Head of Credit Risk and Real Assets Investment Risk – CRO – London

Please note this position is based in London and the successful candidate’s contractual location will be London; other locations cannot be considered.

About Us

At Aviva Investors, our expertise is in matching the right investment approach to each client’s unique needs. As the global asset management business of Aviva plc, we bring together our broad investment capabilities to deliver client-focused solutions worldwide. Managing £255 billion in assets, our 1,000‑strong team across nine countries is brilliantly connected, collaborative, and focused on delivering outcomes that truly matter. Working together and acting responsibly are central to how we operate. We take time to understand what our clients want to achieve and design solutions that last - strengthening every portfolio with diverse perspectives and integrated thinking. Our long track record in sustainable investing reflects our commitment to doing the right thing for clients and communities alike. Everyone at Aviva Investors plays a part in creating an exceptional client experience. With the scale and influence to make a real difference, we take our responsibility seriously. Join us and you’ll find an inclusive, supportive environment where your contribution is valued, high performance is recognised, and you’re empowered to shape your development.

We are recruiting for a Head of Credit Risk & Private Markets Investment Risk to join our Chief Risk Officer function. This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for an experienced risk professional with deep expertise in credit risk, private markets and investment risk oversight. Reporting into the Global Director of Investment & Credit Risk, you will lead the team responsible for providing independent second line oversight across Aviva Investors’ global credit and private markets activities.

Risk and Compliance

In an industry built on trust, our Risk & Compliance team is essential to ensuring we uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency and governance. As part of this team, you’ll help manage risk in a fast-changing regulatory landscape, safeguard client assets and contribute to ethical, responsible investing.

A bit about the role:

You will be accountable for the development, implementation and ongoing management of the Investment & Credit Risk Framework, ensuring oversight remains aligned with business strategy, regulatory requirements and Aviva Investors’ risk appetite. Leading a team of experienced risk professionals, you will provide independent challenge across a diverse range of public and private market investments, including real estate, infrastructure, private corporate debt, structured credit, venture capital and liquid credit portfolios. You will work closely with senior stakeholders across investments, risk and executive leadership teams globally, influencing investment decisions, shaping risk strategy and driving continuous improvement across frameworks, methodologies and reporting.

Skills and experience we’re looking for:

• Extensive experience managing credit and investment risk across large, complex investment portfolios, ideally within asset management, banking or institutional investment environments.
• Strong understanding of private markets investing illiquid assets and associated risk management frameworks.
• Deep expertise in credit analysis, credit rating methodologies and the ability to provide effective independent challenge within a second line risk function.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to develop high-performing teams and build strong stakeholder relationships with senior decision makers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence to navigate complexity and deliver clear, practical solutions.

What you’ll get for this role:

Our purpose - with you today, for a better tomorrow – is a promise we make to our colleagues too. And one of the ways we live up to that promise is by investing in you. We have so much to offer when it comes to being an Aviva colleague:

• Competitive salary (depending on skills, experience, and qualifications).
• Discretionary bonus opportunity - depending on individual performance and Aviva Investors’.
• Generous pension scheme - Aviva will contribute up to 14%, depending on what you put in.
• 29 days holiday plus bank holidays, and you can choose to buy or sell up to 5 days.
• Aviva-funded Private Medical Benefit to help you get expert support when you need it.
• Make your money go further with up to 40% discount on Aviva products, and other retailer discounts.
• Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year through our Matching Share Plan and share in the success of Aviva with our Save As You Earn scheme.
• Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave.
• Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work.
• Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your 3 annual volunteering days to help others.

Aviva is for everyone: We’re inclusive and welcome everyone – we want applications from all backgrounds and experiences. Excited but not sure you tick every box? Even if you don’t, we would still encourage you to apply. We also consider all forms of flexible working, including part time and job shares. Most of our people are smart working – spending at least 50% of their time in our offices every week - combining the benefits of flexibility, with time together with colleagues.