Operational Risk Specialist

Barclays Bank Plc; Sworton Heath; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in the UK seeks an Operational Risk Specialist responsible for analyzing and managing operational risks. This role involves identifying and mitigating interconnected risks, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with internal frameworks. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills and experience in risk management frameworks. Join a dynamic team focused on excellence and integrity in risk management.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of risk frameworks, controls, and regulatory expectations.
• Ability to interpret risk data and assess emerging risks through analysis.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and collaboration with senior management.

Responsibilities

• Identify and manage operational risks aligning business strategy.
• Analyze operational risk data to identify trends and mitigate risks.
• Engage with stakeholders to communicate complex information effectively.

Skills

Risk identification

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Complex problem-solving

Risk framework knowledge

Tools

JIRA

Data analytics platforms

Job description

Overview

Join Barclays as an Operational Risk Specialist, where you'll be responsible for providing analysis, review and investigation of the operational risk elements within specific risk categories across the bank, ensuring they are guided in accordance with Barclays' Enterprise Risk Framework, Policies, and Standards. To provide independent review and challenge of the Operational Risk elements of particular risk categories across the bank, ensuring they are carried out in accordance with Barclays Operational Risk Framework, Policies, and Standards.

Responsibilities

• Risk identification and proactive risk management, identifying interconnected, horizon and emerging risks to assist the business in understanding, managing and mitigating the right risks in line with their business strategy and objectives.
• Analysis of operational risk data to identify trends, patterns, and emerging risks.
• Risk-based analysis of business processes, systems, and controls to assess the likelihood and impact of identified risks.
• Ongoing research and monitoring of internal and external sources to identify potential Operational Risks.
• Oversight, review and challenge of 1st Line activities including – Risk Control Self Assessments (RCSAs), Risk Events, Issues and attendance at key Risk and Control meetings (with associated reporting) ensuring they accurately reflect the business risk position.
• Stakeholder management, engaging and working effectively with First and Second Line management.
• Risk-based 2nd Line input into 1st Line Projects, Initiatives and Strategic decision making.
• To advise and influence decision making, contribute to policy development and take responsibility for operational effectiveness. Collaborate closely with other functions/ business divisions.
• Lead a team performing complex tasks, using well developed professional knowledge and skills to deliver on work that impacts the whole business function. Set objectives and coach employees in pursuit of those objectives, appraisal of performance relative to objectives and determination of reward outcomes.
• If the position has leadership responsibilities, demonstrate leadership behaviours to create an environment for colleagues to thrive and deliver to a consistently excellent standard. The four LEAD behaviours are: L - Listen and be authentic, E - Energise and inspire, A - Align across the enterprise, D - Develop others.
• For an individual contributor, lead collaborative assignments and guide team members through structured assignments, identifying the need for the inclusion of other areas of specialisation to complete assignments. Identify new directions for assignments and/or projects, and use cross-functional methodologies or practices to meet required outcomes.
• Consult on complex issues; provide advice to People Leaders to support the resolution of escalated issues.
• Identify ways to mitigate risk and develop new policies/procedures in support of the control and governance agenda.
• Take ownership for managing risk and strengthening controls in relation to the work done.
• Perform work closely related to other areas, requiring understanding of how areas coordinate and contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the organisation sub-function.
• Collaborate with other areas of work, for business-aligned support areas to stay up to speed with business activity and the business strategy.
• Engage in complex analysis of data from multiple sources of information, internal and external sources such as procedures and practices to solve problems creatively and effectively.
• Communicate complex information clearly, including sensitive information or information that is difficult to communicate to the intended audience.
• Influence or convince stakeholders to achieve outcomes.
• Risk & Controls Expertise - Strong knowledge of risk frameworks, controls, and regulatory expectations. Skilled in RCSAs, analysing risk events, and challenging first-line activities.
• Analytical Thinking - Ability to interpret risk data, spot trends, and assess emerging risks through scenario analysis, RICM assessments, and issue closure.
• Stakeholder Engagement - Experience influencing senior stakeholders and collaborating with SMEs in areas such as Cyber, Technology, and Resilience.
• Digital & Technology Acumen - Familiarity with JIRA, ORAC, Service First, Navigator, and data analytics platforms.
• Strategic Thinking - Aligning operational risk insights with business strategy to support mitigation and long-term planning.
• Change Awareness - Understanding of risk impacts during transformation and financial planning cycles.
• You may be assessed on the key critical skills relevant for success in role, such as risk and controls, change and transformation, business acumen strategic thinking and digital and technology, as well as job-specific technical skills.
• All colleagues will be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship, and the Barclays Mindset to Empower, Challenge and Drive.