Risk Manager

CMS UK; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Bonus scheme

25 days holiday

Job summary

CMS UK is seeking an experienced Risk Manager to lead the Risk Team in London, overseeing day-to-day operations, training, and escalation processes. You will manage complex data protection issues and partner with the Client Terms Team on policies and procedures.

Qualified lawyers or senior risk professionals with at least five years in a multinational law firm will thrive here. The role offers hybrid working, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the SRA Codes of Conduct and regulatory requirements.
• Strong research and analytical experience.
• Discretion with confidential information.
• Flexible and adaptable to new processes and technologies.
• Proactive, resilient and calm under pressure.
• Diplomatic in handling conflicts and queries.

Responsibilities

• Manage Risk Team inbox and ensure timely task allocation.
• Escalate issues as a point of contact for Risk Analysts.
• Lead day-to-day line management and performance reviews.
• Deliver risk training and participate in recruitment with senior management.
• Oversee data protection matters and handle complex investigations.
• Design and drive firm-wide risk and compliance training sessions.
• Monitor regulatory changes and amend policies as needed.
• Lead strategic risk projects and keep stakeholders informed.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Risk management

Analytical skills

Communication

Diplomacy

Time management

Leadership

Education

Qualified lawyer or risk professional

Job description

What You’ll Do

• Holds overall responsibility for managing the Risk Team inbox, ensuring that tasks are addressed efficiently and analysts have access to a diverse range of assignments and experiences.
• Serves as a point of escalation for fellow Risk Analysts.
• Addresses complex compliance inquiries raised by fee earners and business support departments ("internal clients").
• Demonstrates leadership in managing the team
• Oversees day-to-day line management of Risk Analyst(s), including routine check-ins and performance appraisals.
• Delivers training to Risk team members on various risk-related topics.
• Actively participates in the recruitment process in collaboration with the Senior Manager/Head of Risk.
• Supports the Conflicts Manager with resolving escalated conflict matters when required.
• Reviews and advises on client terms, working collaboratively with the Client Terms Team as needed.
• Designs and conducts firm-wide training sessions on compliance and risk issues, including induction programmes and other subject areas; identifies gaps in training and contributes to effective solutions.
• Leads internal risk assessments, audits, and investigations.
• Manages complex data protection matters, such as intricate data breaches and data subject access requests.
• Independently handles client file requests from initiation to completion, adhering to firm protocols.
• Takes ownership of individual projects and manages them effectively within agreed timelines, ensuring management remains informed.
• Maintains and enhances systems, processes, procedures, and team guidance.
• Acts as a contact point for regulatory risk escalations originating from the broader new business intake teams, including Conflicts, AML, Matter Administration, and related escalations.
• Proactively monitors changes in relevant laws, regulations, policies, and market practices; amends existing policies and procedures or drafts new ones as necessary.
• Shares knowledge across the team and presents developments or ideas during team meetings.
• Leads strategic risk projects in collaboration with management, managing project delivery and keeping stakeholders updated.

What You’ll Bring

• Excellent knowledge of the SRA Codes of Conduct and other applicable regulatory and legislative requirements.
• Excellent research and analytical experience.
• Discrete and professional as the information will be confidential and sensitive.
• Flexible and able to adapt to new situations, processes and technology.
• Proactive, resilient and calm under pressure.
• Ability to handle conflicts and difficult queries with diplomacy and tact.
• Able to demonstrate structured critical thinking skills.
• Sound judgement and analytical skills.
• Clear, efficient and appropriate communication skills.
• Excellent drafting skills.
• Strong time management skills, ability to identify urgent issues and prioritise appropriately, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Strong organisation skills.
• Can express complex situations and concepts clearly and succinctly.
• Demonstrates independence, confidence, authority and credibility.
• Ability to make commercial decisions, considering the risks involved.
• Focused, confident and composed in challenging situations.

Experience

• Qualified lawyer or experienced risk professional
• Minimum of 5 years working in an international law firm, within a risk function
• Experience in managing a team
• Experienced in data protection

What’s in it for you?

Benefits

We want to reward you today and help you plan for tomorrow. We appreciate that everyone is different, therefore we have designed a benefits system that offers choice and flexibility based on individual needs and lifestyles. To name a few, these include:

• Competitive basic salary (reviewed annually)
• Flexible, hybrid working policy
• Generous bonus scheme
• Up to 25 days holiday (rising to 28 days with service)
• Holiday exchange scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced parental leave
• Reasonable adjustments and accommodation for disabled talent in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

If you would like to read more information regarding our range of benefits, please visit our Rewards & Benefits page on our website.