1st Line Risk Oversight Manager

FNZ Group; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm in Johannesburg is seeking an Operational Risk & Control Manager to lead risk processes and ensure effective Risk Event reporting. The candidate must possess strong leadership skills, a background in Operational Risk within wealth management, and the ability to build relationships with clients. Excellent communication skills and an IOC qualification are required for this role, offering an opportunity to drive improvements and manage a dedicated team.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of process, control, and efficiency improvements at a team management level.
• Experience managing teams under tight deadlines and client deliverables.
• High standard of written and verbal communication, with strong influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive the use of the risk system as the repository for Risk Event Information.
• Support the first line of defence with risk-related queries.
• Manage and oversee daily team controls effectively.

Skills

Process improvement

Team management

Client relationship management

Risk Event Process knowledge

Regulatory framework knowledge

Education

IOC qualification

Job description

Description

The Operational Risk & Control Manager is responsible for leading the application and development of the Risk Event process, acting as the primary escalation point for all FNZ clients regarding Operational Risk matters, and supporting the Operational Risk Director.

Specific Role Responsibilities

• Drive the use of the Firm’s designated risk system as the sole repository for Risk Event Information.
• Identify and swiftly remediate key person dependencies.
• Support the first line of defence with risk-related queries, including business continuity, RCSA, Control Testing, Operational Resilience, and Financial Crime.
• Ensure timely delivery of quality, accurate Risk Events to clients, with appropriate regulatory impact assessment.
• Provide quality Risk Event MI to all business levels, from 1st line to Governance Committees and Board Reporting.
• Manage and oversee daily team controls effectively.
• Perform trend analysis and follow-up with business areas on trends, timeliness, and quality.
• Assist in driving quality action plans with clear ownership, oversight, and escalation to ensure completion and mitigate FNZ risk exposure.
• Improve processes in audit governance by reviewing and revising processes and communicating developments.
• Attend regular client meetings and resolve actions within agreed timescales.
• Respond promptly and professionally to client queries.
• Develop and deliver risk-related training focusing on identification, quality, and timeliness of Risk Event reporting.
• Develop Operational Risk & Control Analysts through regular coaching and feedback.
• Manage the performance of direct reports, addressing issues promptly to prevent client or operational impact.

Functional Area Responsibilities

• Develop the Operational Risk & Control Team’s purpose, ensuring value and assurance to FNZ and clients.
• Lead the evolution of the FNZ Risk Event process for efficient escalation, recording, and reporting.
• Promote a risk-aware culture within FNZ 1st line.
• Proactively suggest innovations and process improvements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and clients.
• Stay informed of sector-wide developments and beyond.
• Undertake other duties as determined by the Operational Risk Director.
• Complete all mandatory training timely.
• Foster a culture of openness and ethical decision-making within the team.

Experience Required

• Proven track record of process, control, and efficiency improvements at a team management level.
• Experience managing teams under tight deadlines and client deliverables.
• Extensive Operational Risk & Control experience within the Wealth Management / Platform industry.
• Experience in the Risk Event Process and oversight functions.
• Client relationship management experience.
• Knowledge of UK financial services and regulatory framework, including CASS Sourcebook.
• Fully IOC qualified.
• High standard of written and verbal communication, with strong influencing skills.
• Effective communication at all organizational levels in a regulated environment.
• Numerate, literate, punctual, and deadline-driven.
• Strategic, analytical, and detail-oriented.
• Strong negotiation skills.

Excellent Achievement Background

• Technical knowledge in product lifecycle, market risk solutions, fixed income products, credit risk, and attributions.

Superior Management, Leadership, and Supervisory Expertise

• Ability to be objective.
• Professional, diplomatic, and cordial demeanor.
• Ability to understand complex edicts, regulation guidelines, insurance products, and financial legislation.