Central Operations Head – Singapore

About the role

The Central Operations Head will provide strategic leadership and end‑to‑end oversight of critical operational, technology and project management functions for a well‑established financial institution in Singapore. This senior role drives operational excellence, strengthens risk and compliance frameworks, and enables scalable growth through process optimisation and digital initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Lead central operations across wealth, treasury, trade finance and loan functions, managing cross‑functional teams.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements; establish operational risk controls and oversee business continuity planning.
• Drive process re‑engineering, automation and system enhancements to improve efficiency, service quality and cost management.
• Define, monitor and report on KPIs and SLAs; conduct regular service reviews with vendors and partners.
• Oversee a portfolio of strategic projects, ensuring timely delivery through strong governance.
• Provide leadership for IT functions, including application support, development and infrastructure, while ensuring IT governance, audit and cybersecurity compliance.
• Oversee creation of operational documentation, training materials and promote continuous learning across teams.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance or a related discipline.
• 12–15 years of banking or financial services operations experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record managing large operational teams and complex, multi‑stakeholder projects.
• Strong strategic leadership, operational excellence, risk & compliance, and stakeholder management capabilities.

Required skills