Head of Strategic Operations

Financial Innovation for Impact (Fii); United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Head of Strategic Operations to drive strategy and operational efficiency. This role is pivotal in enhancing organizational effectiveness and maximizing impact through strategic planning and process optimization. You will collaborate closely with the Executive Team, manage cross-functional initiatives, and engage with stakeholders to ensure alignment with funding priorities. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence financial systems positively, especially in low- and middle-income countries, while fostering professional growth in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package

Flexible working hours

Professional growth opportunities

Engagement with leading thinkers in finance and tech

Qualifications

• 7+ years in strategic operations and management within grant-funded organizations.
• Strong understanding of grant environments and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of organizational strategy.
• Manage operational systems and support project management.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Process Optimization

Grant Management

Financial Development

Project Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Job description

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

HR Lead at Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, Cambridge Judge Business School / Head of People, Fii

ABOUT FINANCIAL INNOVATION FOR IMPACT (Fii)

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

We collaborate with academic institutions and stakeholders to create knowledge and apply data-driven insights to digital financial services, aiding central banks, securities regulators, and financial authorities in decision-making.

Our outputs include high-impact, applied research, digital tools, platforms, and services, along with capacity building through technical assistance and training, focusing on benefiting financially excluded and marginalized populations globally.

Fii was established from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School in early 2023. CCAF's mission is to create and transfer knowledge about technology-enabled financial innovation and support evidence-based decision-making by market participants and regulators.

THE ROLE

The Head of Strategic Operations will be a key member of Fii’s Senior Management Team, responsible for driving strategy, operational efficiency, and cross-functional execution to fulfill Fii’s mission and maximize impact. This role emphasizes strategic planning, process optimization, and operational oversight, working closely with the Executive Team and SMT to align resources and improve organizational effectiveness.

The ideal candidate is a highly analytical, process-oriented, and mission-driven leader experienced in nonprofit operations, grant management, and financial development.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Lead the development and implementation of organizational strategy aligned with mission objectives and funding priorities.
• Drive initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, program impact, and sustainability.
• Collaborate with SMT to set goals, track OKRs, and adjust strategies as needed.

Operational Leadership & Process Optimization

• Manage and support the Project Management Office in designing and implementing operational systems, policies, and workflows to boost productivity and resource allocation.
• Oversee integration between project management and operations, ensuring seamless collaboration across teams.
• Identify and implement process improvements supporting grant compliance, reporting, and financial sustainability.

Grant & Financial Operations Support

• Partner with program and finance teams to align operations with funding strategies and grant requirements.
• Support grant cycle management, including proposal development and reporting.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a strategic advisor to Directors, providing operational insights and recommendations.
• Facilitate collaboration among program teams, operations, finance, and external partners.
• Represent Fii in external meetings, funder discussions, and strategic partnerships.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• 7+ years in strategic operations, management, or financial development within grant-funded organizations.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategies, optimize processes, and lead cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of grant environments, compliance, and impact measurement.
• Experience working with funders, philanthropic organizations, and government agencies.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills, demonstrating creativity and flexibility.
• Strong communication skills, capable of engaging stakeholders at all levels.
• Fluent or native English speaker.
• Passion for innovation in financial systems, especially in low- & middle-income countries.
• Emotional intelligence, empathy, and collaborative skills for team work and conflict management.
• Adaptability to thrive in a dynamic environment.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A purpose-driven role in an organization making tangible impacts in financial systems through innovation.
• Engagement with leading thinkers, researchers, and innovators in finance, tech, and academia.
• Opportunity to lead strategic initiatives influencing organizational success.
• Significant professional growth and leadership development aligned with organizational scaling.
• Competitive compensation package.
• Flexible working hours and location, with HQ in Cambridge, UK.

HOW TO APPLY

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

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Strategy/Planning, Project Management, Business Development

Industries

• Research Services, Financial Services