Chief Strategy and Operations (Investment Banking)

Chief Strategy & Operations Officer – Investment Banking

Location: GlobalReporting to: Chief Executive OfficerDivision: Investment BankingRole OverviewWe are seeking a senior strategic and operational leader to oversee the global Investment Banking platform, working directly with the CEO to drive the implementation of strategy, operational effectiveness, governance and business-wide initiatives.The role will act as the operational lead for the Investment Banking division, ensuring the successful execution of strategic priorities across geographies, business lines and support functions.

Combining strategic planning with hands-on implementation, the individual will oversee key workstreams, identify opportunities for expansion into new markets and ensure the division operates within a robust governance, risk and compliance framework.This is a senior, internally focused leadership position, similar to a Global Head of Investment Banking COO / Chief Strategy & Operations Officer, rather than a client-facing investment banking role.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategy & Business ImplementationWork directly with the CEO to translate the global Investment Banking strategy into actionable business plans, ensuring priorities are implemented effectively across the division.Lead strategic initiatives covering business growth, organisational development, operating model improvements and geographic expansion.Evaluate opportunities to establish a presence in new markets, assessing operational requirements, regulatory considerations, infrastructure and resource allocation.Oversee the delivery of strategic projects and cross-divisional workstreams, ensuring clear accountability, timelines and measurable outcomes.Monitor business performance against strategic objectives, identifying areas for improvement and driving corrective action where required.Global Investment Banking OperationsOversee the operational management of the global Investment Banking platform, ensuring effective coordination across regional offices, product groups and functional teams.Drive consistency in processes, reporting, resource allocation and operating standards across the division.Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, scalability and profitability through enhanced processes, systems and organisational structures.Coordinate business planning, budgeting, headcount strategy and resource management in partnership with relevant stakeholders.Act as a central point of coordination for senior leadership on business-critical operational matters.Governance, Risk & ComplianceOversee the implementation and ongoing effectiveness of the division's governance framework, policies and operating procedures.Work closely with Compliance, Legal, Risk and other control functions to ensure the Investment Banking business operates within applicable regulatory requirements and internal policies.Ensure appropriate governance, escalation procedures and controls are embedded across business activities and geographic locations.Support regulatory initiatives, internal reviews, audit processes and remediation programmes, ensuring timely and effective delivery.Maintain oversight of operational and governance risks, ensuring issues are escalated and addressed appropriately.Executive Leadership & Stakeholder ManagementServe as a trusted adviser to the CEO on the strategic, operational and organisational priorities of the Investment Banking division.Coordinate with regional and global business heads to ensure alignment on strategic objectives and implementation priorities.Prepare and present management information, performance updates and strategic recommendations to executive management and relevant governance committees.Drive accountability across senior stakeholders, ensuring key initiatives progress from initial concept through to implementation.Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver complex business-wide projects.Candidate ProfileSignificant experience within Investment Banking, ideally in a senior COO, Chief of Staff, Strategy & Operations, Business Management or equivalent leadership position.Strong understanding of the global Investment Banking operating model, including M&A, capital markets and associated business functions.Demonstrable experience implementing strategy across a complex financial services organisation, translating senior management priorities into practical execution.Strong knowledge of governance, risk management, regulatory frameworks and compliance within an investment banking environment.Exposure to international expansion, new market entry, business integration or the development of new operating platforms would be advantageous.