Operational Risk Manager (1st Line)

TN United Kingdom; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative financial institution is seeking a Risk Manager to enhance operational risk management practices. This role emphasizes collaboration with product teams to identify and mitigate risks, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in retail banking and a passion for improving customer outcomes. With a commitment to diversity and flexibility, this forward-thinking company offers a hybrid working environment, allowing employees to thrive both in the office and remotely. Join a team dedicated to redefining banking and making a positive impact in the financial sector.

Qualifications

• Experienced risk professional with a solid understanding of retail banking.
• Proven track record in managing operational risk within financial services.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure compliance within risk appetite.
• Identify risk areas and lead in designing sustainable solutions.

Skills

Operational Risk Management

Stakeholder Management

Regulatory Knowledge

Communication Skills

Change Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Finance or related field

Professional Risk Management Certification

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

col-narrow-left

Client:

Zopa

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

col-narrow-right

Job Reference:

9bc5c4164baf

Job Views:

6

Posted:

05.05.2025

Expiry Date:

19.06.2025

col-wide

Job Description:

Our Story

Hello there. We’re Zopa. We started our journey back in 2005, building the first ever peer-to-peer lending company. Fast forward to 2020, and we launched Zopa Bank, a bank that listens to what our customers don’t like about finance and does the opposite. We’re redefining what it feels like to work in finance. Our vision for a new era of banking puts people front and centre — we’ve built a business that empowers everyone to aim high, every day, to move finance forward. Find out more about our offerings at our website. We’re incredibly proud of our achievements, and none of it would be possible without the amazing team here. It’s not just industry awards we’re winning; we’ve also been named in the top three UK’s Most Loved Workplaces. If you embrace unconventional challenges, think differently, and are driven to make an outsized impact, you’ll thrive here at Zopa. Join us and make it count. Follow us on Instagram @zopalife.

Role Overview

The 1st Line of Defence (1LOD) Risk Function manages risks across the organisation, working with stakeholders and adopting the bank’s risk framework to embed effective risk management. We are looking for a Risk Manager to partner with Lending Product areas (POS, Credit Cards, UPLs, Auto) to identify, assess, and manage operational risks. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a risk professional motivated by driving change and delivering responsible growth and customer-centric experiences.

Responsibilities:

1. Report to the Senior Manager - Lending, working with stakeholders across the three lines of defence to ensure risk appetite is maintained through effective controls.
2. Identify risk areas with strong operational risk and control knowledge.
3. Define solutions that are smart, sustainable, and holistic, improving the risk environment.
4. Manage interdependencies to support timely delivery of solutions and change initiatives.
5. Ensure timely MI and reporting for informed, risk-based decisions.

About You:

1. Experienced risk professional with a strong understanding of retail banking and customer outcomes.
2. Proven experience managing operational risk in fintech, consultancy, or financial services.
3. Good awareness of regulatory frameworks and open banking regulations.
4. Ability to lead stakeholders and support business change, improving risk practices.
5. Technical, outcome-oriented, and able to apply risk frameworks effectively.
6. Strong communicator, able to articulate issues and gain buy-in.
7. Passionate about improving risk environments and team ways of working.
8. Knowledgeable contact for risk colleagues and first-line teams, guiding risk assessments and fostering a risk-aware culture.

Bonus Points:

1. Practical knowledge of lending regulations.
2. Experience with automated and tech-driven change projects.

Flexible Working:

We support hybrid working from UK offices and home, with options to work abroad up to 120 days/year, subject to right to work.

Diversity Statement:

Zopa values diversity and inclusivity, with a multicultural team and a DE&I forum. We encourage adjustments for applicants and aim for a workplace where everyone can bring their full selves.