Head of Operations

Head of Operations job description

As a senior executive within the business, the Head of Operations plays a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, ensuring service delivery, and aligning operational strategy with the organisation’s broader commercial and regulatory objectives. In the financial services sector, this role is crucial for managing complex, high-volume processes while ensuring compliance and customer satisfaction.

Head of Operations duties and responsibilities of the job

Key responsibilities of a typical Head of Operations in the financial services sector include:

Leading and managing day-to-day operational functions across business units to ensure optimal performance, scalability, and service delivery

Designing and implementing operational strategies that support business growth and regulatory compliance

Overseeing back-office functions including client onboarding, transaction processing, settlements, and reporting

Driving continuous improvement through process optimisation, automation, and the implementation of best practices

Managing risk and ensuring all operations comply with relevant financial services regulations (e.g., APRA, ASIC, AML/CTF)

Collaborating with executive leadership to align operational plans with strategic goals

Ensuring data governance, accuracy, and integrity to support regulatory reporting and decision-making

Monitoring KPIs, operational budgets, and resource allocation to drive cost-efficiency and service quality

Leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing operational teams

Supporting change management, systems integration, and cross-functional projects

This role is suited to experienced operations leaders with strong commercial acumen, proven team leadership, and deep knowledge of the financial services environment.

Typical Head of Operations job qualifications and requirements

A bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, operations management, or a related field is essential. A master’s degree (e.g., MBA) is highly regarded. Candidates should have extensive experience in operations leadership within the financial services sector.

Key skills and attributes for success in this role include:

Proven experience leading large-scale operations and driving process transformations

Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance in financial services

Familiarity with APRA prudential standards (e.g. CPS 230, CPS 231, CPS 234) and operational risk management frameworks

Experience managing third-party vendors, outsourcing arrangements, and service level agreements (SLAs)

Strong knowledge of operational resilience, business continuity planning, and incident response

Expertise in leading digital transformation or operations tech implementations (e.g. automation, workflow tools, CRM, core banking platforms)

Understanding of data governance and regulatory reporting obligations (e.g. AUSTRAC, ASIC, APRA reporting)

Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

High-level stakeholder engagement and governance skills, including Board and regulator interaction

Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage cross-functional teams

A focus on delivering exceptional service and operational efficiency

Strategic planning and execution capabilities

Proficiency in data analysis and performance metrics

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Salary for Head of Operations

135000 - 195000

25th percentile

135000

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.

50th percentile

150000

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.

75th percentile

195000

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialised certifications.

Salary range based on three percentiles The starting salaries represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or superannuation.

Projected salaries for related positions

Job title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Operations Analyst

60000

85000

110000

Operations Manager (Financial Services)

90000

110000

130000

Senior Operations Manager

120000

140000

165000

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