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Director, Process Optimisation

London, United Kingdom; Knutsford, United Kingdom; Northampton, United Kingdom; Glasgow, United Kingdom

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Date live: 27/02/2025

Business Area: BB Centre

Area of Expertise: Data & Analytics

Contract: Permanent

Reference Code: JR-0000032929

Barclays Data and Analytics

A career in Data & Analytics at Barclays is a hub for top talent, from beginners to experts, fostering innovation and excellence. You'll drive business strategy, leverage data potential, and enhance the experience of millions of customers in today’s data-driven world.

Key Accountabilities

  • Process Excellence: Lead the development and implementation of process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall operational performance. 

  • Optimization: Identify opportunities for optimization within existing processes and workflows, leveraging data-driven insights and best practices to drive continuous improvement. 

  • Change Assurance: Ensure that change initiatives are effectively embedded within the organization, with a focus on minimizing disruption and maximizing the benefits of change. 

  • Operational Design Embedment: Integrate operational design principles into business processes, ensuring that they are aligned with organizational goals and objectives. 

  • Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with key stakeholders across various departments to drive alignment and support for process improvement and change initiatives. 

  • Performance Monitoring: Develop and implement metrics and KPIs to monitor the effectiveness of process improvement and change initiatives, providing regular updates to senior leadership. 

  • Compliance: Ensure that all process improvement and change initiatives comply with relevant regulatory and compliance requirements. 

  • Data Platform and Reporting: Develop and maintain data platforms to support process improvement and change initiatives. Create and manage reporting systems to provide insights and track progress. 

  • SME Banking Services: Focus on enhancing banking services for SMEs by creating easier access to finance, improving service recovery, and building digital platforms for operational excellence. 

  • Big Data, MI, and Analytics: Utilize big data technologies and management information (MI) systems to analyze and interpret large datasets. Leverage analytics to drive insights and support decision-making processes. 

Essential Skills/Basic Qualifications:

  • Proven experience in process improvement, operational optimization, and change management within a large organization. 

  • Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and drive change across different levels of the organization. 

  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making. 

  • Strong understanding of operational design principles and their application in a business context. 

  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts in a clear and concise manner. 

  • Relevant certifications in process improvement (e.g., Lean Six Sigma) and change management (e.g., Prosci) are highly desirable. 

  • Experience with data platforms and reporting tools, with the ability to develop and maintain systems that support process improvement and change initiatives. 

  • Operational Excellence Professional Certificate: This certification demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of business process management, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and change management. 

  • Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM): This certification focuses on demand management, procurement, material requirements planning, and continuous improvement. 

  • Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP): This certification is globally recognized for supply chain professionals and covers areas such as process improvement, supply chain management, and quality control. 

  • Six Sigma Certification: This certification validatesexpertise in Six Sigma methodologies and tools for process improvement and quality management. 

  • Big Data and Analytics Certifications: Certifications in big data technologies and analytics tools (e.g., Hadoop, Spark, Tableau) are highly desirable. 

Desirable skills/Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strategic Thinking 

  • Leadership and Influence 

  • Analytical Skills 

  • Change Management 

  • Stakeholder Management 

  • Communication Skills 

  • Compliance and Risk Management 

  • Data Platform Management 

  • Reporting and Analytics 

  • SME Banking Services Expertise 

  • Big Data and Analytics 

Purpose of the role

To implement data quality process and procedures, ensuring that data is reliable and trustworthy, then extract actionable insights from it to help the organisation improve its operation, and optimise resources. 

Accountabilities

  • Investigation and analysis of data issues related to quality, lineage, controls, and authoritative source identification.
  • Execution of data cleansing and transformation tasks to prepare data for analysis.
  • Designing and building data pipelines to automate data movement and processing.
  • Development and application of advanced analytical techniques, including machine learning and AI, to solve complex business problems.
  • Documentation of data quality findings and recommendations for improvement.

