Head of Strategic Operations

Financial Innovation for Impact (Fii); United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a mission-driven organisation focused on innovative financial solutions. As the Head of Strategic Operations, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of financial systems, driving operational efficiency, and leading cross-functional teams. This position offers significant professional growth opportunities and the chance to influence strategic initiatives that make a real impact on underserved populations globally. If you're passionate about financial innovation and thrive in dynamic environments, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation

Flexible Work Schedule

Professional Growth Opportunities

Exposure to Leading Thinkers

Qualifications

• 7+ years in strategic operations or management, preferably in grant-funded organisations.
• Strong understanding of grant compliance and impact measurement.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of organisational strategy aligned with mission.
• Manage operational systems and enhance productivity across teams.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Process Optimisation

Grant Management

Cross-Functional Leadership

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Job description

Direct message the job poster from Financial Innovation for Impact (Fii)

HR Lead at Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, Cambridge Judge Business SchoolHead of People, Fii

ABOUT FINANCIAL INNOVATION FOR IMPACT (Fii)

Financial Innovation for Impact (Fii) is an international organisation dedicated to the advancement of scalable, sustainable, and inclusive financial innovation and evidence-based regulatory and supervisory innovation.

We work collaboratively with academic institutions and other stakeholders to create knowledge and apply data-driven insights to inform the development of digital financial services and the decision-making of central banks, securities regulators, and other financial authorities.

We generate high impact, applied outputs, develop digital tools, platforms, and services, and deliver capacity building at scale through technical assistance and training with a focus on benefiting financially excluded, marginalised, and disadvantaged populations globally.

Fii emerged from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) in early 2023. The CCAF is a research centre at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School. CCAF’s mission is to create and transfer knowledge addressing emergent gaps relating to technology-enabled financial innovation and to support evidence-based decision-making by market participants, regulators, and related stakeholders.

THE ROLE

The Head of Strategic Operations will serve as a key member of Fii’s Senior Management Team (SMT), responsible for driving organisational strategy, operational efficiency, and cross-functional execution to ensure that Fii achieves its mission and maximises its impact. This role will focus on strategic planning, process optimisation, and operational oversight, working closely with the Executive Team and SMT to align resources, streamline internal operations, and enhance organisational effectiveness.

The ideal candidate is a highly analytical, process-oriented, and mission-driven leader who thrives in dynamic environments and has experience in nonprofit operations, grant management, and financial development.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Lead the development and execution of organisational strategy, ensuring alignment with mission objectives and funding priorities.

• Drive strategic initiatives that improve operational efficiency, programme impact, and organisational sustainability.

• Collaborate with the SMT to set measurable goals, track Objectives & Key Results (OKRs), and adjust strategy as needed.

Operational Leadership & Process Optimisation

• Manage & support the Project Management Office in enhancing, designing, & implementing operational systems, policies, and workflows that contribute to productivity and effective resource allocation.

• Oversee the interlinkages between project management and operations, ensuring seamless collaboration between teams (e.g., finance, development, programmes, and reporting).

• Identify and implement process improvements to support grant compliance, reporting, and financial sustainability.

Grant & Financial Operations Support

• Partner with the programme leadership teams, and finance to ensure operational alignment with funding strategies and grant requirements.

• Support the management of grant funding cycles, including proposal development and reporting.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a key thought partner to the Directors, providing strategic recommendations and operational insights.

• Serve as a bridge between programme teams, operations, finance, and external partners to improve collaboration and execution.

• Represent Fii in external meetings, funder discussions, and strategic partnerships as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• 7+ years of experience in strategic operations, management, or financial development, preferably in a grant-funded organisation.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans, optimise processes, and lead cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of grant-funding environments, including grant compliance, and impact measurement.
• Experience working with funders, philanthropic organisations, and government agencies.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills with an ability to demonstrate creativity and flexibility in problem solving.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Fluent or native English speaker
• Mission-driven mindset with a passion for innovation in financial systems, particularly in low- & middle-income countries.
• Emotional intelligence, communication, and empathy, demonstrated by an ability to work collaboratively in teams, share ideas and manage conflict.
• Adaptability and flexibility – Our working environment and culture require you to be agile and adaptable to succeed in this role.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A job and a team with a purpose. Be part of a mission-driven organisation making a tangible impact in financial systems’ development through innovation.
• Exposure to leading thinkers, researchers, and solution creators in the financial, technology, and academic spaces.
• Lead strategic initiatives that directly influence organisational success and sustainability.
• Significant professional growth & leadership development, in line with the scaling of the organisation.
• Competitive compensation.
• Flexible work schedule, including hours and location. HQ in Cambridge, UK

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should apply via LinkedIn or submit their CV and a cover letter to [e-mail].

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Strategy/Planning, Project Management, and Business Development
• Research Services and Financial Services

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