1st Line Risk Director

Barclay Simpson; City Of London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in London is seeking a Director of Risk to enhance risk management practices across Rates and Equities. The ideal candidate has extensive market risk experience, strong technical skills in Rates, and the ability to manage complex projects while collaborating with senior management and quants. This role offers a chance to impact the firm's risk strategy in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Senior Market Risk Manager or VP/Director with front office risk experience from a top-tier financial institution.
• Strong technical background in Rates, able to challenge quants and understand derivatives pricing and risk drivers.
• Proficiency in risk measures such as VaR, stress testing, and exposure analysis.
• Hands-on, organized, and delivery-focused, capable of managing complex projects independently.

Responsibilities

• Partner with front office and quantitative teams to challenge models and improve methodologies.
• Conduct deep dives into risk exposures and present actionable insights to senior stakeholders.
• Perform VaR, stress testing, and scenario analysis on rates and equity derivatives.
• Manage projects and BAU tasks independently with attention to detail.

Skills

Market Risk Management

Quantitative Analysis

Python

SQL

Communication Skills

Project Management

Education

Degree in Mathematical Finance

Postgraduate qualification in Financial Engineering

Job description

1st Line Risk Director

Barclay Simpson

London Area, United Kingdom (On-site)

Job Title: Director, Risk

Description

The Client is seeking a Director, Risk (Rates)to join its Risk function with a focus on market risk management. This role suits an experienced VP or Directorfrom a leading bank or financial institution with strong Rates risk expertiseand the ability to operate hands-on in a technical, fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will enhance and execute risk management practicesacross Rates and Equities, ensuring frameworks and controls remain robust and commercially aligned. Working closely with senior management, quants, and front office stakeholders, they will help drive the firm’s risk strategy, model development, and control effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Partner with front office and quantitative teamsto challenge models and improve methodologies.
• Conduct deep dives into risk exposuresand present clear, actionable insights to senior stakeholders.
• Perform VaR, stress testing, and scenario analysison rates and equity derivatives.
• Manage projects and BAU tasksindependently with attention to detail and delivery focus.
• Contribute to model and process improvements, governance materials, and regulatory deliverables.
• Lead and enhance market risk frameworksfor Rates and Equities, ensuring strong quantitative and practical execution.
• Collaborate with and guide junior team members, fostering analytical excellence.

Knowledge and Experience

• Senior Market Risk Manager or VP/Directorwith front office risk experience from a top-tier financial institution.
• Strong technical background in Rates, able to challenge quants and understand derivatives pricing and risk drivers.
• Proficiency in risk measuressuch as VaR, stress testing, and exposure analysis.
• Hands-on, organized, and delivery-focused, capable of managing complex projects independently.
• Strong Python/SQLand analytical skills.
• Excellent communicator — able to simplify complex quantitative topicsfor senior audiences.
• Managerial experience optional, but must be collaborative and able to guide junior staff.
• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Mathematical Finance, Financial Engineering, or a related discipline.