Director Expectations

  • To manage a business function, providing significant input to function wide strategic initiatives. Contribute to and influence policy and procedures for the function and plan, manage and consult on multiple complex and critical strategic projects, which may be business wide..
  • They manage the direction of a large team or sub-function, leading other people managers and embedding a performance culture aligned to the values of the business. Or for an individual contributor, they lead organisation wide projects and act as deep technical expert and thought leader, identifying new ways of working and collaborating cross functionally. They will train, guide and coach less experienced specialists and provide information affecting long term profits, organisational risks and strategic decisions..
  • Provide expert advice to senior functional management and committees to influence decisions made outside of own function, offering significant input to function wide strategic initiatives.
  • Manage, coordinate and enable resourcing, budgeting and policy creation for a significant sub-function.
  • Escalates breaches of policies / procedure appropriately.
  • Foster and guide compliance, ensure regulations are observed that relevant processes in place to facilitate adherence.
  • Focus on the external environment, regulators, or advocacy groups to both monitor and influence on behalf of Barclays, when appropriate.
  • Demonstrate extensive knowledge of how the function integrates with the business division / Group to achieve the overall business objectives.
  • Maintain broad and comprehensive knowledge of industry theories and practices within own discipline alongside up-to-date relevant sector / functional knowledge, and insight into external market developments / initiatives.
  • Use interpretative thinking and advanced analytical skills to solve problems and design solutions in often complex/ sensitive situations.
  • Exercise management authority to make significant decisions and certain strategic decisions or recommendations within own area.
  • Negotiate with and influence stakeholders at a senior level both internally and externally.
  • Act as principal contact point for key clients and counterparts in other functions/ businesses divisions.
  • Mandated as a spokesperson for the function and business division.

All Senior Leaders are expected to demonstrate a clear set of leadership behaviours to create an environment for colleagues to thrive and deliver to a consistently excellent standard. The four LEAD behaviours are: L – Listen and be authentic, E – Energise and inspire, A – Align across the enterprise, D – Develop others.

All colleagues will be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship – our moral compass, helping us do what we believe is right. They will also be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Mindset – to Empower, Challenge and Drive – the operating manual for how we behave.

Barclays welcomes applications from all candidates and is committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments (accommodations) are put in place to allow for a fair and inclusive recruitment process. For more information and how to request one, please review Adjustments to the recruitment process.

We’re a global, vital and highly respected financial organisation with an inspiring Purpose. Operating in 39 countries and employing around 100,000 people across the world, we help communities, individuals and businesses thrive. And we’ve created financial solutions and technology that the world now takes for granted. A career with us can offer incredible variety, depth and breadth of experience, and the chance to learn from some of the best minds in technology and finance.

To find out more about Barclays' strategy please click here.

Barclays offers a diverse, inclusive and engaged culture. A place where people can bring their whole selves to work and be respected for who they are, valued for what they do and celebrated for their contribution to our business and our community.

We are an equal opportunity employer and opposed to discrimination on any grounds. It is the policy of Barclays to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, colour, creed, religion, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law.

Barclays is required by law to confirm that you have the Legal Right to Work in any role that you apply for. If you currently hold a work visa sponsored by Barclays, or you would require sponsorship from Barclays, you must declare this as part of your application. Sponsored visas are role and entity specific and any changes must be reviewed. It is important that you ensure you are working on the correct visa at all times. Failure to accurately disclose your visa status or Legal Right to Work may result in your application or any employment offer being withdrawn at any time.

Barclays welcomes applications from all candidates and is committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments (accommodations) are put in place to allow for a fair and inclusive recruitment process. For more information and how to request one, please review Adjustments to the recruitment process.

We’re a global, vital and highly respected financial organisation with an inspiring Purpose. Operating in 39 countries and employing around 100,000 people across the world, we help communities, individuals and businesses thrive. And we’ve created financial solutions and technology that the world now takes for granted. A career with us can offer incredible variety, depth and breadth of experience, and the chance to learn from some of the best minds in technology and finance.

