Jamie Sears - Independent Recruitment Specialist & CV Writer

With over 25 years of experience, I specialise in recruitment and CV writing, primarily within the Fintech and Financial Services sectors.

My extensive background in UK Fintech, Wealth/Asset Management, and Transfer Agency sectors equips me with the expertise and in-depth knowledge necessary to support hiring initiatives in business change & transformation, IT, and Sales & Marketing roles.

Whether you're looking to enhance your recruitment strategy, refine your CV, or plan your next career move, I am here to help. 

Let's connect to discuss how I can assist you.

Jamie Sears
Email: jamie@jandjsearch.com

 It is without hesitation that I recommend Jamie if you are looking for the best Financial Services/Consultancy recruiter as he is both attentive, professional, has extensive market expertise. He took the time to understand my requirements and consistently kept me updated throughout the process. I would highly recommend Jamie as an accomplished recruiting professional to anyone in need of a career change or simply looking to recruit the best talent for their firm. 

Tarina Kapour
Manager - Tax Technology at PwC UK

 Jamie has a wealth of experience in the TA market and is well connected. This has proved valuable in helping fulfill operational resourcing challenges. Jamie is a good person to work with and I have known him a number of years. 

Adrian Tovey
Global Director of Program Management at Linedata

 If you have any recruitment needs, particularly within the financial sector Change / IT roles, then I can highly recommend Jamie. Having worked with him at his previous company recruiting many roles during my time at Cofunds, now that he has branched out and set up on his own I would definitely advocate reaching out to him - Jamie always takes the time to fully understand not just the technical/skill set aspects of the role but also the culture and team fit. Candidates he put through to me for consideration were real potentials and always worth interviewing. A pleasure to work with. 

Leila Wade
Head of Business Management at Seven Investment Management LLP

 Jamie is an astute consultant with a wealth of experience and contacts that provides an outstanding and personal service to both companies and candidates during the recruitment process. I would have no hesitation in recommending Jamie. 

David McGuinness
Product Director at Calastone

 If you are looking for someone to help re-write both your CV and your LinkedIn profile, Jamie is your man! I contacted Jamie and after chatting with him a couple of times he provided guidance and a draft CV which was a lot more focused on the pieces that matter resulting in a lot more punchier document. I would highly recommend Jamie. 

William Woodward
WJW Consultancy

 I have worked with Jamie for nearly 2 years and have always found him to be of high integrity with a deep knowledge of the market place. His continuous communication throughout the recruitment process and his handling of timelines have been invaluable. He always takes time to understand the full needs of the projects and my expectations and has delivered always. Jamie is without doubt one of the most people orientated recruiters I have dealt with. I have no hesitation in recommending Jamie. 

Saba Shafqat
People & Culture Business Partner at GBST

Contingency Search

Helping clients to find the right subject matter expert on a "no placement, no fee" basis

Retained Search

Engaging on specific bespoke recruitment campaigns where separate fees will be charged at agreed stages across the full recruitment life-cycle of the campaign

Executive Search

Utilising my extensive senior management and 'C' Suite network to provide clients with their strategic senior hire needs

Market Advice

If you have been in the same role/company for some time or just out of touch with the current UK employment market, I can provide insight and advice on the constantly evolving UK employment market

CV Writing & LinkedIn Profile Review

If you are looking to update or rewrite your CV from scratch then I can provide a fully bespoke service covering design, layout and content. Following a career in recruitment over 25 years, working with HR Business Partners, Hiring Managers and Talent Acquisition Specialists and having reviewed thousands of CVs myself, I have the deep understanding to help you make your CV stand out Alongside CV writing and editing, I can also assist with editing your LinkedIn Profile About section too

Career Advice

Whether you are starting out on your career journey, mid way through and find yourself at a crossroads or on the final home stretch to retirement, with my dedicated recruitment experience, I can provide advice, guidance and pointers on your next move

QA Engineer

London, UK - JJ1192
Position: QA Engineer – FinTechSalary: £50,000 to £55,000Location: City, London (Hybrid/Flexible Working)


Are you passionate about ensuring the quality and reliability of software products? Do you thrive in an agile environment where collaboration and innovation are key? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!Role Overview: As a QA Engineer, you'll play a pivotal role in contributing to test automation solutions on agile projects. You'll work closely with a Senior QA Engineer to design and maintain test automation frameworks, integrating them seamlessly into build and deployment pipelines using GitHub Actions. Your automated tests will be built on .Net Core using C# with a Behaviour Driven Development (BDD) approach, supplemented by exploratory testing as needed.
Requirements:

Knowledge of the European Mutual Funds Market or Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) market preferred.

