Investment Operations Specialist - Apprenticeship Programme

AJ Bell plc; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent financial services company in Manchester is seeking candidates for their Investment Operations Specialist Apprenticeship Programme. This two-year apprenticeship offers the chance to develop skills while working towards a recognized qualification in the financial services sector. Applicants should have a minimum of 104 UCAS points and strong enthusiasm for learning within the industry. The role involves assisting customers with investments and contributing to team activities, supported by a robust development program.

Benefits

25 days holiday, increasing to 31

Free gym membership

Monthly social events

Pension scheme with matched contributions

Health Cash Plan

Discretionary bonus scheme

Access to professional development training

Qualifications

• Right to work in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship
• Enthusiasm to learn in various teams
• Ability to demonstrate interest in financial services

Responsibilities

• Assist customers with investment operations
• Develop skills and competencies over the apprenticeship
• Contribute to team projects

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Initiative

Education

Minimum of 5 GCSE’s A*-C / 9 - 4 (including Maths and English)

Minimum of 104 UCAS points

Job description

We're now looking to kick-start recruitment for our Investment Operations Specialist Apprenticeship Programme (Level 4). This is a great opportunity to gain business exposure while you work towards an industry recognised professional qualification. If you’re successful, you’ll join theAJ Bell Apprenticeship Academyin September 2026.

As an apprentice you will be helping our customers to invest and over the two-year programme you will have an excellent opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and competencies, including but not limited to: communication and influencing, team working and collaboration, ownership and initiative. AJ Bell offers a wide range of development and mentoring opportunities to all employees, including in-house technical and professional development training so you can feel positive about your future at AJ Bell.

The Investment Operations Specialist Apprenticeship Programme opens the door to many possibilities and opportunities to continue your career at AJ Bell focusing on either a managerial or technical career path. We will provide all the training and support you need to develop in your apprenticeship and beyond.

Do youfeel positiveabout taking your first step to a career in the Financial Services industry? AJ Bell is a fast-growing, award-winning business and we could have just the opportunity for you to join theAJ Bell Apprenticeship Academy!

What are we looking for?

• Minimum of 104 UCAS points (under the tariff for courses starting from September 2017)
• Minimum of 5 GCSE’s A*-C / 9 - 4 (including Maths and English)
• Ability to demonstrate why you want to work within the financial services industry
• Enthusiasm to learn and develop in different teams within the business
• You must have theright to work in the UKfor the duration of your apprenticeship and have lived in the UK/EEA for the past 3 years

Our perks and benefits:

• Starting holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service
• Free gym membership, with an on-site gym providing a wide range of free classes
• Calendar of social events, including monthly socials, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more
• Holiday buy and sell scheme
• A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 6%
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Annual free share awards scheme
• Health Cash Plan – provided by SimplyHealth
• Discounted private healthcare scheme and dental plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Sick pay+ pledge
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Discounted nursery fees at Kids Planet on Exchange Quay
• Loans for travel season tickets
• Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice
• Parking at Exchange Quay (Subject to availability)
• Ongoing technical training
• Peer recognition scheme, with rewards including restaurant and shopping vouchers or time off
• Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches
• Casual dress code
• Access to a range of benefits from our sponsorship deals

At AJ Bell, our people are the heart of our culture. We believe in building strong connections by working together. That's why we offer a hybrid working model, where you’ll spend a minimum of 50% of your working time per month in the office. For new team members, an initial period will be full-time in the office to help you immerse yourself in our business and build valuable relationships with your colleagues.

AJ Bell is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and all employees are empowered to bring their whole self to work.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, religion, physical and mental disability, marital status and any other characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010. All decisions to hire are based on qualifications, merit and business need.

What next?

If you feel inspired and meet the entry criteria, then be sure to apply via our website. You should include your CV and acovering note answering the following questions:

• Why do you want a career in the Financial Services industry?
• Why have you chosen to apply to AJ Bell?

Closing date for applications is Sunday 1 February 2026

AJ Bell is one of the fastest-growing investment platform businesses in the UK offering an award-winning range of solutions that caters for everyone, from professional financial advisers to DIY investors with little to no experience. We have over 620,000 customers using our award-winning platform propositions to manage assets totalling more than £96.1 billion. Our customers trust us with their investments, and by continuously striving to make investing easier, we aim to help even more people take control of their financial futures.

Having listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in December 2018, AJ Bell is now a FTSE 250 company.

Headquartered in Manchester with offices in central London and Bristol, we now have over 1,500 employees and have been named one of the UK's 'Best 100 Companies to Work For’ for six consecutive years and in 2025 named a Great Place to Work®.

At AJ Bell you can expect a friendly working environment with a strong sense of teamwork, we have a great sense of pride in what we do, and this is reflected in our guiding principles.