1st Line Risk & Assurance Manager | Operations

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This is a hybrid role working 3 days in the office and 2 days working form home.

Role Purpose:

The 1st Line Risk and Assurance Manager will serve as the central subject matter expert (SME) for first-line risk across the business, responsible for supporting and embedding the bank's risk management frameworks, policies, and practices into business operations. The role will provide proactive and practical guidance, support, and assurance on risk, ensuring a joined-up approach with operational resilience and third-party risk requirements, building a strong risk-aware culture within the bank.

Responsibilities:

• Be central SME for 1st line risk, providing support and expertise to business units and promoting a proactive risk management culture across the bank
• Lead the practical implementation of the bank's risk management policies, frameworks, and practices in alignment with the bank's risk appetite within the business unit
• Lead the banks central assurance approach, providing assurance on the performance of the banks key controls
• Support and guide business units in completing RCSA, ensuring accurate assessment and documentation of risks and key controls
• Manage and oversee the risk event and incident management process, including design improvements and maturity enhancements, to support effective issue resolution and lessons learned
• Collaborate with operational resilience and third-party risk teams to embed resilience and risk practices across first-line business units
• Play a key part in the running of the banks Operations & Resilience Committee, monitoring, and reporting against KRIs and key control performance metrics
• Work closely with 2nd line risk and compliance teams to ensure alignment with the bank's risk appetite, policies, and risk frameworks
• Educate and engage staff on operational risk management principles, frameworks, and controls, promoting awareness and understanding of risk responsibilities
• Encourage a risk-aware culture across business units, providing guidance and resources to help employees understand their roles in managing operational risk

Skills and Experience sought:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in Operational Risk Management
• Demonstrated experience in implementation of Operational Risk programmes and frameworks
• Hands on experience of leading Operational Risk process initiatives and embedding frameworks
• Financial industry experience, with strong experience in working within expected regulatory standards
• Risk Management Expertise: Proven experience in operational risk management, ideally in a 1st line capacity within financial services
• Knowledge of Regulatory Requirements: Familiarity with PRA, FCA, and SS2/21 regulatory standards related to operational resilience and third-party risk management
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong ability to analyse risk data, identify trends, and support business units in implementing effective controls
• Stakeholder Engagement: Strong interpersonal skills to build effective working relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Communication Skills: Ability to clearly articulate complex risk concepts to various audiences and ensure understanding of risk policies and practices
• Project Management Skills: Experience with project planning and delivery, particularly around the deployment of risk management tools, processes, and software
• Training & Education: Skilled at educating and engaging staff to build a strong risk-aware culture within the bank

Remuneration and Benefits:

• competitive salary and discretionary bonus scheme
• matched pension contributions up to 7%
• 26 days annual leave plus two wellbeing days and opportunity to purchase additional holiday
• flexible and hybrid working
• private medical insurance via Vitality
• life, income protection and critical illness insurance
• enhanced family leave pay
• extensive learning and personal development opportunities
• electric car scheme and cycle to work scheme
• season ticket loan
• wellbeing support - discounted gym membership, employee assistance programme, 24/7 private GP access for staff and their immediate family (online), 1:1 key life stage coaching