Operations Strategy Associate

The companyImagine a world where every small business has the power to thrive. That’s the world we’re building at iwoca. Small businesses aren’t just statistics – they’re the heartbeat of our communities, the character of our high streets, and the engine of our economy. Since 2012, we’ve revolutionised how these businesses access finance, turning what was once a lengthy, frustrating process into funding that’s fast, flexible, and actually works for modern businesses.Our impact speaks for itself: we’ve provided billions in funding to over 150,000 businesses across Europe, making us one of the continent’s leading fintech innovators. Our mission is to empower one million businesses with the financial tools they deserve.We combine cutting-edge technology and data science with genuine human understanding to make finance feel less like a barrier and more like a superpower. Whether it’s managing cash flow or seizing unexpected opportunities, we ensure businesses get the funds they need – often within minutes.The teamOur Operations teams strive to deliver exceptional customer service. The Operations Strategy team exists to understand Operations performance, drive efficiencies and improve service. We work closely with teams such as Customer Success, Credit Analysts, Collections & Legal, and People Operations, to identify opportunities and drive meaningful impact.The roleAs an Operations Strategy Associate, you will support the development and implementation of strategies to improve efficiency and service quality across our Operations teams, while adequately supporting iwoca’s profitable growth. Each day brings new challenges, and you’ll be involved in a variety of fast-paced projects, learning about new opportunities and implementing impactful changes. This will include:Collaborating with Operations to solve critical business problems, such as:Exploring how we can make use of AI to make our teams more efficient and effectiveForecasting capacity needs for each team to eliminate operational bottlenecksEvaluating the value of contacting customers at different points in the customer journey and testing these approachesConducting data analysis to inform your work and shape effective solutions. This involves conducting your own analysis and working with our Operations Strategy Data Scientists to get even more analytical power from your data.Take responsibility for implementing operational changes in close coordination with Operations and Tech teams.Understanding strategic developments across the business, helping to assess their impact on Operations, and supporting the adaptation of our department’s processes to align with future strategies.Using your problem solving skills to help shape iwoca’s People strategy, such as analysing our benefits to ensure value for money.The requirementsEssential:Experience working in a top-tier strategy consultancy or a strategic role at a tech or finance company.Analytical background, demonstrated through academic qualifications (such as a strong STEM degree) and through professional experience.Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to challenge and recommend well thought-through and innovative solutions.Proven ability to implement findings from your analysis; we need a “doer” who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves and working across the business to see your work come to fruition.Ability to distil complex information into key points so that it is succinct and engaging in both written and verbal forms, and accessible to a range of stakeholders (whether that’s Data Scientists, operations managers, C-level, etc.)Bonus:Experience with Python or SQL. If you don’t have commercial experience then we’d want you to have enthusiasm to learn on the job so that you can get the most out of iwoca’s data.Proven experience driving operational excellenceThe salaryWe expect to pay from £65,000 - £75,000 for this role, and we’re open-minded, so please include your salary goals with your application. We routinely benchmark salaries against market rates and run quarterly performance and salary reviews.The cultureAt iwoca, we hire smart, passionate, humble individuals with a growth mindset. We prioritise a culture of learning, growth, and support, and invest in the professional development of our team members. We value thought and skill diversity and encourage you to explore new areas of interest to help us innovate and improve our products and services. Our friendly and inclusive environment, along with flexible work policies, supports a healthy balance between work and life.The officesWe put effort into making iwoca a brilliant place to work:Offices in London, Leeds, Berlin and Frankfurt with plenty of drinks and snacksEvents and clubs, like bingo, comedy nights, yoga classes, football, etc.The benefitsMedical insurance from Vitality, including discounted gym membershipA private GP service for you, your partner, and your dependants25 days’ holiday, an extra day off for your birthday, the option to buy or sell five additional days, and unlimited unpaid leaveA one-month, fully paid sabbatical after four yearsInstant access to emotional and mental health support3% Pension contributions and share optionsGenerous parental leave and a nursery tax benefit schemeCycle-to-work and electric car schemesTwo company retreats a yearWe also offer:A learning and development budget for everyoneCompany-wide talks with internal and external speakersAccess to learning platforms like TreehouseUseful notes: iwoca benefits & policies; Interview welcome pack #J-18808-Ljbffr