Head of Risk in London

Head of Risk in London

London Full-Time 75000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Allianz Partners

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead risk management for UK & Ireland, ensuring compliance and strategic oversight.
  • Company: Join a global leader in insurance with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Personal development courses, flexible work-life balance, and health-focused programs.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for international mobility and career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in risk management while shaping the future of the organisation.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in risk management with strong regulatory expertise and leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.

The Head of Risk for UK & Ireland (UKI) reports directly to the Global Risk Function and as dotted line to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), UKI. They will provide senior, independent UKI-focused risk management leadership, to ensure compliance with PRA/FCA Regulatory and AzP Group requirements. The role will support the UKI CEO to demonstrate reasonable steps and drive the UK risk agenda.

The ideal candidate has proven senior leadership experience, collaborates effectively with the Executive team to uphold a robust risk management framework across all levels of the organization, and ensures resilience and stability in a complex business and regulatory environment. The position follows a hybrid schedule working at our East Croydon location.

Key Responsibilities/What you do
  • Responsible for developing and implementing the UKI risk management framework and associated documentation (inc. risk register and key risk indicators).
  • Oversight and delivery of all Risk programs related to the UKI as per Group & Regulatory requirements.
  • Oversee and quality‑assure the UKI risk appetite, taxonomy, reporting and assurance frameworks.
  • Ensure alignment of UKI risk practices with PRA/FCA rules and market expectations, including SM&CR, SYSC, PRIN and Consumer Duty.
  • Provide Risk reporting to, and enable strategic risk challenge at, the UKI Executive Committee (ExCo), Risk and Compliance Forum (RCF) and other governance forums.
  • Provide advice, opinions and independent challenge to 1LoD Risk & Control Officers and Risk Owners in line with approved risk appetite (inc. strategy, product changes and major projects). Communications include the delivery of UK risk management training.
  • Perform risk management lifecycle activities for all risks across the business, in line with the UK Risk Taxonomy, which could otherwise result in financial costs, penalties and reputational impacts to AzP UKI and Allianz brand.
  • Lead preparation and presentation of risk topics at the UKI ExCo and RCF, ensuring adherence to UKI risk reporting standards, and forward‑looking insights and aggregation across business areas. Escalate key risk topics to senior / global stakeholders as required.
  • Embed and promote the strategic business partnering ambition of the Risk Function, embedding a commercially aware risk culture and driving engagement with the business leaders and experts across the local functions.
  • Lead the annual review and update to the Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA) - UK branch report, coordinating with relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with local regulatory requirements.
  • Line management, mentoring and development of UK Risk employees.
Key Requirements/What you bring
  • Masters degree in Business, Finance, or related field or equivalent combination of work and education experience.
  • Ideally a Risk Management accreditation, Internal Control or Accounting qualification.
  • Ten (10)+ years’ experience in (enterprise) risk management, operational risk management, internal control or audit in the insurance or financial services sector.
  • Strong PRA/FCA regulatory expertise (inc. SYSC, SM&CR & Consumer Duty).
  • Demonstrated ability to lead independently and drive the Risk agenda across the business.
  • Ability to operate in global matrix structures and influence without direct authority.
  • Detailed understanding and knowledge of best practices and trends in risk management, operational resilience and internal control.
  • Ability to steer in an agile set‑up, ensuring delivery of topics to a high standard.
  • Strong IT user skills, very good user knowledge of Microsoft (inc. Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
  • Excellent problem solving, judgment and analytical abilities.
  • Excellent time management and ability to work on numerous tasks with multiple departments simultaneously.
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment; highly motivated and proactive.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with senior stakeholders.
Key Benefits/What we offer

We are there to empower and encourage you with your personal and professional development ensuring that you take control by offering a large variety of courses and targeted development programs. All that in a global environment where international mobility and career progression are encouraged. Caring for your health and wellbeing is key priority for us. This is why we build Work Well programs to providing you with peace of mind and give the flexibility in planning and arranging for a better work‑life balance.

We therefore welcome applications regardless of ethnicity or cultural background, age, gender, nationality, religion, social class, disability or sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected under applicable local laws and regulations.

Head of Risk in London employer: Allianz Partners

As the Head of Risk for UK & Ireland, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises employee development and well-being. With a strong emphasis on a collaborative work culture, we offer extensive training programmes and career progression opportunities within a global framework, all while ensuring a healthy work-life balance through our Work Well initiatives. Located in East Croydon, this role provides a unique chance to lead risk management in a dynamic environment, making a meaningful impact on the organisation's success.

Allianz Partners

Contact Details:

Allianz Partners Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Risk in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its risk management practices. We recommend practising common interview questions and even role-playing with a friend. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to shine!

Tip Number 3

Showcase your expertise! During interviews, share specific examples of how you’ve tackled risk management challenges in the past. We want to hear about your successes and how you can bring that experience to the table.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows that you’re genuinely interested in the position. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that role!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk in London

Risk Management
Regulatory Compliance
PRA/FCA Regulatory Expertise
Leadership Skills
Strategic Risk Management
Risk Reporting
Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Risk role. Highlight your senior leadership experience and any relevant risk management frameworks you've developed. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've tackled risk management challenges in the past, and don’t forget to mention your understanding of PRA/FCA regulations.

Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be communicating with senior stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong written communication skills. Keep your application clear and concise, and make sure to proofread for any errors before hitting send!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Allianz Partners

Know Your Risk Management Framework

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the UKI risk management framework and how it aligns with PRA/FCA regulations. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've developed or implemented similar frameworks in your previous roles.

Showcase Your Leadership Experience

Highlight your senior leadership experience by preparing anecdotes that demonstrate your ability to lead independently and drive a risk agenda. Think about times when you collaborated with executive teams to enhance risk management practices and be ready to share those stories.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions related to risk appetite, taxonomy, and reporting frameworks. Brush up on your knowledge of SM&CR, SYSC, and Consumer Duty regulations, and be ready to explain how these impact risk management in a practical sense.

Engage with the Interviewers

During the interview, engage actively with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current risk challenges and how they envision the role contributing to their strategic goals. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.