Experience in object-oriented programming with C# or Java.Proficiency in writing code for .Net-based test automation solutions, preferably using BDD tools like Specflow and Gherkin.Experience automating testing for REST API and/or UI-based applications.Familiarity with GitHub Actions workflow for deploy/test in CI pipeline.Experience with Selenoid for parallel UI testing is a plus.Familiarity with AKS (Azure Kubernetes Service) infrastructure is advantageous.

Strong SQL relational database query skills.Experience in non-functional testing, especially using Neoload tool, is a plus.Experience in testing financial systems using XML, JSON, FIX, SFTP, or Swift messaging is advantageous.Good understanding of QA automation methodologies, tools, and agile processes.Proficient in Microsoft products, Visual Studio, Azure, Word, Excel, and Windows PC environment.Excellent communication skills at both business and technical levels.ISTQB Software Testing certifications are a plus.
Key Responsibilities:
Contribute to building and maintaining automation test frameworks using .Net Core and C# BDD.Create automated test solutions for functional and regression testing of a suite of software products.Collaborate with cross-functional agile teams to deliver high-quality applications.Document QA processes and practices while contributing to a knowledge database.Integrate automated test solutions into an engineering build pipeline (Continuous Integration) via GitHub Actions.Conduct exploratory testing to support an agile approach and adhere to QA industry best practices.Collaborate with DevOps, Engineering, Operations, and Client Delivery teams to understand technical changes and testing requirements.Share knowledge and support test automation across the QA Team.Gain a deep understanding of products and associated functionality.Assist the Senior QA Engineer in adhering to industry standards and best practices.
Apply Now

Relationship Manager - Investment Platform

London, UK - JJ1246
Position: Relationship Manager - WealthTech Location: City/London (Hybrid/Flexible Working) Salary: £50,000 to £65,000 per annum + Benefits

Are you a seasoned professional with a background in financial consultancy or WealthTech/Fintech industries? 

An esteemed Investment Platform firm is expanding its team and seeking Relationship Managers to join their ranks. 

As a Relationship Manager, you will be the face of the company, fostering strategic partnerships with wealth clients across the UK Wealth Management Industry. 

This role offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a rapidly growing company, where you can make a significant impact and contribute to its future direction and success.
Your responsibilities will include:

Taking ownership of client relationships, demonstrating high levels of autonomy and responsibility
Cultivating strategic alliances with clients to optimize their workflows and utilization of proprietary software solutions
Engaging in a blend of short-term and long-term projects, both independently and collaboratively with team members
Collaborating closely with internal teams to advocate for client needs and contribute to the continuous improvement of software offerings
Apply Now

Technology Solutions Architect

London, UK - JJ1364
Technology Solutions Architect - Asset Management - City, London based with hybrid working - £85,000 to £100,000 pa - 12 months FTC

We have partnered with a leading UK Asset Manager who are looking to hire a Solution Architect who will be responsible for defining and delivery roadmaps, defining application and integration strategies to support my client's transformational journcey, decision making fo application architecture for cloud integration services. 

This is an initial 12 months Fixed Term Contract with possible scope to extend for a further 12 months.  Annual salary will be between £95K and £105K per annum, plus annual bonus and full benefits package. 

They have offices in the City, London near to Liverpool Street and work to a hybrid office environment, typically 2 to 3 days in office, 2 to 3 days from home. 

They are particularly interested in indiviudals with a deep knowledge of Cloud based data platforms, experience with Azure Databricks architecture, familiar with DevOps services and CI/CD pipeline. 
Demonstrated exposure to multiple, diverse technical configurations, technologies and processing
Proven experience in technology architecture and design with a deep knowledge of Cloud based Data Platforms,
High level industry awareness to support market and technical evaluation of emerging technologies
Experience of prototyping / proof of concept exercises to validate and evaluate the benefits of a technology against a business need
Experience of other Cloud Service Providers (Azure, Google Cloud)
Experience of Azure Databricks architecture.
Experience of snowflake architecture and/or implementation
Familiarity in Infrastructure as Code and CI/CD Pipeline
Familiarity with Dev Ops Services
Experience of translating business requirements into technical high-level designs, and the ability to produce detailed technical specifications and documentation.
Effective, concise communicator, comfortable presenting at Technical Design Authorities level
Motivated and driven by achieving long-term business outcomes
Ability to translate complex architectural issues and details and communicate effectively with IT and non-IT staff at all levels
Facilitation and collaboration skills, comfortable leading design workshops through to actionable results
Analytical and creative thinker, and experienced problem solver
Organisationally savvy, with understanding of the political climate of the enterprise and how to navigate obstacles and politics
Ability to balance the long-term “big picture” with short-term requirements.


