At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the risk function and provide oversight on risk management frameworks.
- Company: A regulated investment business seeking a dynamic risk leader.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, senior leadership exposure, and impactful decision-making.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape risk strategies in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in risk management while working closely with the CEO.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in financial risk and strong knowledge of regulatory requirements.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced risk leader to provide interim senior-level cover within a regulated investment business.
Reporting directly to the CEO, the successful candidate will take responsibility for the firm’s risk function and hold the SMF 4 designation.
Although this is not a formal board position, the role will participate in senior leadership forums and provide constructive challenge to executives and key stakeholders.
An established Risk Manager and Risk Analyst are responsible for day-to-day activity.
The priority for this appointment is therefore to provide leadership, technical expertise and senior-level oversight.
Compliance remains a separate function, led by the firm’s SMF 16 and SMF 17.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the firm’s risk function and provide senior oversight of its risk management framework.
- Assume responsibility for the SMF 4 function, subject to regulatory approval.
- Co-author and oversee the firm’s ICARA process.
- Review and constructively challenge financial and treasury risk models.
- Challenge the assumptions, methodologies and outputs underpinning stress testing.
- Provide practical oversight of liquidity, capital and treasury risks.
- Work closely with Finance while maintaining independent and effective risk challenge.
- Advise the CEO and senior leadership team on material and emerging risks.
- Support leadership forums with clear, commercially relevant risk insights.
- Oversee and support the existing Risk Manager and Risk Analyst.
- Ensure regulatory requirements are met without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
- Identify proportionate improvements to the risk framework, controls and reporting.
- Maintain effective engagement with the FCA and other relevant stakeholders where required.
- Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will bring
- Significant experience in a senior financial risk, treasury risk or enterprise risk position.
- Strong knowledge of ICARA, capital adequacy, liquidity risk and stress testing.
- The technical confidence to challenge Finance models and underlying assumptions.
- Experience within a Mi FID-regulated or comparable financial services business.
- A background in wealth management, private banking, investment platforms, life insurance or pensions.
- Experience operating within an FCA-regulated environment.
- Previous SMF 4 approval, or a background sufficiently strong to support a firsttime application.
- The ability to operate credibly with a CEO and senior leadership team.
- A pragmatic, commercial and hands-on approach.
- The ability to distinguish between meaningful risk management and unnecessary governance or documentation.
- Experience leading or supporting a small risk team.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Risk employer: Actus Search
Join a leading Investment Platform in London as a Product Manager, where you will enjoy a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and ownership. With a competitive salary and the flexibility of working three days in the office, this role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with senior leadership. Embrace the chance to shape the future of pensions while utilising cutting-edge AI tools in a supportive environment that values your ideas and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Risk
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Actus Search. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Actus Search.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Actus Search's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Actus Search
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Actus Search.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Actus Search will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Actus Search employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
