Operations Manager - Wealth Management

Swarm Recruitment; Chipping Barnet; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Annual leave

Pension contribution

Study support

Social events

Job summary

Swarm Recruitment are supporting an established St. James’s Place Partner Practice in North London seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead day-to-day operations and contribute to strategic growth.

As a senior member, you will drive efficiencies, oversee systems, manage teams and ensure exceptional client service while developing the practice’s wealth management offering. The role is office-based, Monday to Friday, with bonus and pension; study support available.

Qualifications

• Proven wealth management/financial planning experience.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Experience in operational management and process improvement.
• Proactive and problem-solving mindset.
• Outstanding client service and leadership by example.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; confident with staff and clients.
• Strong IT skills; experience with CRM systems, preferably Salesforce.
• Ability to mentor others and drive efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Business Growth: Develop business strategies, KPIs and growth plans, monitoring performance across FUM, OAF, retention and EBITDA; identify projects to improve systems, efficiency and profitability.
• Practice Operations and Technology: Oversee day-to-day operations, systems and technology; manage facilities and IT support to resolve issues.
• Financial Management: Assist with financial planning, invoicing, supplier payments, payroll and HMRC payments; coordinate with payroll providers and accountants.
• Compliance and Client Service: Ensure compliance with guidance, CPD, regulatory requirements; manage client onboarding, documentation and data security.
• Adviser and Team Performance: Monitor activity, pipeline, supervise paraplanning and administration; support performance against targets.
• HR and People Management: Support recruitment, onboarding, training, performance reviews and HR governance; foster a productive culture.
• Team Leadership and Business Development: Lead and develop the team; build client relationships and represent the practice at networking events.

Skills

Wealth management

Operations leadership

Salesforce CRM

Team management

Strategic planning

Client service

Tools

CRM systems (Salesforce)

Accounting software

Job description

Swarm Recruitment are delighted to be supporting an established and highly respected St. James’s Place (SJP) Partner Practice based in North London. The firm is focused on delivering exceptional client service while building long-term relationships with individuals and families across generations. With strong ethical and professional standards at its core, the practice has experienced significant growth and has ambitious plans to further develop its wealth management offering, strengthen its team and continue to build a successful, sustainable business.

The firm is now seeking an experienced, pro-active and commercially minded Operations Manager to play a key role in its continued growth and development. As a Senior member of the team and working closely with the Principal, this is a broad and influential position combining day-to-day operational leadership with strategic planning, team management and business improvement. The successful candidate will drive efficiencies, enhance systems and processes, oversee key business functions and help develop a high-performing, client-focused team, making a meaningful contribution to the practice’s long-term success.

The successful candidate will bring energy, structure and focus to the practice whilst ensuring exceptional client service and leading with communication skills to inspire and build strong relationships internally and externally.

Salary & Benefits:

• Annual Bonus
• Annual leave allowance
• Company pension contribution
• Supportive and collaborative environment
• Study Support - Exams paid for and study leave offered prior to and day of the exam
• Social events

Working Hours:

• Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm, office based

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership and Business Growth: Work with the Principal to develop business strategies, KPIs and growth plans, monitoring performance across FUM, OAF, retention and EBITDA. Identify & implement projects to improve systems, efficiency and profitability, support practice acquisitions and expansion, and coordinate business development & networking opportunities.
• Practice Operations and Technology: Oversee day-to-day practice operations, systems, workflows, AI and technology, office facilities and external providers. Drive continuous improvement, ensure effective use of paraplanning tools and technology, maintain accounting systems, support basic hardware setup and coordinate IT support to resolve issues.
• Financial Management: Support the Principal with financial planning and cash flow management. Oversee invoicing, supplier payments and negotiations, team expenses, fees, payroll and HMRC payments, ensuring accurate financial records and timely processing. Liaise with payroll providers, bookkeepers and accountants, and coordinate regulatory exam bookings.
• Compliance and Client Service: Ensure compliance with SJP guidance, licensing, CPD, regulatory, legislative and internal requirements. Oversee client applications, advice documentation, data accuracy, templates, team handbooks, onboarding, fund receipts, fees, welcome packs and ongoing client reviews. Maintain the security of client information and systems in-line with regulatory standards.
• Adviser and Team Performance: Monitor adviser activity, client engagement, skills development and pipeline progression. Coordinate case prioritisation and resolve conflicts, escalating where necessary. Oversee administration and paraplanning teams, taking the lead on complex case issues. Monitor paraplanning performance against targets for first-time suitability, turnaround times and minimising errors, ensuring efficient workflows and high-quality output.
• HR and People Management: Support recruitment, onboarding and offboarding of employees and self-employed advisers, staff training and development, performance reviews and monthly one-to-ones. Manage leave, sickness and HR documentation, working with external HR providers to ensure compliance. Foster a supportive and accountable culture, delegating effectively while maintaining quality, productivity and professional standards.
• Team Leadership and Business Development: Lead, motivate and develop the team, promoting knowledge-sharing, continuous learning and collaboration. Build relationships with clients and external partners, represent the practice at networking events, including speaking on panels where appropriate, and manage the Principal’s diary and executive support requirements.

Essential skills and experience

• Proven experience working within a wealth management/financial planning, with a firm understanding of the industry’s operations and client service expectations.
• Strong organisational, prioritisation and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing demands and deadlines.
• Proven experience in operational management, workflow and process improvement, project management and team leadership.
• Proactive, solutions-focused approach with excellent problem-solving, multitasking and decision-making abilities.
• Outstanding client service skills, with the ability to lead by example and inspire a client-focused team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with confidence engaging with staff, clients, external providers, large audiences and camera
• Professional, confident and commercially minded, with the ability to identify opportunities to improve and grow the business.
• Strong IT skills and experience using CRM systems, ideally Salesforce.
• Ability to develop and motivate others, bringing structure and efficiency to the practice while freeing the Principal to focus on advice, business development and strategic growth.

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