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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage operational risks and collaborate with teams to enhance customer experiences.
- Company: Join Zopa, a pioneering bank reshaping finance since 2005 with a focus on customer-centric solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, hybrid options, and the chance to work abroad for up to 120 days a year.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and aims to make a real impact in banking.
- Qualifications: Experience in risk management within retail banking or fintech is essential; strong communication skills are a must.
- Other info: Zopa promotes diversity and offers a supportive culture where everyone can thrive.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Our Story
Hello there. We’re Zopa. We started our journey back in 2005, building the first ever peer-to-peer lending company. Fast forward to 2020 and we launched Zopa Bank. A bank that listens to what our customers don’t like about finance and does the opposite. We’re redefining what it feels like to work in finance. Our vision for a new era of banking puts people front and centre — we’ve built a business that empowers everyone to aim high, every day, to move finance forward. Find out more about our fantastic offerings at Zopa.com! We’re incredibly proud of our achievements and none of it would be possible without the amazing team here. It’s not just industry awards we’re winning, we’ve also been named in the top three UK’s Most Loved Workplaces. If you embrace unconventional challenges, are unafraid to think differently and are driven to make an outsized impact, you’ll thrive here at Zopa, so join us, and make it count.
The 1st Line of Defence (1LOD) Risk Function are responsible for managing risks across the organisation, working closely with cross-business stakeholders and adopting the bank’s risk framework to embed effective and efficient risk management into everything we do. We are looking for a Risk Manager to partner with our Lending Product areas (these range from POS, Credit Cards, UPL’s to Auto) to identify, assess and manage operational risks. The role is an exciting opportunity for a risk professional motivated by driving change and contributing to delivering responsible growth and a truly customer centric experience.
A day in the life:
- You will report into the Senior Manager - Lending and work closely with stakeholders across the three lines of defence to ensure Zopa operates within risk appetite, through the application of commensurate mitigating controls.
- Be able to identify areas of risk and have a strong knowledge of operational risks and controls.
- Lead in defining solutions in response to risks which are i) smart and proportionate, ii) sustainable (e.g. Automated controls over manual interventions) and iii) considered (i.e. not just plugging the gap but thinking more holistically about the issue and what we need, to improve the risk environment).
- Be able to manage interdependencies in order to support in the delivery of agreed solutions, change initiatives in a timely and high-quality way.
- Ensure that MI and reporting is delivered in a timely manner, enabling accountable individuals to make informed, risk-based decisions.
About you:
- You will be an experienced risk professional with a strong understanding of retail banking environment and a passion for supporting teams to deliver better customer outcomes.
- Proven track record of experience of managing operational risk (ideally in the first line) in a consultancy, fintech or specifically within the financial services sector.
- Good awareness of the regulatory framework in which Zopa operates and driven to self-educate and learn about the evolving open banking regulatory landscape.
- You will be able to lead stakeholders to identify areas of risk, support in the delivery of change across the business and look for ways to improve our existing risk-based practices.
- You should be technical, outcome orientated, and be able to apply the risk framework to propose optimal outcomes for customers and the bank.
- A strong communicator who can articulate issues clearly, flagging trade-offs and solutions in order to gain buy in to your proposals.
- Passionate about improving the risk environment and general ways of working across the teams you support.
- Act as a source of knowledge and point of contact for business colleagues in your area such as second line risk and first line counterparts.
- Guide first line teams in completing comprehensive risk assessments and promoting a risk-aware culture across the business.
Bonus points for:
- Practical working knowledge of regulations surrounding lending products.
- Experience of change projects involving automated and tech solutions.
We value flexible ways of working. We value face-to-face collaboration and a good work-life balance. This hybrid role requires you to come to our London office 2-3 days a week. You will also have the option of working from abroad for up to 120 days a year! But no matter where you are, we’ll make sure you’ve got everything you need to thrive, both in your work and home life, from day one.
Diversity Statement
Zopa is proud to offer a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to better products for our customers and a unique company culture for our people. We are made up of nearly 50 nationalities, have a DE&I forum made up of Zopians wanting to make a difference and we are proud of our culture where everyone can bring their full self to work. Our approach to DE&I is reflected in our hiring process so please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.
1st Line Risk Manager (Operational Risk) employer: Zopa Bank Limited
Contact Detail:
Zopa Bank Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 1st Line Risk Manager (Operational Risk)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Zopa's unique approach to banking and their customer-centric philosophy. Understanding their values and how they differentiate themselves in the finance sector will help you align your responses during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Zopa, especially those in risk management roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the 1st Line Risk Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends and regulations in operational risk management, particularly within the fintech and retail banking sectors. This knowledge will demonstrate your commitment to the role and your ability to contribute effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully identified and managed operational risks. Highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to implement sustainable solutions will set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace 1st Line Risk Manager (Operational Risk)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the 1st Line Risk Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially around operational risk management in a retail banking environment.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in managing operational risks, particularly in fintech or financial services. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to identify and mitigate risks effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for improving customer outcomes and your understanding of Zopa's mission. Mention how your background aligns with their values and how you can contribute to their risk management efforts.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your strong communication skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully articulated complex issues and gained buy-in from stakeholders in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zopa Bank Limited
✨Understand Zopa's Vision
Before the interview, take some time to research Zopa's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to customer-centric banking and how they aim to redefine finance. This will help you align your answers with their vision and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Risk Management Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in managing operational risks, particularly in a retail banking environment. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully identified and mitigated risks, and explain how your actions contributed to better outcomes for customers.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
As a risk manager, clear communication is key. Practice articulating complex issues in a straightforward manner. Be ready to discuss how you would present risk assessments and solutions to stakeholders, ensuring they understand the trade-offs involved.
✨Demonstrate a Growth Mindset
Zopa values individuals who are driven to learn and adapt. Share examples of how you've pursued self-education in the regulatory landscape or improved existing practices in your previous roles. This will show that you're proactive and committed to continuous improvement.
