Operational Risk Manager – 1.5 Line

Barclay Simpson; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing, technology-driven financial services provider is seeking an Operational Risk Manager to strengthen their risk management team in London. The role involves working closely with Operations and Back Office teams to proactively identify and mitigate operational risks across the trade lifecycle. Ideal candidates will have strong stakeholder management skills and a solid background in operational risk within financial services.

Benefits

Referral bonus available

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of experience in operational risk or back-office operations.
• Proven experience in conducting risk assessments and control testing.
• Strong grasp of post-trade processes and trade lifecycle risk points.

Responsibilities

• Act as the risk liaison for Operations embedding operational risk frameworks.
• Execute regular risk assessments and track mitigation strategies.
• Develop and deliver real-time risk dashboards for senior leadership.

Skills

Operational Risk Management

Stakeholder Management

Regulatory Compliance

Data Driven Reporting

Process Improvement

Education

Degree in Finance, Economics, Risk or related field

Tools

GRC Tools

Job description

Company Profile

This firm is a fast-growing, technology-driven financial services provider with a global presence and a reputation for innovation. Operating at the cutting edge of trading infrastructure, they deliver award-winning digital platforms, renowned for their performance, reliability, and user experience. Their client base spans institutional and professional investors across global markets, with operations deeply rooted in compliance, automation, and scalability.

As the business continues to expand across jurisdictions, they’re investing in their risk management capabilities to support sustainable growth and operational resilience. The culture is agile, ambitious, and collaborative—an ideal environment for individuals who thrive on autonomy, pace, and meaningful impact.

The Role

The firm is seeking a skilled Operational Risk Manager (1.5 LoD) to join their London-based Risk function. Acting as a trusted risk partner to the Operations and Back Office teams, the role sits between the First and Second Lines of Defence and plays a crucial part in proactively identifying and mitigating operational risks across the trade lifecycle.

This is a high-impact position suited to someone with a solid understanding of operational process risk, control testing, and regulatory expectations. You’ll be empowered to challenge the status quo, build influence across business lines, and shape risk practices as the company scales.

Key Tasks

• Act as the risk liaison for Operations and Back Office, embedding operational risk frameworks across daily processes.
• Execute regular risk assessments, documenting key exposures and tracking mitigation strategies.
• Develop and deliver real-time risk dashboards and MI for senior leadership and governance committees.
• Conduct control testing and assurance activities on design and operational effectiveness.
• Drive root cause analysis of operational incidents and ensure control enhancements are implemented.
• Collaborate with internal audit, compliance, and technology on cross-functional risk initiatives.
• Prepare high-quality risk reports for committees, highlighting control gaps and areas of concern.
• Own and enhance risk policies and procedures relevant to operational resilience and business continuity.
• Lead training and awareness efforts to embed a proactive risk culture in front-to-back operations.
• Champion automation, process optimisation, and risk reduction initiatives in collaboration with business leaders.

Experience Required

• 7–10 years of experience in operational risk, controls, or back-office operations within financial services or fintech.
• Proven experience conducting risk assessments and testing controls for design and effectiveness.
• Strong grasp of post-trade processes, settlements, reconciliations, and trade lifecycle risk points.
• Track record of supporting or managing regulatory reviews and internal/external audits.
• Familiarity with GRC tools or risk technology platforms and a data-driven approach to reporting.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, including influence at senior level.
• Proactive mindset with the ability to challenge constructively and drive process change.
• Experience working in high-growth, regulated environments with global cross-functional teams.
• Degree in finance, economics, risk, or a related field.

Call to Action

To apply, or for a confidential conversation, contact Molly Phillips – [e-mail].
Please send your CV & a short introduction outlining why you’re interested in the role.

If this position isn’t quite right for you but someone else comes to mind, we offer a referral bonus (T&Cs apply).