Operations Transformation Lead - Financial Services
Posted Today by Data Science Talent
Negotiable
Outside
Hybrid
Swindon, England, United Kingdom
Summary: The Operations Transformation Lead role is a contract position focused on driving significant operational change within a leading UK financial services organization. The successful candidate will leverage extensive operational expertise to diagnose pain points, define future operational standards, and collaborate with teams to implement effective solutions. This position offers autonomy and the opportunity to make a visible impact on both the team and customers. The role requires a self-starter with a strong background in operations and transformation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Diagnosing operational pain points and defining future operational standards.
- Building a compelling benefits and business case for transformation.
- Gathering requirements from subject matter experts and translating them into actionable solutions.
- Collaborating with third-party vendors and programme delivery teams to implement solutions.
- Driving benefits realization across the business.
- Participating in vendor selection and RFP processes.
Key Skills:
- 10+ years in operations with roles such as Operations Manager or Head of Operations.
- Experience in leading or significantly contributing to operational improvement initiatives.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
- Comfortable discussing automation and operational technology.
- Self-starter mindset with the ability to make an immediate impact.
- Financial services experience is a bonus.
Salary (Rate): undetermined
City: Swindon
Country: United Kingdom
Working Arrangements: hybrid
IR35 Status: outside IR35
Seniority Level: undetermined
Industry: Other
Operations Transformation Lead Contract | Swindon (Hybrid - 3 days onsite) | Outside IR35
Are you an experienced operations leader who thrives on driving real, lasting change? Do you have the rare ability to bridge the gap between how things work today and how they need to work tomorrow? If so, this could be the contract role you’ve been waiting for.
--- THE JOB
A leading UK financial services organisation is undergoing a major transformation and they need someone with deep operational expertise to make it a success. This isn’t a traditional change or programme management role. They’re looking for someone who has lived and breathed operations - someone who knows what it’s like to run a large team, manage complex back-office processes, and still find a way to make things better. You’ll be embedded within the operations function, reporting directly to a senior leader, and given the autonomy to shape how the business evolves. Your work will have a direct, visible impact on both the team and the customers they serve.
--- WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
- Diagnosing operational pain points and defining what “great” looks like for the future
- Building a compelling benefits and business case to underpin the transformation
- Gathering requirements from subject matter experts and translating them into clear, actionable solutions
- Working alongside a third-party vendor and programme delivery team to bring those solutions to life and holding them to account when needed
- Driving benefits realisation across the business, not just documenting it
- Participating in vendor selection and RFP processes, bringing your knowledge of operational technology and tooling
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
- 10+ years in operations - you’ve held roles like Operations Manager, Head of Operations, or Contact Centre Manager, and you know how large operational teams really work
- Transformation experience - you’ve led or played a significant role in operational improvement, whether large-scale or targeted
- Stakeholder gravitas - you can engage, influence, and bring people with you across all levels of a business
- Tech-savvy - you’re comfortable discussing automation, AI-enabled tools, and operational technology with vendors and internal teams alike
- A self-starter mindset - this role needs someone who can hit the ground running and make an immediate impact
- Financial services experience is a bonus, but strong transferable operational skills are equally welcome
WHY THIS ROLE?
This is a high-visibility contract with real scope and real ownership. You won’t be producing reports for someone else to action - you’ll be the person driving the agenda. The organisation is genuinely committed to this transformation, and the right person will have every opportunity to leave a lasting mark. If you’re available immediately and ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.
--- Apply now or reach out directly to find out more.