A leading global financial institution is seeking an experienced Operations COO to join its Japan Operations leadership team in Tokyo.
Reporting directly to the Head of Japan Operations, this senior leadership position will help shape the strategy, direction, governance, and operational execution of a large, multi-functional Operations organisation.
The role combines operations leadership, COO strategy, business transformation, operational risk and governance, workforce planning, and process improvement. You will establish strategic roadmaps for Japan Operations while balancing global business priorities with local regulatory requirements and organisational objectives.
A major focus will be driving operational excellence and transformation. You will work with senior stakeholders across Japan, regional, and global teams to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen controls, scale operational capabilities, and enhance service quality.
You will also play a central role in developing a high-performance organisation through talent development, coaching, succession planning, and workforce strategy.
For a senior Operations leader from investment banking, financial services, markets, or wealth management, this is an opportunity to influence the future direction of a major Japan Operations platform within a global financial institution.
Key Responsibilities
- Formulate and execute the overall strategy for Japan Operations, establishing clear priorities, operating standards, and accountability across a large multi-functional organisation.
- Partner with the Head of Japan Operations and senior leadership to define the strategic direction and operating model for the Japan business.
- Establish and execute strategic roadmaps that balance global business objectives with Japanese regulatory requirements and local organisational priorities.
- Lead complex operational and strategic transformation programmes across Japan Operations.
- Drive operational excellence, scalability, efficiency, and service quality across multiple functions.
- Oversee operational risk management, control, and governance frameworks to maintain safe, efficient, and compliant operations.
- Strengthen governance processes and ensure appropriate oversight of operational risks and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with regional and global counterparts to identify efficiency opportunities and scale operational capabilities.
- Represent Japan Operations in discussions with senior executives, regulatory authorities, and internal and external stakeholders.
- Provide senior-level leadership across complex stakeholder groups spanning multiple regions and functions.
- Lead workforce planning to ensure the Operations organisation has the capabilities and resources required to deliver its strategic objectives.
- Develop organisational capability through talent development, coaching, mentoring, and succession planning.
- Build and inspire high-performing cross-functional teams within an inclusive working environment.
- Encourage teams to challenge existing operational processes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Promote innovation and process redesign to improve operational workflows and organisational effectiveness.
- Use data, analysis, and operational insights to support strategic decision-making and transformation priorities.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Experience:
- Significant leadership experience within Financial Services, Investment Banking, Markets, Wealth Management, or related Operations infrastructure.
- Proven track record of leading large, complex, and multi-functional Operations teams.
- Demonstrated experience with full oversight of people management, organisational leadership, and strategic execution.
- Strong experience leading complex business or operational transformation programmes.
- Practical knowledge of operational risk management and control environments within financial institutions.
- Understanding of regulatory requirements and corporate governance within the financial services industry.
- Experience developing and executing strategic roadmaps within a large financial organisation.
- Proven ability to work with regional and global stakeholders across complex organisational structures.
- More than 10 years of professional experience.
- Bachelor's degree.
Soft Skills:
- Strong leadership capability with a track record of building, inspiring, coaching, and mentoring cross-functional teams.
- Outstanding executive presence and ability to operate effectively with senior leadership.
- Strong communication and influencing skills across Japan, regional, and global stakeholders.
- Ability to represent an Operations organisation credibly with senior executives, regulators, and other key stakeholders.
- Strong strategic thinking combined with practical operational execution.
- Data-driven analytical and problem-solving capabilities to support senior-level decision-making.
- Ability to manage competing priorities across transformation, governance, risk, people, and day-to-day operational requirements.
- Commitment to building an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performance organisational culture.
- Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to challenge established processes and encourage innovation.
Language Requirements:
- Japanese: Fluent/professional level
- English: Professional business level, with the ability to work effectively with regional and global senior leadership
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
- Senior Operations leadership experience within a global investment bank or major international financial institution.
- Experience in an Operations COO, Business Management, Operations Strategy, or comparable leadership capacity.
- Experience managing complex transformation programmes across multiple Operations functions.
- Strong knowledge of operational risk, regulatory controls, governance, and financial services infrastructure.
- Experience engaging directly with regulatory authorities and senior executive stakeholders.
- Experience leading workforce strategy, organisational design, talent development, and succession planning.
- Exposure to global operating models and cross-regional transformation initiatives.
- Experience using operational data and performance metrics to drive strategic decisions and process improvements.
About the Company
Our client is a leading global financial institution supporting clients in raising, managing, and allocating capital through a broad range of financial products and services.
The organisation serves a diverse international client base and operates according to core principles centred on putting clients first, acting with integrity, developing innovative ideas, fostering diversity and inclusion, and contributing to the communities in which it operates.
Within Japan, the Operations organisation plays a critical role in supporting the firm's financial services activities while maintaining strong standards across operational execution, risk management, regulatory compliance, governance, and service quality.
This Operations COO position will sit at the centre of that organisation, helping connect Japan's operational priorities with the broader regional and global strategy.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- Take on a senior Operations COO leadership role within a leading global financial institution.
- Influence the strategic direction and operating model of a major Japan Operations organisation.
- Work directly with the Head of Japan Operations and senior regional and global executives.
- Lead high-impact transformation, operational excellence, governance, and process improvement initiatives.
- Gain broad exposure across investment banking and financial services Operations infrastructure.
- Shape workforce strategy while developing, coaching, and supporting high-performing teams.
- Collaborate with talented professionals in an environment that encourages creative thinking and diverse perspectives.
- Access comprehensive employee benefits and family support programmes.
- Benefit from strong internal mobility and career development opportunities.
- Benefit from remote work and work-from-home arrangements, flexible working hours, and casual clothing.
- Receive competitive compensation of ¥17M-¥20M.
Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!
