Head of Risk (SMF4)

MERJE; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An investment management firm in the UK is seeking an experienced Interim SMF4 Head of Risk to oversee its risk framework during a transition period. The role entails acting as the primary risk lead with the FCA, providing strategic oversight of various risk categories, and delivering risk reports to the Board. Ideal candidates will have prior SMF4 approval in a similar environment and proven experience leading risk functions during changes. 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 or regulatory scrutiny.
• Immediately available or available at short notice.

Responsibilities

• Act as the firm's primary risk lead with the FCA.
• Provide strategic oversight of all risk categories.
• Deliver high-quality risk reporting to the Board.

Skills

Strong technical grounding across risk disciplines

Excellent stakeholder management

Clear communication skills

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.