Operations Manager (New Business) - B2B Lending
| Posting date: | 12 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £70,000.0 to £80,000.0 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £70,000-£80,000 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 19 January 2026 |
| Location: | Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK9 1HL |
| Company: | Hays Specialist Recruitment |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 4754154_1768225329 |
Summary
Your new company
A growing and modern financial services organisation specialising in SME lending, bridging finance and savings products is expanding its operations and strengthening its core operational functions. With a strong focus on customer outcomes, process excellence and ongoing investment in technology and people, this is an exciting time to join a forward‑thinking business that is scaling and evolving.
Your new role
As New Business Operations Manager, you will lead the completions function and ensure credit‑approved lending cases progress efficiently through to drawdown. You will drive performance, service delivery and operational accuracy, working closely with internal teams and third‑party partners to deliver a seamless customer experience. You will also play a key role in system testing, process enhancements and operational improvements, supporting the wider Operations leadership team. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and developing the completions team to deliver timely and accurate progression of cases from approval to drawdown.
- Driving performance against SLAs and KPIs, maintaining a high‑energy, execution‑focused culture.
- Collaborating with Lending Managers, Underwriters, Legal and Compliance teams to ensure smooth end‑to‑end customer journeys.
- Managing relationships with solicitors and valuers, ensuring high service standards and SLA adherence.
- Overseeing KYC/AML processes, credit searches and loan data entry.
- Ensuring effective use of internal systems to maintain accurate records and support operational reporting.
- Supporting testing and enhancement of operational systems and workflow platforms.
- Monitoring pipeline activity and resolving bottlenecks to maintain service levels.
- Contributing to process improvement and automation initiatives to enhance scalability.
- Coaching and developing team members, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
- Ensuring all activities comply with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
What you'll need to succeed
- At least 8 years' experience in financial services, with strong knowledge of lending products and onboarding processes.
- Experience in bridging finance is essential; wider lending experience is advantageous.
- Proven leadership skills with a track record of driving team performance and meeting operational targets.
- Strong understanding of completions and drawdown processes.
- Strong working knowledge of KYC and AML requirements.
- Experience managing third‑party relationships.
- Confident using operational systems to manage workflows and ensure data integrity.
- Comfortable in a fast‑paced environment.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience with nCino or similar loan management platforms is beneficial.
What you'll get in return
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Opportunity to shape and develop the completions function within a growing organisation.
- Collaborative, values‑driven working environment.
- Hybrid working model, plus opportunities for development and progression.
- Additional benefits including work‑from‑anywhere allowance, private medical care, enhanced pension and discretionary bonus.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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