Chief Risk Officer

Experis - ManpowerGroup; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent financial services company in London is seeking an experienced Chief Risk Officer on an interim basis. This hybrid role requires SMF 4 accreditation and involves overseeing the UK risk management function, establishing governance frameworks, and engaging with regulators. Ideal candidates should have over 15 years of experience in enterprise risk management, preferably within regulated financial environments.

Qualifications

• Must hold SMF 4 Certified.
• 15+ years of senior leadership experience in enterprise risk management.
• Advanced degree in business, economics, engineering, statistics, or related quantitative field.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the FCA-approved SMF 4, accountable for UK risk management.
• Lead the UK Enterprise Risk Management team.
• Establish and maintain a Risk Governance Framework.

Skills

Regulatory engagement

Risk appetite framework development

Senior leadership

Risk management

Team leadership

Education

Advanced degree in business, economics, or related field

SMF 4 Certification

Job description

My Client a large global financial services brand is looking for an experienced Chief Risk Officer on an Interim Basis. This Role is Hybrid (3 days onsite) and Inside IR35. Must be SMF 4 Accredited.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the FCA-approved SMF 4, holding personal accountability for the integrity and effectiveness of the UK risk management function.
• Lead the UK Enterprise Risk Management team, providing independent oversight of all key risk types including credit, market, liquidity, operational, conduct, compliance, privacy, model, technology, strategic, and reputational risks.
• Establish and maintain a Risk Governance Framework across the UK's Issuing and Acquiring Legal Entities, ensuring alignment with global standards and local regulatory requirements.
• Develop and oversee the Risk Appetite Framework, including risk tolerances, escalation thresholds, and metrics for all major risk stripes, in accordance with regulatory expectations.
• Advise and challenge the CEO, Board, and Risk Committee on current and emerging risk exposures, appetite adherence, and mitigation strategies.
• Promote a strong risk culture that emphasises integrity, transparency, and proactive risk management across all levels of the organisation.
• Provide oversight of internal control frameworks, including outsourcing risk, and ensure effective governance through participation in key committees.
• Establish objective processes and controls to validate the accuracy of risk information and analysis provided by business lines for reporting to senior management and the Board.
• Review and approve risk assessments for new products and strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with the risk appetite and regulatory standards.
• Monitor regulatory compliance with consumer protection provisions, Codes of Conduct, and public commitments, including enhanced disclosures and complaints handling.
• Represent the organisation in regulatory engagements with the FCA, PRA, and other bodies on risk-related matters, ensuring transparency and responsiveness.
• Collaborate with global and regional CROs and risk stripe leads, supporting consistency of standards and practices across international entities.
• Develop, mentor, and retain high-performing risk professionals, embedding a collaborative and forward-looking risk mindset across the enterprise.

Experience and Background

• Must hold SMF 4 Certified
• 15+ years of senior leadership experience in enterprise risk management, preferably within regulated financial institutions.
• Advanced degree in business, economics, engineering, statistics, or a related quantitative field; professional certifications such as FRM, CFA, are valued.
• Strong business acumen with a risk-reward control mindset and the ability to balance commercial objectives with sound risk management.
• Deep regulatory expertise, including familiarity with UK (FCA/PRA), and global frameworks (Basel, GDPR, Bank Act).
• Proven track record of regulatory engagement, including presenting risk governance matters to regulators and managing supervisory exams.