Apply Now

Programme Manager - Wealth Plaform SaaS

London, UK - JJ2543
Are you ready to join a global leader in financial services technology? 

Our client has been at the forefront of innovation for over 30 years, delivering cutting-edge software solutions that power the financial services industry. With a commitment to evolving their products to meet the dynamic needs of their clients, building the future of fintech.

They are looking for an experienced and dynamic Programme Manager to join a Project Delivery team and lead transformational projects. This is a hybrid role, requiring a professional home working setup, strong broadband, and the flexibility to travel to their London office and client sites as needed.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Programme Manager, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring the successful delivery of complex IT programmes. Your responsibilities will include:
  • Leading Programme Teams: Manage and guide programme teams based on detailed workstream plans and clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
  • Risk and Contingency Management: Identify critical risks, analyse costs, and implement mitigation strategies, ensuring they’re tracked in status reports.
  • Performance Monitoring: Provide regular programme status updates to clients, senior management, and stakeholders, using standardised reporting templates.
  • Financial Oversight: Monitor and control budgets through regular reviews, addressing variances proactively and reporting to key stakeholders.
  • Quality Assurance: Ensure programmes align with the Quality Management System, securing necessary sign-offs and documenting all outstanding issues.
What You Bring

We’re looking for a Programme Manager who can hit the ground running and deliver exceptional results. To succeed in this role, you’ll need:
  • Proven Experience: Demonstrated success in managing large-scale IT programmes, with at least 5 years’ experience delivering complex development and implementation projects.
  • Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of infrastructure, hosting services, release management (branching, versioning, patching), and software development methodologies.
  • Programme Management Skills: Mastery of scope, time, cost, quality, HR, communications, risk, procurement, and integration management.
  • Leadership & Communication: Effective leadership, coordination, negotiation, and dispute resolution skills to inspire teams and drive outcomes.
  • Industry Insight: Experience in the financial services sector is advantageous but not essential.

Implementation Consultant - Investment Platform SaaS

London, UK - JJ2187
Are you ready to be part of a fast-growing, innovative leader in the Wealth and Investment Management industry? 

Our client have been empowering clients with cutting-edge investment platforms and software since 2008. With offices in London, their client base spans traditional wealth managers and exciting early-stage fintech companies across the UK.

They pride themselves on delivering exceptional service through modern automated technology, a dedicated client services team, experienced operational staff, and a robust compliance support function.

The Opportunity

You’ll play a key role in delivering their flagship software, and related platform services to new customers. This is your chance to make a real impact at a high-growth company, helping clients streamline their operations and elevate their service offering.

What You’ll Do As an Implementation Consultant, you’ll:

  • Project Manage Implementations: Oversee the delivery of the product and their platform services, managing project plans, issue logs, and status reports to ensure seamless onboarding for new clients.
  • Deliver Expertise: Provide specialised knowledge on both product functionality and industry best practices.
  • Train & Support Clients: Liaise directly with customers, providing training and support, while capturing feedback to enhance future implementations.
  • Assist with Configuration: Help clients configure Tercero, including setting up fees, compliance rules, modelling, and trade execution processes.
  • Prepare for Go-Live: Support clients in documenting internal processes for successful launches.
  • Analyse & Migrate Data: Conduct business analysis on customer data and assist with bulk migrations into their platform offering.
  • Coordinate Transfers: Work with custodians to arrange the seamless transfer of existing clients and assets.
  • Utilise Technical Knowledge: Use your expertise in SQL and Excel to resolve challenges and deliver successful outcomes across all stakeholders.
What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a proactive, customer-focused professional who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

  • Essential Requirements:
    • 3+ years of experience in a customer-facing implementation role.
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
    • Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel.

  • Desirable Skills:
    • A 2.1 degree or above.
    • Knowledge of Microsoft CRM and/or SQL.

Project Manager - Wealth Platform SaaS

London, UK - JJ2691
Our client is transforming the financial services industry with cutting-edge technology. For over 30 years, their clients have trusted them to deliver innovative software solutions that keep pace with an ever-evolving market.

