About the job

Operations Business Analyst - Ideal for Finance or Economics GraduatesLocation: ChesterWorking Pattern: Onsite during initial training period, followed by hybrid workingSalary: £31,000 Per Annum

This opportunity is designed for individuals looking to build a career within financial services and is particularly well suited to recent Finance, Economics, Business, or related graduates. Full training and support will be provided, making it an excellent role for someone eager to learn, develop new skills, and grow their career in the industry.

Please note that this is an entry-level opportunity focused on learning and development. Candidates with extensive industry experience or those seeking a senior-level position may find that the scope and level of this role do not align with their career objectives.

We're looking for an Operations Business Analyst to join a collaborative and fast-paced financial services team in Chester.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in financial services, banking operations, client services, investment operations, business support, middle office, or business analysis who enjoys problem-solving, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement.The team is open-minded regarding background and experience. Whilst exposure to areas such as margin, collateral, clearing, derivatives or markets operations would be advantageous, these skills are not essential. The successful candidate will receive structured training and support to develop their knowledge and expertise.

We're particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate strong analytical skills, attention to detail, stakeholder management capability and a genuine willingness to learn.

• What You'll Be DoingSupporting operational processes within a busy financial services environment.
• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Investigating and resolving operational queries and exceptions.
• Analysing data and identifying opportunities for process improvement.
• Contributing to operational efficiency and business change initiatives.
• Producing reports and management information to support business decision-making.
• Working closely with a variety of business functions to ensure operational activities are completed accurately and on time.
• Developing knowledge of financial markets, operational processes and risk management practices.

• What We're Looking ForEssentialExperience within Financial Services, Banking, Operations, Client Services, Investment Operations, Business Support, Business Analysis or a similar environment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to build relationships with both internal and external clients.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• A proactive approach and willingness to learn.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change.

• Highly DesirableExperience in a client-facing or stakeholder-focused role.
• Exposure to financial markets or investment banking environments.
• Experience supporting operational change, process improvement or transformation initiatives.
• Strong Excel and reporting skills.

• Nice to HaveExperience in any of the following areas would be beneficial but is not required:Collateral Management
• Margin Management
• Clearing Operations
• Prime Brokerage
• Futures & Options
• Derivatives Operations
• Markets Operations
• Middle Office
• Reconciliations
• Counterparty Risk
• Cash & Securities Operations
• FX Operations
• Trade Support
• UAT Testing
• Requirements Gathering
• Agile or Waterfall delivery methodologies
• JIRA
• Regulatory change programmes