Chief Operating & Transformation Officer (COTO)

Vero HR Ltd; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary Bonus

4% Employer Pension Contribution

Death in Service Benefit (4x salary)

Private Medical Insurance

Group Income Protection

Executive-level visibility

Job summary

Bank in the UK is seeking a Chief Operating & Transformation Officer to lead technology, data and transformation, driving digitalisation and operational excellence across the business. Reporting to the Managing Director, the COTO will own the technology strategy, oversee major transformation programmes and ensure resilience and scalability.

The role is UK-based with occasional travel to the Isle of Man and board-level exposure.

Qualifications

• Significant executive level experience in banking or regulated financial services.
• Proven track record leading complex technology and business transformation programmes.
• Strong knowledge of technology strategy, cloud platforms and data governance.
• Experience managing large change portfolios, suppliers and third-party relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the Bank's technology, digital and data strategy.
• Lead major technology enabled transformation programmes.
• Drive operational improvement, automation and process optimisation.
• Oversee technology suppliers, outsourced service providers and strategic partnerships.
• Ensure robust governance, operational resilience and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and develop technology and transformation teams across the Isle of Man and UK.
• Provide reporting and delivery assurance to Executive Management and the Board.
• Champion innovation and customer-focused change initiatives.

Skills

Executive leadership

Banking sector experience

Technology strategy

Data governance

Transformation programmes

Education

Relevant degree

Tools

Cloud platforms

Outsourced service mgmt

Job description

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a strategic and commercially focused Chief Operating & Transformation Officer (COTO) to join the executive leadership team of a well-established financial services organisation. This role will lead the technology, data and transformation agenda, driving innovation, digitalisation and operational excellence across the business.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will play a pivotal role in defining and delivering the Bank's technology strategy, overseeing major transformation programmes, enhancing customer experience and ensuring the organisation remains resilient, scalable and future ready.

About the opportunity:

As Chief Operating & Transformation Officer, you will take ownership of the Bank's technology, data and change functions, leading large scale transformation initiatives that support business growth and regulatory requirements.

You will work closely with executive stakeholders to modernise systems, improve operational efficiency and implement innovative technologies including automation and AI.

This role offers significant exposure at Board and Executive Committee level, making it an excellent opportunity for a senior leader who thrives on strategic impact, business transformation and delivering measurable results.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver the Bank's technology, digital and data strategy.
• Lead major technology enabled transformation programmes.
• Drive operational improvement, automation and process optimisation.
• Oversee technology suppliers, outsourced service providers and strategic partnerships.
• Ensure robust governance, operational resilience and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and develop technology and transformation teams across the Isle of Man and UK.
• Provide clear reporting and delivery assurance to Executive Management and the Board.
• Champion innovation, continuous improvement and customer-focused change initiatives.

About You:

We're keen to speak with senior leaders who can demonstrate:

• Significant executive level experience in banking or regulated financial services.
• A proven track record of leading complex technology and business transformation programmes.
• Strong knowledge of technology strategy, cloud platforms, data governance and outsourced service management.
• Experience managing large-scale change portfolios, suppliers and third-party relationships.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at Board level.
• Strong commercial, analytical and strategic decision-making capabilities.
• A passion for innovation, continuous improvement and delivering business value through technology.
• Live within easy reach of our Basingstoke office and able to undertake occasional travel to the Isle of Man as part of this strategic leadership position.

In return we are offering:

• Highly Competitive Salary
• Discretionary Bonus
• 4% Employer Pension Contribution (5% employee contribution)
• Death in Service Benefit (4x annual salary)
• Private Medical Insurance for you, your partner and dependants
• Group Income Protection
• Opportunity to join a progressive banking organisation where you can make a lasting impact
• Executive-level visibility and influence across the organisation
• The chance to lead transformational change that shapes the future of the Bank

This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior banking, technology or transformation executive seeking a highly influential leadership role within a dynamic and ambitious organisation.