Senior Operational Risk Manager

Stratlab; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900 000 - 1 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment firm is seeking a Senior Operational Risk Manager to take ownership of operational risk and compliance across investment processes. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of relevant experience, strong knowledge of South African investment legislation, and the ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders. This role offers a chance to make a substantial impact within a regulated investment environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within the investment and savings industry.
• Solid knowledge of South African investment-related legislation.
• Experience engaging with senior management and governance committees.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for operational risk management across investment processes.
• Manage regulatory compliance across various South African acts.
• Prepare risk, compliance and governance reporting for senior management.

Skills

RCSAs

Incident & breach management

Control testing

KRIs

Strong written and verbal reporting

Education

Relevant undergraduate degree

Postgraduate qualification in risk, compliance or investments

Job description

Stratlab – Where Talent Meets Its People.

We connect brilliant minds with companies that actually get them. Serious about growth, light on the drama.

We’re currently looking for a Senior Operational Risk Manager,

a role for someone who thrives in a regulated investment environment and wants to make a real impact at a senior, business-wide level.

At Stratlab, we focus on culture fit, long-term impact, and building relationships that last – because great work happens when people belong.

Think this is you? Let’s make it happen.

Senior Operational Risk Manager

A highly regarded investment and savings business is appointing a Senior Operational Risk Manager to take full ownership of its operational risk and compliance environment across investment and operational processes.

This is a hands‑on, senior role reporting directly into the COO, with regular exposure to Exco, Risk and Audit Committees. The mandate is clear: embed a robust operational risk framework, strengthen regulatory compliance, and elevate risk culture across the business. This role is not suited to generalist compliance managers or candidates outside the investment/savings space.

The technical brief (read this carefully):

You will be accountable for end-to-end operational risk management within an investment environment, including:

• Owning and embedding the Operational Risk Management Framework (RCSAs, KRIs, incident & loss event management, issue tracking)
• Managing regulatory compliance across POPIA, FAIS, FIC Act, CISCA, Pension Funds Act (incl. Reg 28 & Board Notices), FSCA conduct standards and related guidance
• Coordinating incident, breach and mandate deviation management, including root cause analysis, remediation and senior‑level reporting
• Maintaining and governing the enterprise‑wide risk register
• Preparing clear, decision‑useful risk, compliance and governance reporting for Exco, Risk Committee, Audit Committee and Boards
• Leading operational risk input into audits, regulatory reviews and remediation initiatives

Key areas of exposure required:

• Reviewing investment management agreements (IMAs), fund documentation and service provider contracts from an operational risk and regulatory perspective (non‑legal)
• Managing third‑party, outsourcing and vendor risk, including operational due diligence on administrators, custodians, asset managers and technology providers
• Overseeing the policy environment – drafting, maintaining and embedding risk, compliance and governance policies
• Coordinating the FAIS compliance relationship, including Key Individuals, Representatives and ongoing FAIS obligations
• Designing and delivering staff compliance and risk training
• Actively promoting a strong risk culture, with the confidence to challenge senior stakeholders constructively

What will make you a fit (non‑negotiable):

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within the investment and savings industry (asset management, investment administration, pension fund administration or similar)
• Demonstrated, practical experience applying:
  • RCSAs
  • Incident & breach management
  • Control testing
  • KRIs
• Solid, working knowledge of South African investment‑related legislation and FSCA requirements
• Experience engaging confidently with senior management, Exco and governance committees
• Strong written and verbal reporting capability, this role lives in detail and insight

Qualifications:

• Relevant undergraduate degree (Law, Finance, Business or similar)
• Postgraduate qualification and/or professional certifications in risk, compliance or investments are advantageous

Candidates who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply directly to the vacancy.