They are looking to hire a talented Project Manager to join their dynamic Project Delivery team. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, driving impactful projects that shape the future of financial technology.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Project Manager, you’ll lead the delivery of IT projects, ensuring they’re completed on time, within budget, and with exceptional quality. Key responsibilities include:

  • End-to-End Project Management: Deliver projects within agreed budgets and timelines, managing scope changes through a structured sign-off process.
  • Client Satisfaction: Act as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring their needs are met and their expectations exceeded.
  • Team Leadership: Manage and assign tasks to team members, ensuring optimal performance and well-being.
  • Global Collaboration: Work closely with internal stakeholders in both the UK and Australia, representing UK client needs effectively.
  • Client Engagement: Partner with client business and IT teams to support tailored implementation plans.
What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking an experienced, client-focused Project Manager with a passion for delivering results.
  • Essential Skills:
    • Proven experience managing client-facing projects on the supplier side.
    • At least 5 years’ experience managing IT-based projects or programmes.
    • Strong knowledge of infrastructure and software implementation.
  • Desirable:
    • Background in financial services.

Business Consultant - Investment Platform SaaS

London, UK - JJ1965
Ready to make an impact in one of the fastest-growing and most innovative companies in the wealth and investment management industry? 

Our client is redefining the space with cutting-edge investment platforms and software. Since 2008 and the launch of their platform offering in 2016, they have been at the forefront of the sector, earning a reputation for exceptional service, modern technology, and industry expertise.

With offices in London and a diverse client base spanning traditional wealth managers to trailblazing fintech companies, they pride themselves on delivering outstanding solutions and support.

The Opportunity: 

Business ConsultantStep into a pivotal role within a Business Consultancy team, where you’ll act as a bridge between their advanced technology, innovative services, and valued clients. This is your chance to shape the future of their offerings and drive real value for customers, collaborating with key stakeholders across the business.

Your Role Will Include:

  • Becoming an Expert: Leverage your industry and product expertise to deliver impactful solutions.
  • Driving Projects: Collaborate with Relationship Management to identify and lead longer-term customer projects.
  • Supporting Onboarding: Work with Project Delivery to ensure smooth onboarding for new clients.
  • Enhancing Client Experience: Train and assist customers on their product, capturing valuable feedback to refine future offerings.
  • Shaping New Solutions: Define and specify new business solutions, collaborating closely with the development team.
  • Optimizing Processes: Analyse customer workflows and product functionality to boost efficiency and improve service delivery.
  • Spotting Trends: Identify and share developmental trends to inform future product releases.
  • Technical Problem Solving: Utilise your technical knowledge, including SQL and Excel, to address diverse tasks and projects.
What We’re Looking For
  • Essential:
    • 3+ years in a customer-facing role.
    • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
    • A proactive mindset and eagerness to thrive in a dynamic environment.
    • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
  • Desirable:
    • A 2.1 degree or above.
    • Experience with Microsoft CRM and/or SQL.

IFA Administrator x 3

Warwickshire, UK - JJ2754
Are you an experienced IFA Administrator with a passion for delivering excellent client service? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment and want to grow your career in a professional, supportive, and innovative financial planning firm? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

Our client prides themselves on delivering exceptional financial planning and wealth management services to their clients. 

The team is dedicated to providing personalised solutions, and they are looking for several enthusiastic IFA Administrators to join them in supporting their advisers and clients.

The Role

As an IFA Administrator, you’ll play a key role in supporting Financial Advisers and ensuring clients receive seamless, professional service. You’ll manage a variety of administrative tasks, working closely with clients, providers, and advisers.

Key Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with Financial Advisers to process new and existing business, including:
    • Client reviews, fund switches, plan withdrawals, and compliance documentation.
    • Preparing and processing provider and client documentation.
    • Answering client queries and obtaining fund values from providers.
  • Respond effectively to client and third-party queries, ensuring a professional approach at all times.
  • Record client communications (written, verbal, or electronic) accurately and in line with company policies.
  • Ensure compliance with procedures, FCA regulations, and Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) principles.
  • Liaise with product providers to obtain information, quotes, and product details.
  • Support the wider team, covering for colleagues as required, and contribute to the company’s objectives.
What We’re Looking For

Experience & Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in a Financial Services environment, specifically providing administrative support for an IFA.
  • Financial Planning qualifications are desirable but not essential. We encourage internal progression and will support you with training and exam costs.
Skills & Attributes:
  • Strong understanding of the financial planning process.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • High attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize and multitask effectively.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook (experience with Intelliflo is advantageous but not required – training provided).
  • Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team.
What We Offer
  • A supportive and collaborative team environment.
  • Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
  • Full training on internal systems and processes.
  • A chance to make a meaningful impact in a growing company.

