Operational Risk Manager

JR United Kingdom; Slough; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services organization seeks an experienced Group Operational Risk Senior Manager for a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role offers the chance to shape operational risk management practices at the group level and drive alignment across business units. In this hands-on strategic role, you will lead a team and engage with executive-level stakeholders to enhance governance structures and foster a strong risk culture.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years’ experience in operational risk in a regulated environment.
• Experience developing and implementing risk management frameworks.
• Knowledge of Solvency II and/or Bermuda Monetary Authority regulations is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Set Operational Risk policies, limits, and KRIs.
• Lead the strategic direction of the Internal Control Framework.
• Deliver effective Group Operational Risk Reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Collaboration

Influencing Stakeholders

Tools

SAI 360

MS Office

Job description

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A leading financial services organisation is seeking an experienced Group Operational Risk Senior Manager to join its Group Risk function on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape and embed operational risk management practices at group level and drive consistent alignment across business units.

The successful candidate will be a functional lead in their area of expertise and will take ownership of designing, overseeing, and enhancing operational risk frameworks, internal controls, and governance structures. You will lead the Group Operational Risk Working Group and manage a small team, while working closely with the Chief Risk Officers of local entities to ensure consistency and strategic alignment across the Group.

Purpose of the Role

This is a high-impact role with group-wide visibility, offering the chance to influence operational risk strategy, ensure robust internal controls, and contribute meaningfully to broader risk culture and governance initiatives. The role is hands-on, strategic, and collaborative, with exposure to executive-level stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Set Operational Risk policies, limits, and KRIs; ensure compliance across the group.
• Lead the strategic direction and implementation of the Internal Control Framework.
• Deliver effective Group Operational Risk Reporting including risk registers, events, KRIs, and outsourcing oversight.
• Set and lead the agenda for the Group’s Operational Risk Working Group.
• Present quarterly risk reporting to executive committees and recommend capital optimisation actions.
• Oversee risk event management for Group Functions and support breach escalation and response.
• Lead operational risk inputs into the Group ORSA process.
• Provide oversight of IT Risk activities and support business continuity and resilience planning.
• Conduct risk horizon scanning and promote risk culture, including training and awareness initiatives.

Group-wide Oversight & Alignment:

• Oversee and challenge Business Units and Group Functions on implementation of risk frameworks.
• Establish and manage a Group Operational Risk Network for knowledge sharing and consistency.
• Provide expert guidance on local entity reporting, including KRIs and RCSAs.
• Ensure operational risk and outsourcing processes and templates are consistent across the Group.
• Support Business Units in embedding operational risk policies and frameworks effectively.

Candidate Profile

Key Capabilities:

• Executive presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, including team development and matrix leadership.
• Strategic and hands-on approach, with comfort operating in a flat, fast-paced organisational structure.
• Adaptability, strong judgement, and commercial acumen.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to constructively challenge and build consensus.

Functional & Technical Expertise:

• 5–10 years’ experience in operational risk within an international, regulated environment.
• Proven experience developing and implementing risk management frameworks.
• Knowledge of Solvency II and/or Bermuda Monetary Authority regulations is a strong advantage.
• High proficiency in SAI 360 and MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio).