Group Risk Manager

First Central Services; Manchester, Haywards Heath; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a market-leading insurance company as a Group Risk Manager, where you'll leverage your extensive risk management expertise to influence senior leaders and shape the risk strategy. With a flexible working environment and a commitment to diversity, you'll play a key role in safeguarding the business's future while enjoying various perks and benefits.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive work environment

Opportunities for professional development

Diversity initiatives

Qualifications

• Senior-level Risk Management experience with a proven track record.
• Technical knowledge of risk management techniques.
• Understanding of FCA and GFSC rules.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Risk Management SME and business partner for the relevant business unit.
• Lead the Risk & Control Self-Assessment process.
• Provide specialist Risk Management support.

Skills

Risk Management

Relationship Building

Influencing

Project Management

Negotiation

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent

Job description

Location: Haywards Heath, Home Office (Remote) or Manchester
Salary: From £60,000 depending on experience
Department: Governance

We’re 1st Central, a market-leading insurance company utilising smart data and technology at pace. Rapid growth has been based on giving our 1.4 million customers exactly what they want: great value insurance with an excellent service. And that’s the same for our colleagues too; we won Insurance Employer of the Year at the British Insurance Awards 2024 and our Glassdoor score is pretty impressive!

At 1st Central, we’re all about doing things smarter, faster, and with a healthy dose of challenge - and we’re looking for someone who thrives on that. If you’re an experienced Risk professional who loves working with senior leaders, challenging the status quo, and influencing big decisions across the business, then keep reading – this could be your perfect next move.

We’re on the hunt for a Group Risk Manager who will act as a trusted partner and subject matter expert, ideally in Customer Operations and/or Technology risk, helping to guide and support risk practices across our Group. You’ll work with senior leaders, sit in on governance meetings, and play a key role in keeping our Risk Management Framework both robust and future-fit.

We’re big on flexibility. Our teams are spread across Salford Quays, Manchester, and Haywards Heath, West Sussex, but most of us work from home most of the time. We think collaboration is pretty great though, so we like to get together now and then - just to keep those creative sparks flying. Prefer being in the office more often? That works for us too. We’re even open to remote working - all we ask is that you join us in person about once a month to stay connected and keep those face-to-face vibes alive.

Must-have skills to be successful in this role:

• Extensive Risk Management experience - you know risk inside-out and can apply it at a high, strategic level.
• A natural relationship-builder with senior management - you’re confident engaging, influencing, and partnering with execs and senior stakeholders.
• A solid grasp of FCA and GFSC regulations – you understand what good looks like in regulated environments and can help others meet these standards.
• Influencing and networking with senior leaders - you’re skilled at guiding conversations, building consensus, and driving meaningful outcomes at the top level.

What’s involved:

• Act as the Risk Management SME and business partner for the relevant business unit, working with Executives & Senior Leadership to implement and challenge the Risk Management Framework.
• Lead the Risk & Control Self-Assessment process for the relevant business unit, liaising with leadership to challenge their view of risk.
• Provide specialist Risk Management support and challenge to identify and assess new risks and controls across the Group.
• Serve as the primary contact for implementing the Risk Management Framework within the business unit, liaising with risk owners and leadership.
• Lead the monthly Pillar Governance meetings held by executives, acting as the Risk Management lead.
• Support the preparation, review, and submission of Risk reports to Audit Committees.
• Own and develop aspects of the Risk Management Framework, gaining approval and leading implementation across the Group.
• Support Group companies and operational departments to embed Risk Management within their processes.
• Raise awareness of effective Risk Management throughout Group companies.
• Monitor adherence to the Board-approved Risk Appetite and Tolerances.
• Review the Risk Management Programmes regularly to ensure compliance with the Framework.
• Deputise for the Head of Risk & Risk & Compliance Director as required.
• Liaise with Group companies' Compliance Officers, Internal and External Auditors.
• Attend Group companies' Audit & Risk Committees as needed.

Experience, knowledge, skills and qualifications:

• Senior-level Risk Management experience with a proven track record.
• Technical knowledge of risk management techniques, including risk MI analysis and governance.
• Understanding of FCA and GFSC rules, regulations, principles, and codes of practice.
• Broad awareness of insurance industry trends.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Ability to build relationships, influence, and network with senior stakeholders.
• Confident in technical and business discussions at all levels.
• Able to assess complex issues and recommend strategic decisions.
• Skilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and managing challenging conversations.
• Resilient, self-motivated, and comfortable with senior-level challenge.
• Culturally aware, inclusive, and sensitive to diversity.
• Proactive, solutions-focused, and IT literate, confident using data and systems to inform decisions.

Behaviours:

• Builds strong, influential relationships with senior stakeholders, providing trusted advice and gaining buy-in.
• Takes ownership of performance and development, delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Demonstrates resilience and adaptability under pressure.
• Thinks strategically and analytically, identifying root causes and opportunities for improvement.
• Contributes to initiatives and change, bringing ideas to improve processes.
• Plans and manages workload effectively, balancing priorities.

This is a great opportunity to make a genuine impact in a forward-thinking organisation. You’ll be at the heart of risk strategy, working alongside senior leaders to shape risk management and protect the business’s future.

Ready to apply? We’d love to hear from you – click the button and start the conversation.

What can we do for you?

We’re passionate about our colleagues and offer an energetic, supportive, and inspiring environment. Check out our full perks here.

Our Talent team can tell you everything about what we want and what we’re offering. We’re happy to discuss flexible working during recruitment.

As part of our Women in Finance Charter pledge, we aim for 30% women in leadership roles by end of 2023.