first line risk manager

ZipRecruiter; London; On-site; GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in private banking is seeking a First Line Risk Manager to enhance their risk and compliance frameworks. The role requires expertise in risk management, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate with stakeholders. This position offers a competitive salary of £65,000 and the opportunity to contribute significantly to governance and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience in financial services risk or compliance roles.
• Strong communication and writing skills for policies.
• Proficiency in Excel and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Embed and enhance risk frameworks across business units.
• Lead and participate in monitoring reviews and controls.
• Contribute to regulatory change initiatives.

Skills

Communication

Data Analysis

Project Management

Tools

Excel

IT Systems

Job description

Job Description First Line Risk Manager - £65,000 - Private Banking

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a background in private banking or wealth management to make an impact within a progressive organization.

Overview

This role is part of the first line of defence within a regulated financial services organization, supporting private banking and wealth management. The responsibilities include helping the business meet strategic objectives while ensuring governance and regulatory compliance. The role involves collaboration with teams such as Risk, Compliance, Operational Resilience, Financial Crime, and Legal.

The successful candidate will support UK-based risk activities (strategic, financial, operational), contribute to regulatory change initiatives, and participate in client and project-related activities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Embed and enhance risk and compliance frameworks across business units, focusing on data protection, financial crime, and other key areas.
2. Lead and participate in first line monitoring reviews, coordinate actions, and maintain records.
3. Support the firm’s Risk Management Framework by fostering an effective control environment, including control testing and capital adequacy assessments.
4. Work with senior stakeholders to align business strategy with risk appetite.
5. Ensure timely escalation, reporting, and resolution of risk incidents.
6. Manage the Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) process, reflecting ongoing risk assessments and business changes.
7. Track and report mitigation plans for control gaps, risk events, breaches, and client complaints.
8. Manage documentation of risk acceptances, monitor KRIs, and emerging risks.
9. Contribute to regulatory change initiatives and respond to regulator information requests.
10. Support prospect and client meetings, including RFPs and due diligence.
11. Promote risk and regulatory awareness through training and coaching.
12. Oversee Consumer Duty obligations, including board reports and working group meetings.
13. Support operational resilience initiatives to foster a resilient culture.
14. Maintain understanding of risk policies, ensure incident reporting, and complete training.

Skills & Experience Required

1. Experience in financial services risk or compliance roles, with knowledge of RCSA processes.
2. Interest in risk management and first line responsibilities.
3. Ability to develop knowledge of products, services, and regulations.
4. Strong communication skills, especially in data presentation and stakeholder engagement.
5. Excellent written skills for policies and procedures.
6. Proficiency in Excel, data analysis, and IT systems.
7. Project management experience and team coordination skills.

Attributes & Behaviours

1. Problem-solving and creative thinking abilities.
2. Effective communicator with stakeholders.
3. Collaborative and team-oriented.
4. Energetic, adaptable, and focused on process improvement.
5. Excellent time and project management skills.