Job Title: Senior Director - IT Consultancy For Financial Services
Location: London
Salary: £140000 - £200000
Start Date: 01/01/2025
Job Type: Permanent



Job Overview
The Senior Director will lead, strategise, and oversee complex IT transformation projects within Financial Services. This role requires deep sector expertise, a track record in delivering large-scale initiatives, and strong leadership skills. The ideal candidate will excel in managing high-performing teams, cultivating senior client relationships, and ensuring seamless execution of IT projects across diverse financial institutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Strategic Oversight

• Lead the consultancy's Financial Services division, setting strategic direction for client engagements, project delivery, and service development.
• Shape the vision for IT transformation initiatives to enhance business outcomes for clients.
• Build and lead a top-tier team of consultants, project managers, and technical experts to deliver exceptional results.
• Develop and sustain long-term relationships with C-suite and senior-level stakeholders across client organisations.

Project Delivery & Execution

• Ensure successful delivery of large-scale IT projects within established timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Develop project plans covering scope, resources, and risk, aligning closely with clients' strategic goals.
• Monitor project progress, proactively address risks or challenges, and maintain open communication with clients.
• Implement project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid) suited to each project's needs.

Business Development & Client Expansion

• Drive business growth by identifying new opportunities within existing accounts and cultivating new client relationships in Financial Services.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing to create tailored propositions that expand the consultancy's reach in Financial Services.
• Develop and present thought leadership on emerging technologies, regulatory shifts, and best practices within IT for Financial Services.
• Support leadership in bid and proposal development, ensuring alignment with client needs.

Thought Leadership & Innovation

• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies (AI, blockchain, cloud, fintech), and regulatory changes impacting Financial Services.
• Foster a culture of innovation, encouraging new methodologies and solutions for evolving client challenges.
• Represent the consultancy at industry events and conferences, positioning the firm as a thought leader in IT transformation for Financial Services.

Financial & Operational Management

• Ensure project profitability by closely monitoring financial performance and making necessary adjustments.
• Prepare and manage client budgets, maintaining cost control and adhering to financial parameters.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on project status, financial health, and client satisfaction.

Required Skills/Experience
The ideal candidate will have the following:
Experience

• 10-15+ years in IT consulting, with substantial experience delivering complex projects within Financial Services (banking, insurance, asset management).
• Proven track record of leading IT transformation projects, including digital, cloud, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance.
• Deep knowledge of the Financial Services industry, relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., GDPR, PSD2, MiFID II, Basel III), and emerging technologies.
• Extensive experience with commonly used IT solutions in Financial Services, including:
  • Core Banking Systems (CBS):Knowledge of platforms like Finacle, Temenos, and FIS, which are essential for managing accounts, transactions, and regulatory reporting.
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM):Familiarity with Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics for managing customer interactions and sales tracking.
  • Robotic Process Automation (RPA):Hands-on experience with UiPath, Automation Anywhere, or Blue Prism to automate repetitive tasks and enhance efficiency.
  • Blockchain & Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT):Expertise in blockchain applications for cryptocurrency, smart contracts, and decentralised finance.
  • Cloud Computing:Experience with AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud to enable scalable, secure infrastructure and cost-effective IT solutions.
  • Data Analytics & Business Intelligence (BI):Proficiency with Tableau, Power BI, or SAS for data analysis, strategic reporting, and predictive analytics.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML):Knowledge of AI/ML applications for fraud detection, customer service (e.g., chatbots), and personalised advice.
  • Cybersecurity Solutions:Familiarity with platforms from Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, or Check Point for threat detection and secure transactions.
  • Payment Processing Platforms:Understanding of VisaNet, Mastercard, Stripe, or PayPal for secure and efficient digital payments.
  • Regulatory Technology (RegTech):Experience with tools like Trulioo, ComplyAdvantage, and IdentityMind for compliance with KYC, AML, and GDPR regulations.
• Experience managing senior-level client relationships and driving business development to grow and secure accounts.

Leadership & Management

• Exceptional leadership abilities with experience building and managing cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management skills across Agile and Waterfall methodologies; PMP, PRINCE2, or similar certifications are advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Business Development & Financial Skills

• Proven experience in business development, proposal preparation, and presenting to potential clients.
• Strong financial acumen, with demonstrated success managing project budgets and ensuring profitability.
• Proven capability to drive client engagement and expand existing accounts.

Attributes & Skills

• Passion for innovation and an understanding of industry trends.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and networking abilities.
• Able to thrive in a high-paced, client-focused environment with consistent quality and service standards.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply now with your updated CV in Microsoft Word/PDF format.


Disclaimer
Not with standing any guidelines given to level of experience sought, we will consider candidates from outside this range if they can demonstrate the necessary competencies.

Square One is acting as both an employment agency and an employment business, and is an equal opportunities recruitment business. Square One embraces diversity and will treat everyone equally. Please see our website for our full diversity statement.