Head, Operations at a Leading Fintech, Oil and Gas, Technology, and Media Conglomerate - Talent City

Talent City - Our client is a leading conglomerate operating in the Fintech, Oil and Gas, Technology, and Media, renowned for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusive growth. As part of its strategic diversification and expansion into financial services, the company established a digitally driven Microfinance Bank.

To spearhead its bold new venture, the company seeks a tech-driven and talented candidate to join the team in the capacity below:

Job Title: Head, Operations

Location: Lagos
Reports to: MD/CEO
Industry Sectors: Financial Services

Job Purpose

• The Head, Operations will oversee the daily operations of the Microfinance Bank to ensure efficiency, regulatory compliance, customer satisfaction, and sustainable profitability.
• The role is responsible for establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs), driving operational excellence, overseeing branch operations, ensuring effective internal controls, and aligning operations with CBN and NDIC regulatory frameworks.

Key Responsibilities
Operations Management:

• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and controls for efficient service delivery.
• Oversee all back-office functions, including clearing, settlements, reconciliations, cash management, and vault operations.
• Supervise branch operations to ensure compliance with operational standards.
• Monitor and optimize customer service delivery across all touchpoints.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with CBN Microfinance Policy Framework, Prudential Guidelines, and NDIC requirements.
• Work with the Compliance Unit to implement anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures.
• Establish and enforce effective internal control systems to safeguard bank assets.
• Ensure timely and accurate regulatory returns to CBN, NDIC, and other authorities.

Technology & Systems:

• Oversee the implementation and effective use of Core Banking Application (CBA).
• Ensure smooth running of digital channels (mobile, USSD, agency banking, etc.).
• Collaborate with IT team to maintain system security, data integrity, and business continuity.

Cash & Treasury Management:

• Supervise treasury operations including cash management, branch liquidity, and vault operations.
• Monitor daily cash balances, inflows/outflows, and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain sound working relationships with correspondent banks and regulators.

People & Performance Management:

• Lead, train, and mentor the operations team to deliver operational excellence.
• Build capacity in branch staff on transaction handling, customer service, and compliance.
• Drive a culture of accountability, service delivery, and continuous improvement.

Reporting & Control:

• Generate periodic operational and performance reports for Management and Board.
• Oversee reconciliations (GL, suspense accounts, cash positions) and ensure timely resolution of exceptions.
• Coordinate with auditors and regulators during inspections and audits.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Banking, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or related field.
• Master’s Degree/Professional certification (ACIB, Certified Microfinance Practitioner, ICAN, ACCA, IT certifications) is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 8 – 10 years experience in banking operations, with at least 3 years in a managerial capacity.
• Strong knowledge of CBN Microfinance Policy, Prudential Guidelines, AML/CFT regulations, and NDIC requirements.
• Hands-on experience with Core Banking Applications and digital financial services.
• Demonstrated experience in branch operations, back-office functions, and customer service management.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of banking operations, compliance, and internal controls.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and problem-solving mindset.
• Strong IT literacy (Core Banking Solutions, digital banking tools).
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
• High integrity, ethics, and accountability.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders, including regulators, customers, and internal teams.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.