Team Leader - Front Office Support Administration

Charles Stanley; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in Chelmsford is seeking a Front Office Support Administrator to lead the administration team. This role involves providing high-quality secretarial support and enhancing client relationships. The ideal candidate will have experience in FCA-regulated environments, strong communication skills, and a focus on process improvement. Qualifications include GCSEs in Maths and English, and preferably IOC Paper 1. Join a collaborative team committed to exceptional client service.

Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English.
• Experience in client administration within an FCA-regulated environment.
• Previous experience supervising a team.
• IOC Paper 1 (Introduction to Securities and Investments) or equivalent qualification.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear leadership and guidance to the administration team.
• Conduct mid-year and annual appraisals.
• Enhance the team's visibility across branches.
• Ensure tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Use Sunrise workflow system to manage tasks and stakeholders.
• Review and update procedures regularly.
• Promote cross-training among team members.
• Collaborate with managers to set SLAs and KPIs.
• Manage workloads to ensure compliance.
• Deliver professional client service to strengthen relationships.

Skills

Ability to prioritise and manage workloads

Strong communication skills

Organisational skills

Understanding of investment asset types

Awareness of compliance and regulatory requirements

General knowledge of the stock market

Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel

Client-focused mindset

Education

GCSEs including Maths and English

IOC Paper 1 or equivalent

Job description

Job Overview

Raymond James Wealth Management is hiring a key role as part of the Front Office Support Administration team, which plays an important role in providing high‑quality, collaborative secretarial and administrative support across all areas of the business. By following internal and external regulations, we ensure tasks are completed efficiently, accurately, and in line with compliance standards. We strive to maintain exceptional service standards that meet or exceed client expectations. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do – working closely with all front office and support teams to foster a positive, inclusive environment and provide management support when needed.

Job Purpose

The Front Office Support Administration team provides essential secretarial and centralized administrative support to all business areas. By adhering to internal and external regulations, the team ensures that administrative tasks are completed efficiently and in compliance with all relevant standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the team: Provide clear, inclusive leadership and guidance to the administration team. Hold regular team and one‑to‑one meetings to ensure open communication and development.
• Performance and growth: Conduct mid‑year and annual appraisals, and support the Manager in developing the team into a Center of Excellence for core administrative tasks.
• Effective communication: Use strong decision‑making and communication skills to enhance the team's visibility and impact across London and other branches.
• Workload and coverage: Ensure tasks are completed accurately and on time, and that desk coverage is maintained during holidays.
• Workflow management: Use the Sunrise workflow system to allocate tasks, manage stakeholders, and monitor progress. Proactively engage with stakeholders to resolve outstanding items.
• Process improvement: Regularly review and update procedures, ensuring all team members are equipped to perform tasks confidently and to a high standard.
• Training and development: Promote cross‑training to build resilience and reduce risk, ensuring everyone has the skills needed to succeed.
• Performance metrics: Collaborate with managers to set and review SLAs and KPIs, adapting as needed.
• Risk and oversight: Provide guidance, manage workloads, and make informed decisions to ensure compliance and timely delivery.
• Client service: Deliver professional, consistent service to strengthen relationships with internal and external clients.
• Role model leadership: Lead by example, fostering an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative team culture.

Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English.
• Experience in client administration and operations within an FCA‑regulated financial institution.
• Previous experience supervising a team and managing people.
• IOC Paper 1 (Introduction to Securities and Investments) or equivalent qualification.

Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to prioritise and manage workloads while supporting and mentoring team members.
• Strong communication skills – both written and verbal.
• Organisational skills with a proactive approach to problem‑solving and process improvement.
• Understanding of investment asset types, performance measures, and administrative processes.
• Awareness of compliance and regulatory requirements (AML/KYC/FATCA).
• General knowledge of the stock market and wealth management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• A client‑focused mindset and commitment to delivering exceptional service.