Vice President - Operational Excellence

Job Title: VP - Ops Excellence
Job Summary
• Drive transformational change across our global finance operations through process optimisation, quality enhancement, and strategic innovation. • This is pivotal role reports directly to the GPLs and partners with central Process Performance Excellence (PPE) team to elevate operational maturity across GCFO workstreams • Drive PPE Framework & Op Ex Strategy within relevant GPL workstream to identify optimisation opportunities • Collaborate with GPLs and work on Book of work to focus to uplift the maturity of the processes and making it leaner etc. • Play a critical role in process mining, identifying KPIs & dashboards to drive process insights

 

Key Responsibilities
Process Transformation & Innovation • Lead end-to-end process redesign initiatives across finance functions, delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, accuracy, & cycle times • Architect scalable operating models that support business growth while reducing complexity & operational risk • Champion automation & digital transformation leveraging RPA, AI/ML, and intelligent workflow solutions • Establish PPE governance frameworks with clear ownership, controls, & performance metrics • Drive standardisation & harmonisation of processes across regions & business units

 

Operational Excellence & Quality Management • Design & implement comprehensive quality assurance frameworks with zero-defect mindset • Deploy Lean Six Sigma methodologies to eliminate waste, reduce variation, & optimise resource utilization • Build continuous improvement culture through kaizen events, process mining, & root cause analysis • Operationalise KPI dashboards & real-time monitoring capabilities for proactive issue resolution • Lead defect prevention programs & implement mistake-proofing techniques across critical processes

 

Strategic Partnership & Change Leadership • Work with Finance leadership to translate strategic objectives into operational roadmaps • Act as trusted advisor to GPL and PPE Head on operational transformation priorities • Lead cross-functional teams through complex change initiatives with strong stakeholder engagement • Develop business cases demonstrating ROI for process improvement & technology investments • Foster collaboration between Finance, Technology, Operations & Risk teams

 

Regulatory & Compliance Excellence • Ensure process designs meet regulatory requirements (UK ACG, Basel, PRA, IFRS, tax & Regulatory compliance) • Strengthen controls environment while simplifying processes & reducing operational burden • Support audit readiness through robust documentation, testing protocols, & evidence management • Drive remediation of audit findings & regulatory observations with sustainable solutions

 

Capability Building • Develop training programs to upskill finance teams on process improvement methodologies • Create centre of excellence for process optimization, automation, and quality management • Mentor Process leaders on operational excellence principles & change management
Regulatory & Business Conduct • Display exemplary conduct and live by the Group’s Values and Code of Conduct. • Take personal responsibility for embedding the highest standards of ethics, including regulatory and business conduct, across Standard Chartered Bank. This includes understanding and ensuring compliance with, in letter and spirit, all applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and the Group Code of Conduct. • Effectively and collaboratively identify, escalate, mitigate and resolve risk, conduct and compliance matters.
Key stakeholders • GCFO COO MT • Relevant GPL • PPE Team • Global Op Ex team • ARIS GPT • SAP Signavio • ProHance team • Relevant Technology teams • Infrastructure & Security Teams
Qualifications
Education & Certifications • MBA, Master's in Finance, or equivalent advanced degree • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification required; Master Black Belt preferred • Professional certifications (CA, CPA, CFA, CIMA, or equivalent) highly valued
Experience & Expertise • 12-15+ years in finance operations, with 5+ years leading operational excellence or transformation programs • Proven track record delivering large-scale process transformation in banking or financial services • Deep domain expertise across multiple finance functions (Accounting, Financial Reporting, FP&A, Treasury, Tax)

INTERNAL
• Hands-on experience with process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping) • Demonstrated success implementing automation solutions (RPA, workflow tools, AI-enabled platforms) • Strong understanding of regulatory environment and compliance requirements in banking

Skills and Experience:
Technical & Analytical Skills • Expert in process mapping, analysis, and redesign using tools like ARIS, Signavio, or Celonis • Proficient in data analytics and visualization platforms (Tableau, Power BI, Alteryx) • Strong knowledge of ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) and finance technology ecosystem • Experience with project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, hybrid approaches) • Advanced Excel and data manipulation capabilities for complex analysis
Leadership & Soft Skills • Exceptional change management skills with ability to influence without authority • Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and commercial orientation • Outstanding communication skills; ability to present complex concepts to C-suite executives • Proven ability to build consensus and drive results in matrixed, global organizations • Results-driven leader with high standards, attention to detail, and execution excellence