• The ability to balance business growth with disciplined operational control.
• Bonus: experience leading technology-driven operational change in fintech or financial services.
• Bonus: experience building operational capability from an early stage in a fast-growing scale-up.

Perks and benefits

• Competitive salary, depending on experience
• 25 days of annual leave
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• 3% pension contribution
• Monthly team socials
• Central London office location
• Friendly, informal startup culture with a strong focus on performance and impact

Equal opportunity statement

StrideUp is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and hiring on the basis of merit. The company values diversity and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic.

Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and contribute to the company’s mission.