Chief Operating Officer, United Fintech Group
We are looking for an experienced and process driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join United Fintech and lead the development and execution of our operational strategy. As a key member of our executive team, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the scalability and efficiency of our growing fintech platform and its partner companies. If you are a hands-on leader with a passion for operational excellence, data-driven decision-making, and post-merger integration, this is an exciting opportunity to drive impactful change in a dynamic, high-growth environment.
About the position:
The COO will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the operational platform that supports the scalability and efficiency of United Fintech and its partner companies. As a key member of the executive team reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will lead the development of the internal platform, manage post-merger integrations, and ensure the success of data-driven initiatives such as real-time KPI tracking. This role will require both strategic leadership and hands-on execution, with a focus on optimizing operations, recruitment, compliance, legal, and risk management. The position can be based in either our London or Copenhagen office, with regular travel to our other global locations as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Strategy and Platform Development
* Lead the creation and implementation of the internal operating platform, ensuring operational scalability and efficiency across the group.
* Develop short-term and long-term strategies that support the group’s growth objectives and align with Partner companies’ needs.
* Drive operational best practices, process improvements, and the use of technology to enhance productivity.
* Actively participate in the execution of key initiatives, ensuring that short-term wins align with the long-term strategic goals.
Data-Driven Execution
* Establish and manage a real-time KPI tracking system that provides visibility across partner companies, enabling data-driven decision-making.
* Define KPIs in collaboration with executive leadership and partner companies to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
* Oversee the integration of data systems that pull information from various business units, ensuring that all metrics are accurate and accessible in real time.
Post-Merger Integration
* Lead the post-merger integration efforts for new acquisitions, ensuring seamless cultural and operational alignment within the United Fintech group.
* Oversee the integration of processes, systems, and resources, focusing on efficiency and operational excellence.
* Manage stakeholder relationships during the integration process, ensuring that both internal teams and acquired companies are aligned with group objectives.
Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement
* Implement a continuous improvement culture, driving initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce operational risk, and improve internal controls across the group.
* Establish operational processes and frameworks that support scalability, compliance, and risk management.
* Ensure best practices are adopted across all partner companies to maintain a high level of operational performance.
Risk Management and Compliance
* Develop and maintain a robust risk management framework to ensure the group’s compliance with all regulatory requirements.
* Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to ensure all operations meet industry standards and internal policies.
* Lead efforts to establish strong vendor risk management processes, ensuring that all partner companies are protected from potential vulnerabilities.
* Developing strong vendor risk management (VRM) processes to mitigate risks and ensure that the group and its partner companies remain protected from vulnerabilities.
Collaboration and Leadership
* Act as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive team, fostering collaboration across departments and partner companies.
* Ensure alignment between the company’s operational objectives and its strategic vision, facilitating communication and teamwork across all business units.
* Develop and mentor high-performing teams that can execute on the company’s strategic goals, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
* Work closely with HR to align recruitment and talent development with the company’s long-term vision.
Key qualifications:
* Proven experience in developing and managing scalable internal platforms in fintech, SaaS, or financial services environments.
* Strong background in data-driven decision-making and establishing systems like real-time KPI dashboards.
* Demonstrated expertise in post-merger integration (PMI), including cultural and operational alignment of acquired companies.
* Experience leading digital transformation initiatives, especially those involving AI, data infrastructure, and the automation of processes.
* Strong understanding of regulatory environments in financial services, with experience in building risk management and compliance frameworks.
* Ability to develop operational strategies that align with long-term growth objectives and the integration of partner companies.
* Experience in recruiting and leading high-performing teams in compliance, InfoSec, legal, and operations.
* A strategic thinker who is willing to roll up their sleeves and actively participate in driving key initiatives.
Preferred Background:
Background in technology or digital transformation (non-banking).
Experience managing vendor ecosystems and driving vendor risk management.
Strong people skills for effective communication with stakeholders across the organization.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment and make critical decisions quickly.
Application Process:
Please submit your resume and cover letter to hr@unitedfintech.com with the subject line: "COO + your name" or apply via LinkedIn. Deadline for applying is 11 November 2024 but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply and are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in our workforce.
About United Fintech
Founded in 2020 and backed by the industry, United Fintech is an industry-neutral Digital Transformation Platform where global Financial Institutions and cutting-edge technology providers come together to unleash their full potential and enable the future of finance. United Fintech remains on the frontier of innovation by acquiring engineering-led fintechs within Capital Markets, Wholesale Banking, and Wealth Management under a central umbrella. In just four years, the company has acquired five fintechs and is on track to acquire many more. In 2024, United Fintech received investments from BNP Paribas, Citi, Danske Bank and Standard Chartered.