Lead Financial Risk Manager

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a prominent financial institution in Durban in hiring a Lead Financial Risk Manager. The role oversees risk identification, assessment, and mitigation across the organization, leading a team of risk professionals and ensuring robust risk frameworks are implemented.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s degree in a quantitative field and 6+ years in financial risk management, including leadership experience, with deep knowledge of Basel and market risk dynamics.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Statistics or a related quantitative field.
• 6+ years in financial risk management with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of financial markets, instruments and Basel/regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience developing and implementing risk policies and procedures.
• Excellent analytical, leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive financial risk management strategies and policies.
• Lead and manage the financial risk team, providing guidance and oversight.
• Assess market, credit, liquidity and operational risk regularly.
• Design and maintain risk models and stress testing frameworks.
• Monitor KRIs and prepare risk reports for senior management and regulators.
• Ensure compliance with local and international financial regulations and standards.
• Collaborate with business units to embed risk practices in daily operations.
• Identify emerging risks and propose mitigation strategies.
• Contribute to risk appetite statements and limits.

Skills

Leadership

Financial risk management

Risk modeling

Regulatory knowledge

Team management

Education

Master's degree in Finance/Economics/Statistics

Tools

Risk management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial institution headquartered in **Durban**, is looking for an experienced Lead Financial Risk Manager to join their dedicated team. This role requires a highly analytical and strategic individual who can oversee the identification, assessment, and mitigation of financial risks across the organization. The successful candidate will lead a team of risk professionals, ensuring robust risk management frameworks and policies are effectively implemented. This is an on‑site position, offering the chance to work within a collaborative and dynamic office environment in the heart of **Durban**'s financial district.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive financial risk management strategies and policies.
• Lead and manage the financial risk team, providing guidance and oversight.
• Conduct regular assessments of market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, and operational risk.
• Design and maintain risk models and stress testing frameworks.
• Monitor key risk indicators (KRIs) and prepare risk reports for senior management and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure compliance with local and international financial regulations and standards.
• Collaborate with business units to embed risk management best practices into daily operations.
• Identify emerging risks and proactively recommend mitigation strategies.
• Contribute to the development of risk appetite statements and limits.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Finance, Economics, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in financial risk management, with at least 2 years in a leadership capacity.
• In‑depth knowledge of financial markets, instruments, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., Basel Accords).
• Proven experience in developing and implementing risk management policies and procedures.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in risk management software and tools.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience with data analysis and statistical modeling techniques.