Operational Risk & Controls Assurance Officer

St. James's Place; Cirencester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services company in Cirencester seeks an Operational Risk & Controls Assurance Officer responsible for embedding and maintaining the Operational Risk Framework. The ideal candidate has experience in risk management and is skilled in assessing and challenging operational risks. This role offers competitive salary and benefits within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive parental leave

Private medical insurance

Non-contributory pension

Qualifications

• Experience in a 1st or 2nd line risk or compliance function within financial services.
• Strong knowledge of operational risk frameworks and control processes.
• Ability to assess and challenge operational risks and controls.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of the firm's Operational Risk and Controls Framework.
• Deliver operational risk training and provide technical guidance.
• Identify and assess operational risks and deliver assurance.

Skills

Operational risk management

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Professional risk management qualifications

Job description

Operational Risk & Controls Assurance Officer

Are you ready to chart your own career path? With our refreshed strategy, we're building on our rich heritage and transforming our business to be more scalable and efficient, unlocking the capabilities needed for future success. This includes significantly investing in technology, streamlining the way we work and creating an environment where colleagues feel engaged, empowered and accountable; where they can show up, speak up and perform - because we believe in the difference our work makes.

At a glance:

Location: Cirencester Office

Workplace Type:

Employment Type: Permanent

Seniority: Mid-Senior Level

What you'll be doing:

As a key member of the Operational Risk team, this role plays a vital part in embedding and maintaining SJP's Operational Risk and Controls Framework. You'll support the business and Legal Entities in identifying, assessing, and managing operational risks and delivering independent controls' assurance. This role sits within the 2nd line of defence, providing technical guidance and challenge to ensure a strong risk culture and effective control environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the development and implementation of the firm's Operational Risk and Controls Framework across the Group.
• Deliver operational risk training and provide technical guidance on risk and control registers.
• Identify, assess and monitor operational risks, and support the development of KRIs, KCIs, and operational risk reporting.
• Conduct and support operational risk assessments, scenarios and stress testing.
• Perform independent control testing and deep dive assurance reviews across the Group's non-financial risk areas.
• Collaborate with Senior Business Risk Partners to provide risk oversight and support business partnering activity.
• Act as a trusted advisor to business units, helping embed a strong risk culture and awareness of Consumer Duty.

Who we're looking for:

We are looking for an experienced operational risk professional with a passion for effective risk management and control assurance. You'll have strong analytical and interpersonal skills, be comfortable operating in a collaborative environment, and possess a solid understanding of the financial services regulatory landscape. You'll be confident providing independent challenge and working with teams across the business to improve the quality and effectiveness of risk practices.

Skills & Experience:

Essential

• Experience working in a 1st or 2nd line risk or compliance function within financial services.
• Strong knowledge of operational risk frameworks and control processes.
• Proven ability to assess and challenge operational risks and controls.
• Experience in conducting risk reviews and providing risk-based recommendations.
• Strong understanding of the three lines of defence model.

Desirable

• Professional risk management qualifications (or near completion).
• Experience conducting controls assurance and testing.
• Familiarity with ESG/Sustainability risk oversight.

What's in it for you?

We reward you for the work you do, whether that's through our discretionary annual bonus scheme that reflects both personal and company performance, competitive annual leave allowance (28 days plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase an additional 5 days), or online rewards platform with a variety of discounts.

We also have benefits to support whatever stage of life you are in, including:

• Competitive parental leave (26 weeks full pay)
• Private medical insurance (optional taxable benefit)
• 10% non-contributory pension (increasing with length of service)

Reasonable Adjustments

We're an equal opportunities employer and want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive for all. If you require reasonable adjustment(s) at any stage, please let us know by emailing us at [e-mail].

Research indicates that applicants (especially those from underrepresented groups) can be discouraged from applying if they do not meet all criteria or have been on an extended career break. If you think you would be a good fit and can demonstrate some transferable experience, please apply, regardless of whether you tick every box.

What's next?

If you're excited about this role and believe you have the skills and experience we're looking for, we'd love to hear from you! Please submit an application by clicking 'apply' below, and our team will be in touch.

As a FCA-regulated business, we advise you to familiarize yourself with conduct regulations and consumer duty obligations prior to an interview with SJP.

• Highly competitive salary and flexible benefits