Operations Manager

ZipRecruiter; St Albans; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

ZipRecruiter is seeking an experienced Advice Delivery Manager to lead financial planning teams in St Albans, focusing on enhancing client experiences and operational efficiency. The successful candidate will have strong leadership skills, a background in financial services, and expertise in performance monitoring to support team success.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in paraplanning or client services.
• Strong operational experience in financial planning.
• Ability to drive improvements using MI.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the performance of Advice Support Functions.
• Support Pod Leaders, ensuring seamless workflow management.
• Act as a leadership figure within Pod operations.

Skills

Operational oversight

Performance monitoring

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Excellent communication

Job description

Job Description

Advice Delivery Manager / Operations Manager

We are seeking experienced, organised, and driven Advice Delivery Managers (ADMs) to join our Financial Planning Pods in various locations. In this role, you will work closely with the Pod Advisers, Regional Directors, the Training and People teams, and other Pod ADMs to enhance the client experience, streamline service delivery to Advisers and clients, and improve the speed and accuracy of administrative support and advice.

What will I be doing?

• Report directly to the Pod Leader, ensuring leadership is embedded within the Pod structure.
• An ADM may have responsibility for the delivery of advice within more than one Pod depending on business requirements, and the size of the pods at that time.
• Support Pod Leaders and Advisers by ensuring seamless workflow management and resource allocation.
• Work to provide clients with the highest level of service, by supporting Advisers so that they have more time with their clients.
• Oversee the performance of the Advice Support Functions (Paraplanning & Planning Support), ensuring operational excellence.
• Own the hiring and performance management of team members, working closely with the People team to ensure alignment with company standards.
• Proactively provide regular updates to the Pod Leader on team performance and capacity.
• Ensure full accountability for team structure, service delivery, and Adviser support functions.
• Drive operational efficiency within the Advice Support Functions, ensuring teams work collaboratively and effectively.
• Leverage MI to implement robust performance metrics, ensuring Advisers and clients receive seamless, high-quality support while effectively supporting the Paraplanner bonus scheme.
• Work closely with the FP Training Team, which will be responsible for training Planning Support and Paraplanners.
• Ensure team members understand their core duties, expectations, and service delivery requirements.
• Act as a first point of contact for any team issues or escalations.
• Support structured onboarding for new hires within Advice Support Functions, ensuring seamless integration into Pod operations.
• Work closely with the People and Training teams to drive ongoing professional development for
• Act as the key leadership figure within the Pod for Adviser support functions.

What skills and experience do I need to have?

To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will have:

• Strong operational oversight with expertise in financial planning, paraplanning, and client support.
• Skilled in performance monitoring, using MI to drive improvements and support structured bonus schemes.
• Proven leadership and team management within financial services, ensuring efficiency and service excellence. Minimum of 3-5 years experience in paraplanning or client services.
• Excellent stakeholder management, collaborating with leadership, training, and support teams.
• Strategic and organised, able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency in all processes.
• Excellent communication skills with a client-focused approach to enhance Adviser and client experiences.
• Familiarity with FCA regulations and compliance standards within financial advice firms.

This role is ideal for someone with extensive knowledge of Paraplanning and Client Services, a passion for developing high-performing teams, and the ability to drive operational efficiencies while maintaining a high standard of client support.

What type of person would work best in this role?

• Strategic thinker with extensive experience in Paraplanning, Client Services, and Financial Planning.
• Competent, approachable leader focused on excellence in client experience.
• Thrives in a busy environment, managing deadlines while staying calm.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and clear communication.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including proofreading and grammar skills.
• Proactive approach to solving operational challenges.