Strategy & Operations Specialist

Posted:
2/27/2026, 12:18:56 AM

Location(s):
Greater London, England, United Kingdom ⋅ England, United Kingdom ⋅ Lisbon, Portugal

Experience Level(s):
Expert or higher ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Operations & Logistics

Who are we?

At Finastra, we’re a global leader in financial services software, dedicated to expanding access to financial services and shaping what’s next for the industry. Our technology powers mission‑critical solutions across Lending, Payments and Universal Banking, supporting over 7,000 customers, including 80% of the world’s top 50 banks, in more than 110 countries.

Role Overview

The Strategy & Operations Specialist plays a critical role in driving the Lending BU's operating rhythm and strategic priorities. Reporting directly to the Chief of Staff, this role is responsible for driving high‑quality reporting, leadership governance, and execution for the strategic program across the BU.

 

The successful candidate will support - and often independently lead - the preparation of materials for executive‑level forums (e.g., QBR, EQBR, Board), coordinate leadership cadence processes, and contribute to strategic initiative execution. Sitting at the center of BU operations, this role works closely with Lending leadership, Finance, HR, and cross-functional partners to ensure alignment and operational excellence. 

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Governance & Reporting: drive preparation, quality review, and logistics for executive governance forums (e.g., QBR, EQBR, Board), applying analytical and technical skills to validate inputs, identify inconsistencies or data issues, flag follow‑up questions, and ensure all template updates and requirements are communicated clearly and accurately to contributors.

  • BU Strategic Planning & Execution: support BU‑level strategic initiatives by coordinating stakeholders, shaping materials, and contributing analysis to drive alignment and execution, while developing a deep understanding of the BU’s technical projects to review updates and distil them into clear executive‑level insights

  • Leadership Cadences & Communications: help coordinate pre‑reads and follow‑ups for leadership meetings, ensuring clear communication and seamless operational rhythm.

  • Project & Program Oversight: support ad‑hoc strategic and operational projects involving program management, data analysis, and process improvements.

  • Business Enablement: serve as a connective point across the Lending leadership team, ensuring clarity of expectations, tracking progress, and surfacing risks or blockers to the Chief of Staff.

 

Qualifications & Experience

  • Demonstrated experience in business operations, management consulting, corporate strategy, PMO, or similar roles within a matrixed environment.

  • Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and produce executive‑ready insights.

  • Experience working directly with senior stakeholders, including ELT‑1 level.

  • High attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and ability to manage multiple deliverables simultaneously.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; professional presence and ability to influence.

  • Experience in enterprise software or financial services is a plus.

 

Preferred Attributes

  • Action‑oriented, able to work independently and thrive in a fast‑paced environment.

  • Comfortable operating with ambiguity and synthesising large amounts of information quickly.

  • Strong relationship‑building skills.

  • Proactive mindset with a bias for structure, simplification, and continuous improvement.

We are proud to offer a range of incentives to our employees worldwide. These benefits are available to everyone, regardless of grade, and reflect the values we uphold:


·       Flexibility: Enjoy unlimited vacation, based on your location and business priorities. Hybrid working arrangements, and inclusive policies such as paid time off for voting, bereavement, and sick leave.

·       Well-being: Access Confidential one-on-one therapy through our Employee Assistance Program, find support from our network of Wellbeing Champions and Gather Groups, and a calendar of monthly events and initiatives designed to help you thrive - Inside and Outside of work.

·       Medical, life & disability insurance, retirement plan, lifestyle and other benefits*

·       Sustainability: Benefit from paid time off for volunteering and donation matching.

·       DEI: Participate in multiple DE&I groups for open involvement (e.g., Count Me In, Culture@Finastra, Proud@Finastra, Disabilities@Finastra, Women@Finastra).

·       Career Development: Access online learning and accredited courses through our Skills & Career Navigator tool.

·       Recognition: Be part of our global recognition program, Finastra Celebrates, and contribute to regular employee surveys to help shape Finastra and foster a culture where everyone is engaged and empowered to perform at their best.


*Specific benefits may vary by location.

At Finastra, each individual is unique, bringing their own ideas, thoughts, cultural beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences together. We learn from one another, embrace and celebrate our differences, and create an environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves.

Be unique, be exceptional, and help us make a difference at Finastra!

Finastra

Website: https://www.finastra.com/

Headquarter Location: Paddington, Westminster, United Kingdom

Employee Count: 5001-10000

Year Founded: 2017

IPO Status: Private

Last Funding Type: Debt Financing

Industries: Financial Services ⋅ FinTech ⋅ Information Technology