Banking Operatives, Leeds Banking and Payments Operations Centre at Bank of England

Ready to make a difference? Whether you're just stepping out of education or looking to take your early career to the next level, join us at the heart of the UK's financial system. This is your chance to create a significant impact and advance your career in an encouraging and dynamic environment.

Exciting opportunities to join the Bank of England and our new Leeds Banking and Payments Operations Centre!

The Bank of England is the UK's central bank, responsible for maintaining monetary and financial stability. Our key functions include setting interest rates, issuing banknotes, and overseeing the financial system.

Ever wondered how money moves around the UK? Banking and Payments operations are the behind-the-scenes heroes making it all happen. Imagine managing customer accounts, settling trades, and processing big payments – that's what the Banking teams do. Meanwhile, the Payments teams run systems like CHAPS and RTGS, which allow for real-time settlement of large transactions. 

Together, they keep the financial world spinning, ensuring there's enough money flowing, maintaining stability, and driving innovation in payment services. It's a vital role that supports both everyday activities and the big-picture strategies in central banking.

Opportunities available in Leeds: 

Are you ready to be part of a dynamic team that ensures the smooth running of the UK's financial infrastructure? 

We are expanding our operations footprint in Leeds and looking for talented individuals to join our Financial Operations Centre across several exciting teams (more info below):

• Sterling Payments Operations: Be a part of our Customer Banking Division, processing and settling high-value CHAPS payments.
• Collateral Management and Custody Team: Operate within our Central Banking Operations Division, managing daily securities operations and providing custody services.
• RTGS Operations: Join our Payments Operations Division, conducting user acceptance testing and supporting business users.

How to apply – Pooled recruitment process and timeline

We will be running a pooled recruitment process, whereby applicants submit one application and will be considered for roles in all three teams and matched based on interests, prior experience (if any) and skills. 

The process will comprise of 3 stages: application form, video interview, and final assessment centre in November. If you are successful at each stage, you will be invited to the next.

Candidates will join as a cohort in the first 3 months of 2026, mostly likely February 2026.

The closing date for applications is 5 October 2025.

What you will do:

Please see additional information on each of our three teams that you could be working for:

Your role working within the Sterling Payments Operations Team

• Processing Payments: We handle big money transfers quickly and safely, following important rules.
• Working with HM Treasury: We help the government with their money matters and keep them updated.
• Fixing Payment Issues: We solve problems with payment instructions to make sure everything runs smoothly.
• Building Relationships: We work well with people inside and outside our organization.
• Testing Systems: We regularly check our systems to make sure they work properly in case of emergencies.
• Formal job title: Banking and Securities Operations Senior Operative 

Your role working within the Collateral Management and Custody Team

• Daily Monitoring and Settlement of Transactions: We oversee and complete daily transactions involving securities, fixed-income, repo and derivative products to ensure timely and accurate settlement.
• Asset Servicing and Custody Management: We deliver high-quality custody services by safeguarding client assets and managing all aspects of asset servicing.
• Issue Resolution and Query Management: We proactively address operational issues and respond to queries that arise during day-to-day activities.
• Support for Business Change Initiatives: We assist in the testing and implementation of strategic projects and operational changes that impact the business.
• Process Improvement and Implementation: We identify opportunities to enhance existing processes and lead the execution of process improvements.
• Formal job title: Banking and Securities Operations Senior Operative 

Your role working within the RTGS Operations - Business Acceptance and Participant Testing Team (BAPT)

• Figuring out what needs to be tested and creating test plans: We understand what needs to be checked and make plans for testing.
• Testing systems to make sure they work for users: We test systems to ensure they work well for people using them.
• Finding and fixing problems: We identify issues, record them, and make sure they get fixed.
• Creating reports on testing progress: We make reports to show how testing is going.
• Training and helping users: We provide training and support to help users understand the systems.
• Formal job title: Technology Change Delivery Operative 

Job Requirements

Minimum criteria (for all roles/teams)

• Strong workload management, including the ability to identify, prioritise and switch between tasks and deadlines.
• Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal.
• Able to work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Able to work as part of a team and autonomously.
• Good attitude and ability to problem solve.
• A good level of IT literacy and confidence in the use of Excel and other Microsoft products
• A genuine interest in the Bank's operations and curiosity for how things work.

