first line risk manager

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a background in Private Banking / Wealth Management to come in and make an impact within a very progressive organisation.

Overview

This is a first line of defence role within a regulated financial services organisation, focused on supporting Private Banking & Wealth Management. The position is responsible for helping the business meet its strategic objectives while ensuring effective governance and compliance with regulatory obligations. The role involves close collaboration with teams such as Risk, Compliance, Operational Resilience, Financial Crime, and Legal. The successful candidate will support UK-based business risk activities (including strategic, financial, and operational risks), contribute to regulatory change initiatives, and participate in client- and project-related agendas.

Key Responsibilities

• Embed and enhance risk and compliance frameworks across business units, with a focus on data protection, financial crime, and other key areas.
• Lead and participate in first line monitoring reviews, coordinating resulting actions and maintaining appropriate records.
• Support the operation of the firm’s overarching Risk Management Framework by fostering an effective control environment, including control testing and input into capital adequacy assessments.
• Work with senior stakeholders to align business strategy with risk appetite.
• Ensure timely escalation, reporting, and resolution of risk incidents in line with internal policies.
• Prepare and manage the Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) process, reflecting ongoing risk assessments and business changes.
• Track and report on mitigation plans for identified control gaps, risk events, breaches, and client complaints.
• Manage documentation of risk acceptances, track key risk indicators (KRIs), and monitor for emerging risks.
• Contribute to or lead regulatory change initiatives, and help respond to information requests from regulators where necessary.
• Support prospect and client meetings, including input on RFPs and due diligence requests.
• Promote awareness and understanding of risk and regulatory frameworks across the business through training and coaching.
• Oversee delivery of Consumer Duty obligations, including preparing board reports and leading working group meetings.
• Encourage a resilient culture by supporting operational resilience awareness and initiatives.
• Maintain a strong understanding of risk policies, ensure timely incident reporting, and complete all relevant training requirements.

Skills & Experience Required

• Experience in financial services in a risk or compliance role, with working knowledge of RCSA processes.
• Strong interest in risk management and first line of defence responsibilities.
• Ability to develop deep knowledge of products, services, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong communication skills, particularly in data presentation, incident reporting, and senior stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent written communication skills for drafting policies and procedures.
• Proficiency in Excel and data analysis; strong general IT skills and adaptability to new systems.
• Project management experience and the ability to coordinate across multiple teams.

Attributes & Behaviours

• Strong problem-solving abilities and creative thinking.
• Effective and credible communicator with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset.
• Energetic, adaptable, and process-improvement focused.
• Excellent time and project management skills.