1st Line Governance & Assurance Lead

Aviva plc; Galway; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension

Annual performance bonus

29 days holiday plus bank holidays

Health insurance contributions

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Aviva plc is seeking a First Line Governance & Assurance Lead in Ireland. You will partner with leaders to strengthen governance and risk controls, applying the ORCM framework and guiding teams on regulatory requirements.

You will monitor risks, escalate issues, and drive improvements across General Insurance, Life and Pensions distribution and servicing. The role requires CIP and/or QFA qualifications, strong stakeholder management, and a solid risk/compliance background in financial services.

Qualifications

• CIP and/or QFA qualification are essential; LCOI or other risk/governance qualification is beneficial.
• Experience in Risk, Governance, Compliance or Control within Financial Services or a regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of Operational Risk Management, Risk & Control frameworks, Conduct Risk and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills across all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities using data to improve controls.

Responsibilities

• Partner with business leaders to strengthen governance, risk and control frameworks and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Support application of ORCM framework with first-line risk guidance.
• Monitor and report on risks, controls and customer outcomes; identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Lead incident management and escalation of control weaknesses with stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to projects and governance forums with insights and recommendations.

Skills

CIP / QFA qualification

Governance & risk experience

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Job description

At Aviva, we're committed to delivering the right outcomes for our customers while maintaining a strong governance, risk and control environment. As our First Line Governance & Assurance Lead, you'll play a key role within the Aviva Direct Ireland (ADIL) business, supporting leaders and colleagues across General Insurance, Life and Pensions distribution and servicing activities. Working closely with our 1st Line Risk & Governance Team, Compliance and operational stakeholders, you'll help embed effective risk management practices, provide expert guidance on governance and regulatory requirements, and drive continuous improvement across the business. This is a highly visible role that combines oversight, challenge and support to ensure customers remain at the heart of decision-making.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Partner with business leaders to strengthen governance, risk and control frameworks, ensuring compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements and customer-focused standards.
• Support colleagues in the application of Aviva's Operational Risk and Control Management (ORCM) framework, providing first-line guidance and risk expertise.
• Monitor, assess and report on risks, controls and customer outcomes, identifying trends, emerging risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead the management and escalation of incidents, errors and control weaknesses, ensuring timely resolution and effective stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to projects, governance forums and assurance activities by providing insight, challenge and recommendations that enhance operational resilience and customer outcomes.

Skills & Experience

• Certified Insurance Practitioner (CIP) and/or Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) qualification is essential. LCOI or a recognised Risk, Governance or Compliance qualification would be beneficial.
• Experience within Risk, Governance, Compliance or Control functions gained in Financial Services, Insurance or another regulated environment.
• Strong understanding of Operational Risk Management, Risk & Control frameworks, Conduct Risk and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and provide constructive challenge at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, using data and insights to assess risks, improve controls and enhance customer outcomes.

What will you get for this role?

The work you do at Aviva will make a real difference to our customers. We will recognise your contributions and reward you. From competitive salaries to generous pension contributions and paid paternity leave;take a lookthrough some of our employee benefits!

The expected pay range for this role will fall between €70,000 and €80,000 and salary offered willcommensurate with candidate'slevel of skills and experience.

• A competitive market leading salary depending on skills, experience, and qualifications.
• Generous pension (employee contribution matching of up to 14% if you contribute 8%).
• Annual performance related bonus and pay review.
• Holiday allowance of 29 daysplus bank holidays, and the option to buy/sell up to 5 additional days.
• Generous Health & dental insurance contributions.
• Aviva Matching Share Plan and Save As You Earn scheme and Approved Profit Share Scheme.
• TaxSaver Travel Scheme.
• Up to 40% discount for some Aviva products plus discounts for Friends and Family.
• Professional qualification support and transparent career progression plans.
• Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave.
• Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work .
• Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your paid volunteering days to help others.
• We take your wellbeing seriously with lots of support and tools.
• We’re deeply invested in our people, our total reward package has so much to offer.

Aviva is for Everyone

Our diversity and inclusion policies and initiatives are shaping an environment where everyone feels welcome regardless of age, disability, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, culture, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, pregnancy,maternityor those with other caring responsibilities. Our approach helps to ensure that Aviva is a place which values difference andprovides equal opportunities for all.