COO

Black Swan Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Black Swan Group is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to oversee end-to-end operational performance of the wealth management business, ensuring systems, processes, people and controls deliver compliant, efficient and client-centric services.

The role drives operational resilience, day-to-day execution and strategic transformation across platform operations, onboarding, portfolio administration, technology and outsourcing.

Job description

The COO is accountable for the end‑to‑end operational performance of the wealth management business, ensuring that systems, processes, people, and controls support the delivery of compliant, efficient, and client‑centric services.The role ensures operational resilience, oversees day‑to‑day execution, and drives strategic transformation across the firm’s platform operations, client onboarding, portfolio administration, technology, and outsourced service providers.

The COO acts as a key member of the Executive team, providing challenge, leadership, and direction to ensure the firm meets FCA expectations under SYSC, Consumer Duty, Operational Resilience, and Outsourcing & Third‑Party Risk Management.

Core Responsibilities

• Operational Strategy — Develop and execute the operational strategy aligned to business goals, regulatory expectations, and client outcomes.
• Operational Resilience — Ensure compliance with FCA operational resilience rules, including impact tolerances, mapping, scenario testing, and remediation.
• Client Onboarding — Oversee onboarding, KYC/AML processes, suitability assessments, and client lifecycle management.
• Platform & Administration — Manage custody, dealing, settlement, reconciliations, corporate actions, and portfolio administration.
• Technology & Systems — Own the technology roadmap, system selection and data focus.
• Third‑Party Oversight — Oversee outsourced providers (platforms, custodians, tech vendors) ensuring compliance with SYSC 8 and operational resilience expectations.
• Process Optimisation — Drive automation, efficiency, and scalability across operational workflows.
• Risk & Controls — Maintain robust operational risk frameworks, incident management, and control testing.
• Consumer Duty — Ensure operational processes deliver good client outcomes, fair value, and transparent communications.
• Governance — Provide MI to the Board, chair operational committees, and contribute to strategic decision‑making.
• Business Continuity — Maintain and test BCP arrangements, ensuring readiness for disruption.
• Change Management — Lead operational change programmes, platform migrations, and regulatory implementation projects.