Head of Operational Risk UK (m/f/d)

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ABOUT US

Pliant is a European fintech specializing in B2B payment solutions. Our modular, API-first platform helps businesses streamline spending, improve cash flow, and integrate payments into their financial workflows. Designed for industries with complex payment needs, such as travel and fleet, Pliant enables greater efficiency, control, and profitability.

We serve two primary customer segments:

• Companies looking to optimize operational processes through intuitive apps and APIs, gaining control, automation, and financial flexibility through extended credit lines.
• Businesses such as financial software platforms, ERP providers, and banks that want to launch or enhance their credit card offerings using Pliant's embedded finance and white-label solutions.

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Berlin, Pliant supports over 3,500 businesses and more than 20 partners globally. As a licensed e-money institution (EMI), we issue Visa-powered credit cards in 11 currencies across more than 30 countries, helping companies streamline and simplify payments.

Learn more at www.getpliant.com

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will be instrumental in ensuring our UK entity meets regulatory expectations under the UK E-Money Regulations, FCA Operational Resilience framework, and relevant outsourcing and risk management standards. In close collaboration with both our international risk function and UK leadership, you will help embed a resilient and effective risk culture at Pliant. This is an ideal role for someone with deep experience in financial services risk management who enjoys working in a high-growth, tech-driven environment.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Risk Framework & Governance

• Lead or support the implementation of key components of the UK Risk Management Framework, including:
  • Regular risk assessments (compliance, operational, financial, and IT risk).
  • Updates to the risk register and controls mapping.
  • Facilitation of UK-specific risk & compliance committee sessions.

Regulatory Compliance Support

• Prepare for internal and external audits, and respond to regulatory enquiries as needed.

Vendor & Outsourcing Risk Management:

• Own and maintain the outsourcing register and ensure compliance with FCA SYSC and Operational Resilience requirements.
• Conduct vendor risk assessments, oversee initial and ongoing due diligence, and ensure exit and contingency planning is documented.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure robust vendor oversight practices are in place and auditable.

Operational Resilience & Business Continuity

• Lead the development and implementation of impact tolerance assessments, important business services mapping, and scenario testing under FCA's Operational Resilience regime.
• Work closely with business units to embed response, recovery, and communication plans across the UK entity.

Training, Culture & Documentation

• Promote a strong culture of compliance and risk awareness through tailored training, guidance materials, and communication campaigns.
• Draft and update risk and compliance policies, procedures, and playbooks relevant to the UK business.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• 5+ years' experience in risk management, operational resilience, compliance, or internal controls in a regulated financial services or fintech environment.
• Solid understanding of FCA expectations for EMIs, particularly around SYSC, outsourcing, and operational resilience.
• Strong background in managing vendor risks, ideally with experience in operational resilience frameworks and outsourcing governance.
• Exposure to wind-down planning, business continuity, and scenario analysis.
• Excellent project management and documentation skills; capable of working cross-functionally with legal, compliance, operations, product, and engineering teams.
• Clear and confident communicator, able to engage senior stakeholders and articulate risk positions concisely.
• Familiarity with ISO 27001, PCI DSS, or other security standards is a plus.
• Self-starter with high attention to detail, strong judgment, and a pragmatic, business-oriented mindset.

WHAT WE OFFER

• The opportunity to work in a growing team with big responsibilities that thrives on a strong exchange of knowledge and excellence
• Attractive remuneration
• Your choice of preferred OS, Windows or Mac
• Flat hierarchy and transparent communication in a relaxed, professional atmosphere
• Opportunity to develop your talent in a dynamic team with ambitious goals
• Flexibility and possibility to work remotely
• Company card with a monthly allowance for lunches, coffee, etc. with co-work