Operations Manager - #2094796

Job Title: Operations Manager

Location: Leeds

Salary: £50,000 - £60,000

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Reference: 10448

Recruit UK is working with a highly regarded and growing financial planning firm seeking an experienced Operations Manager to take ownership of the firm's operational function.

This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring the business operates efficiently, consistently and to the highest standards. Working closely with the Directors, you will oversee the Administration and Paraplanning teams, drive operational excellence and ensure client work flows seamlessly through the business.

The successful candidate will act as the operational backbone of the firm, removing bottlenecks, improving processes and creating an environment where teams can perform at their best. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on both the client experience and the long-term growth of the business.

You will be a confident leader with experience within financial planning or a regulated professional services environment, capable of managing people, workflows and operational priorities while maintaining exceptional service standards.

• Oversee the day-to-day operational running of the business.
• Lead, manage and develop the Administration and Paraplanning teams.
• Ensure operational processes are efficient, scalable and aligned with business objectives.
• Act as the first point of escalation for operational challenges and workflow issues.
• Drive accountability, consistency and high performance across operational functions.

• Take ownership of end-to-end client workflows across Administration and Paraplanning.
• Ensure client meetings are fully prepared and supported.
• Monitor workload distribution, capacity and service levels.
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks before they impact clients or advisers.
• Lead regular workflow planning meetings and proactively reallocate resources where required.
• Ensure all client actions, reports and implementations are delivered within agreed timescales.

• Oversee client onboarding and ongoing service delivery processes.
• Maintain and continuously improve client service standards.
• Act as an escalation point for complex client service issues and complaints.
• Ensure operational delivery reflects the firm's values and commitment to exceptional client outcomes.

• Provide leadership, coaching and support to Administration and Paraplanning team members.
• Conduct regular 1:1 meetings, appraisals and development reviews.
• Support career progression pathways for junior employees and graduates.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Act as a trusted point of contact for team wellbeing and development.

• Own and continually enhance core operational processes.
• Ensure procedures are documented, understood and consistently followed.
• Drive operational projects through to successful completion.
• Improve handovers between teams and eliminate duplication or inefficiencies.
• Support the ongoing development and effective use of CRM and workflow systems.

• Proven experience in a Business Manager, Practice Manager, Operations Manager or similar leadership role.
• Experience working within a financial planning, wealth management or FCA-regulated environment.
• Strong understanding of financial planning processes and client servicing workflows.
• Demonstrable people management and team development experience.
• Excellent organisational and workload management skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to operational challenges.
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the business.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality and compliance.
• Comfortable taking ownership, making decisions and delivering results.

• Competitive salary of £50,000 - £60,000
• Performance-related bonus
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Pension contributions
• Generous holiday allowance
• Professional development and training support
• Opportunity to play a key role in the continued growth of a successful financial planning business