Settlement Processing Manager (12 month Fixed term Contract)

Location: Chatham, Kent
Hybrid Working: 3 days per week in the office
Contract: 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract
Salary: Competitive + Benefits

Our client is seeking an experienced Settlement Processing Manager to lead a key finance operations function within a highly regulated financial services environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a people-focused leader with strong operational and process management experience to oversee a critical settlement processing team.

Reporting into senior finance leadership, you will be responsible for ensuring the efficient delivery of settlement and financial processing services, maintaining robust controls, driving continuous improvement, and managing a team of five direct reports.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the day-to-day settlement processing operation and ensuring high service standards.
• Managing financial processing activities across multiple business areas and stakeholders.
• Overseeing payment processes, reconciliations, and banking activities.
• Driving process improvements, operational efficiencies, and system enhancements.
• Ensuring strong governance, risk management, and audit compliance across the function.
• Managing business continuity planning and operational resilience activities.
• Building, coaching, and developing a team of five finance professionals.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to support ongoing business requirements.
• Acting as a deputy for the Head of Finance Operations when required.

We are looking for a motivated and proactive leader who can confidently manage operational processes while developing and supporting a high-performing team.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience leading a cash settlement, payments, or finance operations function within a financial services environment.
• Proven people management experience, including coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Strong process improvement and change management skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication abilities.
• Experience working with financial and banking systems.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and a focus on controls, governance, and operational excellence.

Insurance experience is not essential.

• 12-month fixed-term contract with a leading financial services organisation.
• Opportunity to lead a critical operational function and influence process improvements.
• Hybrid working model (3 days per week in the Chatham office).
• Collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Strong focus on professional development and continuous improvement.