Investment Operations Specialist - Apprenticeship Programme

AJ Bell; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing financial services firm in Manchester is offering an Investment Operations Specialist Apprenticeship to help individuals kickstart their careers. Candidates will gain exposure to various business areas while working towards a Level 4 qualification. The program emphasizes the development of vital skills in a hybrid working environment, balanced between office presence and remote work. This position requires a minimum of 104 UCAS points and GCSEs in Math and English.

Benefits

25 days holiday entitlement, increasing with service

Free gym membership

Professional qualification support

Discretionary bonus scheme

Enhanced parental leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Ability to demonstrate interest in financial services industry.
• Must have lived in the UK/EEA for the past 3 years.
• Right to work in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship.

Responsibilities

• Develop skills through various teams in the business.
• Contribute to the AJ Bell Apprenticeship Academy.
• Participate in in-house training and development.

Skills

Communication

Team working

Self-motivation

Reliability

Enthusiasm to learn

Education

Minimum of 104 UCAS points

Minimum of 5 GCSEs A/C (including Maths and English)

Job description

Job Description

We're now looking to kick-start recruitment for our Investment Operations Specialist Apprenticeship Programme (Level 4). This is a great opportunity to gain business exposure while you work towards an industry recognised professional qualification. If you’re successful, you’ll join the AJ Bell Apprenticeship Academy in September 2026.

As an apprentice you will be helping our customers to invest and over the two‑year programme you will have an excellent opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and competencies, including but not limited to: communication and influencing, team working and collaboration, ownership and initiative. AJ Bell offers a wide range of development and mentoring opportunities to all employees, including in‑house technical and professional development training so you can feel positive about your future at AJ Bell.

The Investment Operations Specialist Apprenticeship Programme opens the door to many possibilities and opportunities to continue your career at AJ Bell focusing on either a managerial or technical career path. We will provide all the training and support you need to develop in your apprenticeship and beyond.

Do you feel positive about taking your first step to a career in the Financial Services industry? AJ Bell is a fast‑growing, award‑winning business and we could have just the opportunity for you to join the AJ Bell Apprenticeship Academy!

What are we looking for?

• Minimum of 104 UCAS points (under the tariff for courses starting from September 2017)
• Minimum of 5 GCSE’s A
• C / 9 - 4 (including Maths and English)
• Ability to demonstrate why you want to work within the financial services industry
• Honesty, self‑motivation, reliability
• Enthusiasm to learn and develop in different teams within the business
• You must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of your apprenticeship and have lived in the UK / EEA for the past 3 years

Our perks and benefits

• Starting holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service
• Free gym membership, with an on‑site gym providing a wide range of free classes
• Calendar of social events, including monthly socials, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more
• Professional qualification support
• Holiday buy and sell scheme
• A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 6%
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Annual free share awards scheme
• Health Cash Plan – provided by SimplyHealth
• Discounted private healthcare scheme and dental plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike loan scheme
• Sick pay+ pledge
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Discounted nursery fees at Kids Planet on Exchange Quay
• Loans for travel season ticketsPaid time off for volunteer work
• Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice
• Parking at Exchange Quay (Subject to availability)
• Ongoing technical training
• Peer recognition scheme, with rewards including restaurant and shopping vouchers or time off
• Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches
• Casual dress code
• Access to a range of benefits from our sponsorship deals

Hybrid working

At AJ Bell, our people are the heart of our culture. We believe in building strong connections by working together. That's why we offer a hybrid working model, where you’ll spend a minimum of 50% of your working time per month in the office. For new team members, an initial period will be full‑time in the office to help you immerse yourself in our business and build valuable relationships with your colleagues.