The Role
Lead and scale the financial planning operations function, managing client services, paraplanning and adviser support. Improve workflows, embed governance (SLAs, SOPs), act as product owner for back-office systems, partner with IT and Compliance, drive automation, MI and data governance, and deliver continuous operational improvements.
Summary Generated by Built In
We are a team of Chartered Independent Financial Planners, recognised by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). Our chartered status reflects our commitment to a client-first approach, ethical practice, and continuous professional development.
Our team delivers holistic financial planning across a broad client base, supported by cashflow modelling tools, a secure client portal, and an integrated approach that includes ESG considerations.
Now nearly 50 strong, the business has grown through a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. This has created a dynamic, evolving operating environment, with an increasing focus on scalability, consistency, and quality of service delivery. We are proud of the collaborative, values-driven culture we have built.
As we continue to scale, we are now looking for an Operations Manager to help shape and support the next phase of our growth. We are seeking a hands-on, solutions-focused manager who is comfortable working within operational workflows to identify root causes and implement practical, sustainable improvements.
The role will focus on building a high-performing, technology-enabled operations function that improves adviser productivity, enhances the client journey, and drives efficiency across the end-to-end advice process.
The Operations Manager will be responsible for leading the operational direction, scalability and service delivery of the Financial Planning business, aligned to our growth objectives and commitment to client service. Working closely with senior management and the Compliance Manager, you will ensure operational and compliance plans support the company’s financial goals, deliver strong client outcomes, and maintain a compliant, risk-aware culture.
Our team delivers holistic financial planning across a broad client base, supported by cashflow modelling tools, a secure client portal, and an integrated approach that includes ESG considerations.
Now nearly 50 strong, the business has grown through a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. This has created a dynamic, evolving operating environment, with an increasing focus on scalability, consistency, and quality of service delivery. We are proud of the collaborative, values-driven culture we have built.
As we continue to scale, we are now looking for an Operations Manager to help shape and support the next phase of our growth. We are seeking a hands-on, solutions-focused manager who is comfortable working within operational workflows to identify root causes and implement practical, sustainable improvements.
The role will focus on building a high-performing, technology-enabled operations function that improves adviser productivity, enhances the client journey, and drives efficiency across the end-to-end advice process.
The Operations Manager will be responsible for leading the operational direction, scalability and service delivery of the Financial Planning business, aligned to our growth objectives and commitment to client service. Working closely with senior management and the Compliance Manager, you will ensure operational and compliance plans support the company’s financial goals, deliver strong client outcomes, and maintain a compliant, risk-aware culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day operations across client services, paraplanning, and adviser support, ensuring efficient, consistent, and scalable processes
- Manage and develop operations and client servicing teams, ensuring appropriate structure, capability, training, and performance
- Embed strong operational governance, including SLAs, SOPs, and continuous improvement initiatives, and lead operational projects to drive efficiency and service quality
- Champion the effective use of AI and technology to improve workflows, data structures, automation, and system integration across the Financial Planning business
- Act as product owner for our back-office systems
- Partner with IT, vendors and internal teams to implement effective tech solutions.
- Work closely with the Compliance Manager to ensure operational alignment with FCA requirements (including Consumer Duty and MiFID II)
- Support operational resilience by identifying Important Business Services, defining impact tolerances, and conducting scenario testing with clear remediation planning
- Maintain operational risk registers and collaborate with compliance and risk teams to monitor and manage operational risks
- Lead structured problem-solving, root cause analysis, and solution design to deliver practical, sustainable operational improvements
- Drive improvements in adviser efficiency and the end-to-end client journey through strong operational management, including reducing administrative burden, optimising processes, and using client feedback to deliver continuous improvement
- Develop and maintain operational, adviser and risk MI dashboards, ensuring data accuracy, consistency and strong data governance
Please see the full job description attached to this posting.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- Operations management experience within a regulated Financial Planning or Wealth Management environment
- Strong knowledge of FCA regulatory frameworks and experience operating in a regulated environment
- Experience with financial planning back-office systems, with the ability to optimise existing tools and implement new solutions
- Strong problem-solving and solution delivery capability, with a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional collaboration and drive change across a growing business
- Strong data and MI capability, with the ability to improve data quality, reporting, automation, and system effectiveness
- Ability to build and influence relationships with senior stakeholders and operational teams
- High level of integrity, sound professional judgement, and strong attention to detail
Benefits
About
At Moore Kingston Smith, we believe in the potential of people to make a positive impact, fuelled by the power of genuine understanding. Working with small, medium and large clients, we are a multi-disciplinary advisory, tax and audit firm with expertise across multiple sectors, uniquely positioned to help people realise their ambitions. Our London and regional teams deliver quality results locally and nationally, and worldwide alongside the Moore Global network. Through respect, collaboration and active listening, understanding is at the heart of everything we do with our clients, colleagues and communities. We value people and projects that promote positive change for the future. Come and join us to make a difference.
Skills Required
- Operations management experience within a regulated Financial Planning or Wealth Management environment
- Strong knowledge of FCA regulatory frameworks (including Consumer Duty and MiFID II)
- Experience with financial planning back-office systems and ability to optimise and implement new solutions
- Proven ability to lead and develop operations and client servicing teams, including performance management and training
- Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and solution delivery capability focused on operational excellence
- Strong data and MI capability, including reporting, dashboards, data quality and governance
- Experience acting as product owner for back-office systems and partnering with IT/vendors for system integration
- Ability to build and influence relationships with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams
- High level of integrity, professional judgement, and strong attention to detail
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
Moore Kingston Smith is a multi-disciplinary advisory, tax, and audit firm with expertise across multiple sectors, uniquely positioned to help people realize their ambitions.
