Head of Risk (SMF4)

MERJE; Bristol; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established investment management firm is seeking an experienced Interim SMF4 Head of Risk to oversee its risk framework and ensure compliance with FCA requirements. This critical role involves providing strategic oversight across various risk categories, including operational and market risks, and advising senior leadership on governance best practices. The ideal candidate will have previous approval as SMF4 and a proven track record in leading risk functions during transitions. Immediate availability is preferred.

Qualifications

• Previous approval as SMF4 within an FCA-regulated investment or asset management environment.
• Proven experience leading risk functions through change, transition, or regulatory scrutiny.
• Immediately available or available at short notice.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the firm’s risk framework and compliance with FCA requirements.
• Provide strategic oversight of risk categories including operational and market risk.
• Deliver high-quality risk reporting to senior management and the Board.

Skills

Strong technical grounding across risk disciplines

Excellent stakeholder management

Clear communication skills

Education

Previous approval as SMF4 within an FCA-regulated environment

Job description

Interim SMF4 Head of Risk

Investment Management | 6–12 Month Contract |

Location : UK based

An established investment management firm is seeking an experienced Interim SMF4 to provide senior leadership within its Risk function during a period of transition. This is a critical role responsible for overseeing the firm’s risk framework, ensuring robust governance, and maintaining ongoing compliance with FCA requirements.

Key Responsibilities :

• Hold the SMF4 designation and act as the firm’s primary risk lead with the FCA.
• Provide strategic oversight of all risk categories including operational, conduct, investment, liquidity, and market risk.
• Maintain and develop the enterprise risk management framework, ensuring it remains proportionate and effective.
• Deliver high-quality risk reporting to the Board, Risk Committee, and ExCo.
• Advise senior leadership on emerging risks, regulatory expectations, and best‑practice governance.
• Oversee risk systems, policies, controls, and assurance activity.
• Support ongoing change, transformation, or remediation activities as required.

About You :

• Previous approval as SMF4 within an FCA-regulated investment or asset management environment.
• Strong technical grounding across risk disciplines, with the ability to challenge and influence at senior level.
• Proven experience leading risk functions through change, transition, or regulatory scrutiny.
• Clear communicator with excellent stakeholder management and governance capability.
• Immediately available or available at short notice.

How to Apply :

If you are an experienced SMF4 ready to step into a key leadership role on an interim basis, please get in touch for a confidential discussion.