Head of Operations

We are seeking an experienced Head of Operations to lead and further strengthen our Trade Finance and Loan Administration Operations within Wholesale Banking. This role carries end-to-end responsibility for middle- and back-office operations, ensuring scalable, efficient, and well-controlled processing that supports business growth while meeting regulatory and risk standards.

The successful candidate will be a hands-on operational leader with deep domain expertise in trade finance, lending operations, and operational risk, capable of driving transformation, digitalisation, and continuous improvement across complex operating environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all Trade Finance and Loan Administration Operations, including middle- and back-office activities.
• Ensure robust operational controls, regulatory compliance, and adherence to internal risk and governance frameworks.
• Act as a key partner to Front Office, Risk, Compliance, Legal, and IT to support business growth and client service excellence.
• Drive process optimisation, automation, and digitalisation, including target operating model design and implementation.
• Oversee regulatory reporting, audit interactions, and issue remediation for operations-related matters.
• Manage and develop high-performing teams, fostering a strong culture of accountability, risk awareness, and continuous improvement.
• Lead or contribute to outsourcing, offshoring, or centre-of-excellence initiatives, where applicable.
• Support new product launches, client onboarding, and transaction structuring from an operational feasibility and control perspective.

Key Requirements

• Extensive experience in Wholesale or Investment Banking Operations, with a strong focus on Trade Finance and/or Loan Administration.
• Proven leadership experience managing middle- and back-office teams in a regulated banking environment.
• Strong understanding of trade products, lending structures, documentation, and settlement processes.
• Demonstrated track record in operational transformation, cost optimisation, and process re-engineering.
• Solid knowledge of operational risk management, regulatory requirements, and audit practices.
• Experience working with technology change initiatives, workflow automation, or system migrations is highly desirable.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior management and front-office teams.
• Strong people leadership skills with experience managing diverse, multicultural teams.

Why Join Us

• Senior leadership role within a core wholesale banking franchise
• Opportunity to shape and modernise operations in a growing business
• High visibility with regional and global stakeholders
• Competitive compensation and long-term career development opportunities

Reg No R1107874

EA License 16S8066