Head of Operational rigor

Head of Operational Rigour | Barclays | Geneva

Come join us as Head of Operational Rigour! The successful candidate will oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of the Geneva Operations Risk Management Framework. As part of the first line of defence, this role ensures strong risk governance, drives a culture of quality assurance, and partners with business teams to proactively identify, manage, and remediate operational risk.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Risk Management and Oversight:
   • Maintain strong risk partner relationships within Geneva Operations, providing guidance in risk identification and resolution.
   • Coordinate 2nd line Quality Assurance, Conformance Testing, and Management Information (MI) for relevant Risk Forums.
   • Ensure timely completion of open actions (Audit, RCSA, etc.).
   • Support a control environment through root cause analysis, incident escalation, and process improvement.
   • Track and report Key Risk and Quality Indicators (KRIs/KQIs).
2. Quality Assurance:
   • Oversee QA and Conformance Testing, ensuring proper documentation and issue tracking.
   • Assess and enhance QA activities to capture emerging risks.
   • Ensure comprehensive understanding and documentation of operational processes, risks, and controls.
3. Leadership and Stakeholder Management:
   • Manage and develop a team responsible for high-risk quality and control checks.
   • Promote a high-performance culture through coaching and development.
   • Set objectives and monitor team performance.
   • Engage with senior stakeholders across Risk, Financial Crime, Compliance, and Global Operations.
4. Decision Making and Reporting:
   • Present findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders, ensuring follow-up.
   • Share best practices and contribute to continuous improvement.
   • Provide accurate reports and insightful MI to support data-driven decisions.
5. Risk and Control Objective:

   Ensure duties comply with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and the Enterprise-Wide Risk Management Framework, fostering a risk-aware culture and maintaining effective controls.

Person Specification:

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience managing teams in operational risk or control environments.
• Strong analytical and investigative skills.
• Knowledge of operational risk standards and frameworks.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Experience in financial services operations, risk, or compliance.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.

Additional Details:

This role is based in Geneva. Candidates may be assessed on key skills such as risk management, control, change management, strategic thinking, and technical skills.

Purpose and Accountabilities:

• Support Private Bank and Wealth Management initiatives, including processing, reviewing, and reporting.
• Manage client relationships and identify areas for process improvement.
• Develop and implement procedures and controls to mitigate risks.
• Create reports and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Participate in projects to enhance operational efficiency.

Leadership Expectations:

• Contribute to strategy, resource planning, and policy management.
• Lead and develop teams, set objectives, and monitor performance.
• Demonstrate leadership behaviors aligned with Barclays values.
• Advise stakeholders on strategic and operational matters.
• Manage risks and strengthen controls.
• Build relationships and influence stakeholders.
• Utilize analytical skills to develop innovative solutions.

All colleagues are expected to embody Barclays' values and behaviors, including Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship, along with the Barclays Mindset of Empower, Challenge, and Drive.