Desirable Experience

Experience in one of the following:

• Securities settlements 
• Knowledge of: CREST, Easyway, Xact, T24 and SWIFT
• Experience in Collateral management
• Experience in CHAPS / BACS payment processes
• Knowledge and experience of testing principles and tooling/application
• Experience in User Acceptance Testing

We encourage candidates who meet the minimum/essential criteria to apply, even without prior financial services experience. Successful candidates will join us at a ‘Foundation’ level. Where roles are eligible for the Banking Pay framework (see table below), we will consider offering an 'experienced' level entry, if you have some experience in at least one of the above.

Working Expectations

As these roles are part of our operational teams, there are certain working pattern and location requirements:

• Work Location: You'll need to work from our Leeds office about 2.5 days a week (on average). During the first six months, you might need to be there more often for training. Some training will also be in London, and we'll cover your travel and accommodation costs.
• Shift Hours: Some of the roles will have early starts (8am) and late finishes (up to 8pm) on a rota system. You'll get extra pay for these shifts. If you can't do these hours, you’ll have the opportunity to let us know in your application.
• Weekend Work: You might need to work on weekends sometimes when we make system changes.

Salary and Benefits

• Pay and Allowances: Pay for working unsocial hours (like weekends and bank holidays) varies by role. Details are in the table below.
• Progression: In Sterling Payment Operations and Collateral Management and Custody teams, you can move from 'Foundation' to 'Experienced' level in approximately 18-24 months by gaining skills. The framework shows what skills you need.
• Operational Allowance: These roles get an extra £4,000 per year (adjusted for part-time) for unsocial hours. It's paid monthly (£333.33 full-time), taxed, and added to your base salary. It will not affect the value of your benefits, performance award or pension contribution This allowance is linked to the role, not the person, and continues as long as you're in the role.

Candidates with prior relevant experience will be considered for an experienced role.   

Salary and additional allowances will be confirmed at the point of offer and are expected to be in line with the following table:

In addition, we also offer a comprehensive benefits package as detailed below:

• Currently a non-contributory, career average pension giving you a guaranteed retirement benefit of 1/80th of your annual salary for every year worked. There is the option to increase your pension (to 1/65th) or decrease (to 1/105th) in exchange for salary through our flexible benefits programme each year.  The Bank has the discretion to vary standard accrual rates and dial up and dial down rates at any time and to withdraw dial up and dial down options at any time.
• A discretionary performance award based on a current award pool.
• An 8% benefits allowance with the option to take as salary or purchase a wide range of flexible benefits.   
• 26 days’ annual leave with option to buy up to 12 additional days through flexible benefits. 
• Private medical insurance and income protection.

Any Questions

If you have any questions regarding these advertisements or the application process, please contact [email protected]. Please note that all applications must be submitted through the portal; any applications sent to this email will not be considered.

Additional Information 

• Based on the salary for this role, the Bank is unable to offer visa sponsorship on a Skilled Worker visa unless the successful candidate qualifies for New Entrant concessions. If you will not qualify for this route, please explore alternative visa options that do not require sponsorship. For further information, consult the UK Home Office website: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration.”

Our Approach to Inclusion

The Bank values diversity, equity and inclusion. We play a key role in maintaining monetary and financial stability, and to do that effectively, we believe we need a workforce that reflects the society we serve. 

At the Bank of England, we want all colleagues to feel valued and respected, so we're working hard to build an inclusive culture which supports people from all backgrounds and communities to be at their best at work. We celebrate all forms of diversity, including (but not limited to) age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. We believe that it’s by drawing on different perspectives and experiences that we’ll continue to make the best decisions for the public. 

We welcome applications from individuals who work flexibly, including job shares and part time working patterns. We've also partnered with external organisations to support us in making adjustments for candidates and employees in the recruitment process where they're needed. 

Finally, we're proud to be a member of the Disability Confident Scheme. If you wish to apply under this scheme, you should check the box in the ‘Candidate Personal Information’ under the ‘Disability Confident Scheme’ section of the application.

Why Join Us in Leeds?

• Vibrant City Life: Leeds is known for its vibrant cultural scene, excellent transport links, and a thriving business community. Enjoy a great work-life balance with access to local amenities and events.
• Career Development: We offer extensive training programs, mentorship, and opportunities for career progression. Be part of a team that values innovation and continuous improvement.
• Competitive Salary and Benefits: We provide a competitive salary and benefits package, including flexible working hours, remote work options, and health and wellness programs.
• Inclusive and Supportive Environment: We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. Join a team that celebrates diversity and fosters a collaborative culture.