Collins Executive Recruitment has been exclusively retained to appoint a Chief Operating Officer for one of Australia’s most innovative and growth-oriented financial services groups, specialising in credit lending. Reporting directly to a humble, visionary CEO, this role offers a rare opportunity to lead enterprise-wide operations, scale capability, and drive performance in a technology-forward, purpose-led organisation. The OpportunityThis is a critical executive role for a commercially astute operator to lead the operational core of a well-capitalised, future-facing credit lender. The organisation has achieved substantial growth through its focus on digital innovation, customer experience, and disciplined execution – and now seeks an operational leader to elevate performance across every dimension of the business. You will lead cross-functional teams spanning distribution, operations, risk, and customer experience – ensuring strategic initiatives translate into measurable outcomes. Working closely with the CEO and executive team, you will help shape the future of a lender that is both commercially successful and committed to delivering lasting, positive impact. Why This Business?This is an entrepreneurial and values-led credit-lending organisation with the infrastructure of a mature financial services business and the mindset of a scale-up. With strong capital backing, a digitally native operating model, and an exceptional leadership team, the company is well-positioned for its next chapter of growth. The culture is collaborative, low-ego, and high-performance. It is built on deep trust, shared accountability, and a strong commitment to internal mobility. Many senior leaders have progressed through the organisation, and the business continues to invest meaningfully in people, systems, and long-term innovation. If you’re seeking a platform where you can have enterprise-wide influence – not just manage operations, but shape the way the business executes, evolves, and scales – this is a rare and exciting opportunity. What You’ll DoBe the operational heartbeat of the organisation – leading execution across key business functions and enabling the lender to grow with precision, clarity, and discipline.Drive enterprise performance, ensuring the business delivers on commercial, operational, and customer outcomes at scale.Build and lead a high-performing executive team, mentoring functional leaders across operations, customer, risk, and distribution.Elevate the operating model, embedding systems, processes, and ways of working that support speed, accountability, and excellence.Translate strategy into action, ensuring initiatives are implemented on time, on budget, and with clear performance metrics.Partner with the CEO and board to shape long-term business plans and investment priorities.Strengthen operational risk management through data-driven insight and continuous improvement.Remove friction and complexity from the organisation, enabling teams to move faster, collaborate more effectively, and deliver better outcomes.Foster a culture of clarity, excellence, and learning – where goals are shared, performance is measured, and success is repeatable. Who You AreYou’re a proven operator with 10–20 years in financial services, fintech, or adjacent sectors, including significant exposure to non-bank lending. You have a track record of driving growth and efficiency across operations, risk, and customer experience, with deep expertise in credit-lending organisations. You combine commercial acumen with operational discipline, bringing a clear understanding of originations and broker networks. You know how to build and leverage distribution relationships to deliver sustainable growth, while ensuring scalability and prudent risk management. You lead without ego, cut through complexity, and inspire teams around a shared mission. Equally effective in the boardroom and on the ground, you shift seamlessly between strategy and execution. Would you like to hear more?Please click 'apply' to be considered for this and other relevant opportunities. All applications and conversations are confidential.
