Head of Operational Risk | 6 Month / Edinburgh (Hybrid) | Inside IR35
Rate: £400
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Head of Operational Risk to lead and strengthen the Bank's operational risk framework during a period of continued growth and regulatory focus.
Reporting into the Chief Risk Officer, this role will provide strategic leadership across operational risk management, ensuring the Bank maintains a robust control environment while supporting business objectives and regulatory requirements.
This is a high-profile position requiring deep financial services experience and a proven track record of implementing and embedding operational risk frameworks within regulated environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the operational risk function and act as the subject matter expert for operational risk across the Bank
- Maintain and enhance the operational risk framework, policies and governance processes
- Oversee risk identification, assessment, monitoring and reporting activities
- Ensure robust Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) processes are embedded across the organisation
- Manage operational risk events, issues and actions through to resolution
- Produce high-quality risk reporting for Executive Committees, Board Risk Committees and senior stakeholders
- Challenge and support business areas in the management of operational risks
- Lead scenario analysis, risk appetite monitoring and key risk indicator (KRI) reporting
- Support regulatory engagement and ensure compliance with relevant risk management expectations
- Work closely with Internal Audit, Compliance and business leaders to drive a strong risk culture
- Provide leadership and mentoring to risk team members where applicable
Essential Experience
- Significant operational risk experience within a regulated financial services environment
- Experience operating at Head of Risk, Senior Operational Risk Manager or equivalent level
- Strong understanding of operational risk frameworks, governance and risk management best practice
- Experience presenting risk matters to Executive and Board-level stakeholders
- Demonstrable experience of implementing and improving risk and control frameworks
- Strong knowledge of risk assessments, controls testing, incident management and risk reporting
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
Desirable Experience
- Banking, investment banking, asset management or wider financial services experience
- Knowledge of PRA, FCA and broader UK regulatory expectations
- Experience within a development bank, public sector financial institution or investment organisation
- Relevant professional qualifications (IRM, ICA, PRM, FRM or equivalent)