To find out more about Barclays' strategy please click here.

Barclays offers a diverse, inclusive and engaged culture. A place where people can bring their whole selves to work and be respected for who they are, valued for what they do and celebrated for their contribution to our business and our community.

We are an equal opportunity employer and opposed to discrimination on any grounds. It is the policy of Barclays to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, colour, creed, religion, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law.

Barclays is required by law to confirm that you have the Legal Right to Work in any role that you apply for. If you currently hold a work visa sponsored by Barclays, or you would require sponsorship from Barclays, you must declare this as part of your application. Sponsored visas are role and entity specific and any changes must be reviewed. It is important that you ensure you are working on the correct visa at all times. Failure to accurately disclose your visa status or Legal Right to Work may result in your application or any employment offer being withdrawn at any time.

This is Barclays London

Our global HQ is in Canary Wharf, at the heart of London’s financial district. There are over 10,000 colleagues here – a hugely diverse workforce made up of the world’s best financial and tech talent. If you love the buzz of city life, this is the place to be.

Cycle or run to work? We’ve got everything you need – from cycle hire and parking areas to new showering and changing facilities.

CoSpace is our drop-in co-working space, where networks are built, problems are solved collectively and our community is strengthened.

Our Wellness Suite includes a well-equipped gym and exercise studios, and provides personal training sessions and massage therapy.

Our new trading floors enhance communication, integrate sustainability, and support health and wellbeing through innovative design and British-sourced furniture.

This is Barclays London

Our global HQ is in Canary Wharf, at the heart of London’s financial district. There are over 10,000 colleagues here – a hugely diverse workforce made up of the world’s best financial and tech talent. If you love the buzz of city life, this is the place to be.

Supporting active commuters

Cycle or run to work? We’ve got everything you need – from cycle hire and parking areas to new showering and changing facilities.

Time to connect

CoSpace is our drop-in co-working space, where networks are built, problems are solved collectively and our community is strengthened.

Wellbeing in focus

Our Wellness Suite includes a well-equipped gym and exercise studios, and provides personal training sessions and massage therapy.

Advanced trading floors

Our new trading floors enhance communication, integrate sustainability, and support health and wellbeing through innovative design and British-sourced furniture.

Be you. Be valued. Belong.

We celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings, believing our differences make us stronger and drive success. Our colleague networks offer connection, support, and growth, while our "This is Me" series shares the unique stories of our colleagues. Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Barclays values you for who you are and ensures you truly belong.

You can learn more about our commitment to our colleague on our DE&I page.  

Learn more

Application Process

Your application

We’ll ask for information about you, your CV and cover letter.

1

Your assessment

Covering your behaviours and ability at work.

2

Your interview

Exploring your past experiences and skills.

3

Next step

We’ll request additional information so that you can complete our screening process

4
Barclays

Working flexibly

We’re committed to providing a supportive and inclusive culture and environment for you to work in. This environment recognises and supports your personal needs, alongside the professional needs of our business. If you'd like to explore flexible working arrangements, please discuss this with the hiring manager. Your request will be reviewed in-line with the requirements of the role/business needs of the team.

Hybrid working

We have a structured approach to hybrid working, where colleagues work at an onsite location on fixed, ‘anchor’, days, as set by the business area. Please discuss the working pattern requirements for the role you are applying for with the hiring manager. Please note that working arrangements may be subject to change on reasonable notice to ensure we meet the needs of our business.

Barclays is built on an international scale.

Our geographic reach, our wide variety of functions, businesses, roles and locations reflect the rich diversity of our worldwide customer base. All of which means we offer incredible variety, depth and breadth of experience.
And the chance to learn from a globally diverse mix of colleagues, including some of the very best minds in banking, finance, technology and business. Throughout, we’ll encourage you to embrace mobility, exploring every part of our operations as you build your career.

Find more information

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