Agile Delivery Lead

London, UK - JJ1972
Are you passionate about Agile methodologies and excited to lead the delivery of cutting-edge software projects? 

Our client is looking for an Agile Delivery Lead (ADL) to drive the successful delivery of projects aligned with their product roadmap. If you thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and enjoy empowering teams to achieve their best, we want to hear from you.

As the Agile Delivery Lead, you’ll manage the iterative delivery of software development projects, ensuring alignment with our clients Agile methodology. You’ll work closely with technical leaders, product owners, and stakeholders to enable collaboration, remove obstacles, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope.

Key Responsibilities:

Agile Leadership: Enable and encourage Agile practices within Scrum teams, facilitating sprint planning, daily stand-ups, retrospectives, and other Scrum ceremonies.
Delivery Management: Oversee the implementation of projects, ensuring they’re planned, scoped, and executed in line with product roadmaps.
Impediment Removal: Identify and resolve blockers to ensure team progress and efficiency.
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with product owners, engineering teams, and other stakeholders to align objectives and deliverables.
Monitoring & Reporting: Track milestones, report progress, and ensure transparency through effective communication and Agile metrics.
Continuous Improvement: Promote a culture of learning and refinement to optimize team performance and delivery.
Jira Administration: Configure workflows, automate processes, and provide user support to streamline operations.
Risk Management: Identify, track, and escalate risks, issues, and actions as needed.

We’re seeking an experienced Agile project manager with a strong technical background who can act as a bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders.

Skills & Experience:

Agile Expertise: Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or equivalent Agile certification.
Proven Delivery: At least 5 years of technical project management experience, ideally within Financial Services.
Tech-Savvy: Solid understanding of technical challenges in delivering complex software solutions.
Collaborative Leader: Experience coaching teams, fostering positive dynamics, and driving success in multi-disciplined environments.
Analytical Thinker: Strong problem-solving skills with an eye for detail and the ability to see the bigger picture.
Effective Communicator: Confidence to work with stakeholders at all levels and navigate a spirited, fast-paced work environment.
Tools Knowledge: Proficiency in Jira and familiarity with Agile metrics.

Bonus Points For:

Experience in Financial Services.
Hands-on exposure to Scrum frameworks or direct experience as a Scrum Master.

Project Manager - FinTech

London, UK - JJ1984
Are you passionate about delivering impactful projects in a dynamic environment? 

Our client a leadig global funds network, is looking for a Project Manager to play a key role in shaping the future of financial technology.

We’re looking for a Project Manager to assist in delivering innovative projects across the organisation, helping bring new products to market and supporting commercial plans. If you thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced setting and want to make a real difference, this role is for you.

you’ll work closely with other Project Managers to support the delivery of strategic initiatives, ensuring projects are executed smoothly and deliverables align with commercial objectives. From detailed planning to cross-functional collaboration, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving success.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery: Assist in scoping, approving, and implementing projects aligned with the company’s strategic goals.
Data & Analysis: Conduct relevant project analysis, ensuring management information is accurate and insightful.
Collaboration: Work with internal teams to ensure outputs are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard.
Planning & Reporting: Set project milestones, produce KPIs, and deliver progress updates for management reviews and exception reporting.
Risk Management: Document, track, and escalate risks, issues, and actions as needed.
Team Coordination: Delegate well-defined work packages to analysts and assist in troubleshooting as required.

Skills & Experience:

Project Management Expertise: Previous experience in Financial Services is essential, with a proven track record of delivering successful projects.
Agile Knowledge: Experience in Agile environments is advantageous.
Technical Understanding: Familiarity with data modeling techniques, message transformation, and industry-standard messaging protocols is a plus.
Best Practices: Awareness of industry methodologies is beneficial.

Personal Qualities:

A team player who thrives in multi-disciplinary, fast-paced environments.
Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive attitude.
Passionate about quality, with excellent attention to detail.
Resilient and able to hold your own in a spirited work environment.
Flexible, entrepreneurial, and willing to go the extra mile to ensure success.

For a confidential discussion please enter your details and upload your CV below