Head of Private Markets - Credit Risk in London
Head of Private Markets - Credit Risk

Head of Private Markets - Credit Risk in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Barclay Simpson

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead risk management for derivatives, enhancing frameworks and models in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Global financial markets infrastructure leader with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to work closely with senior management.
  • Other info: Join a fast-paced team that values collaboration and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact on risk governance while working with cutting-edge financial products.
  • Qualifications: Experience in trading and market risk management, strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

A leading global financial markets infrastructure business is seeking a Front Office Risk Manager to join its first line risk function. This is a high-impact role sitting close to senior management and the business, responsible for overseeing day-to-day risk management across a broad range of derivatives products and asset classes.

The ideal candidate will bring a rare combination of trading experience and market risk management expertise. They will be commercially minded, technically strong, and able to balance robust risk governance with the needs of a complex, fast-moving markets business. This role would suit someone who has operated in a front office, market risk, clearing, exchange, hedge fund, or investment banking environment and is comfortable working with senior stakeholders on complex risk issues, model enhancement, risk infrastructure, and new product initiatives.

Key Responsibilities
  • Oversee and enhance the day-to-day risk management framework for a complex derivatives-focused business.
  • Identify opportunities to improve risk models, risk processes, controls, and infrastructure.
  • Lead projects to design and implement enhancements to risk methodologies, systems, tools, and processes.
  • Work closely with senior management, business stakeholders, risk committees, and external counterparties.
  • Ensure the risk management framework and associated policies remain aligned with regulatory expectations, internal standards, and market best practice.
  • Balance regulatory compliance, prudent risk management, and commercial business requirements.
  • Monitor risk model performance, including backtesting, stress testing, and other model validation or performance assessment processes.
  • Conduct quantitative analysis to support the calibration, refinement, and enhancement of risk models.
  • Contribute to the development of risk policies, methodologies, and governance materials.
  • Prepare clear documentation and presentations on risk models, policies, and frameworks for senior stakeholders, committees, regulators, and external participants.
  • Conduct thematic research and ad hoc analysis on market risk topics, market events, emerging risks, and new products.
  • Support the development of new risk initiatives that enhance business capability while maintaining strong risk controls.
  • Provide guidance to analysts and junior colleagues, helping to foster a strong first line risk culture.
Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will ideally have experience in both trading and market risk management, with a strong understanding of derivatives, risk models, and front office decision-making. They will be comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders, challenging existing approaches, and driving practical improvements to risk frameworks, models, and infrastructure.

Required Experience
  • Previous experience in a front office risk, market risk, trading, or risk management role within an investment bank, hedge fund, clearing house, exchange, commodities business, or similar financial markets environment.
  • Strong understanding of derivatives products across one or more asset classes.
  • Proven experience applying market risk models and techniques, including some or all of: Value at Risk, Stress testing, Backtesting, Liquidity risk modelling, Margin methodologies, Model performance monitoring.
  • Demonstrable ability to analyse complex risk problems and develop practical, well-structured solutions.
  • Experience contributing to model, methodology, infrastructure, or process enhancement projects.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical risk issues clearly to senior management and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team environment.
  • Strong attention to detail, commercial judgement, and problem-solving ability.
Preferred Background
  • Prior experience as a trader, structurer, or front office risk taker before moving into market risk or first line risk.
  • Experience within clearing, exchanges, commodities, futures and options, or centrally cleared markets.
  • Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in Mathematical Finance, Financial Engineering, Quantitative Finance, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Economics, or a related discipline.
  • Experience with SQL and Python.
  • Familiarity with regulatory expectations for market infrastructure, clearing, margin models, or financial risk governance.
Personal Attributes
  • Commercially aware and risk-focused.
  • Confident engaging with senior stakeholders.
  • Able to challenge constructively and influence decision-making.
  • Strong analytical and quantitative mindset.
  • Pragmatic, delivery-focused, and comfortable leading projects.
  • Able to operate effectively in a fast-paced, technically demanding environment.
  • Committed to maintaining a strong risk culture.

Head of Private Markets - Credit Risk in London employer: Barclay Simpson

As a leading global financial markets infrastructure business, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that empowers our employees to excel. Our commitment to professional development is evident through tailored growth opportunities and a culture that encourages innovation and collaboration, making us an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of risk management. Located in a vibrant financial hub, we offer competitive benefits and a supportive atmosphere that values both individual contributions and team success.
Barclay Simpson

Contact Detail:

Barclay Simpson Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Private Markets - Credit Risk in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in risk management or have ties to the company you're eyeing. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could set you apart.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company's risk management practices. Show them you know their stuff! Bring examples of how you've tackled complex risk issues in the past, and be ready to discuss how you can enhance their frameworks.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just wait for job openings—create opportunities! If you see a gap in their risk management processes, propose a project or initiative that could benefit them. This shows initiative and your ability to think strategically.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the extra step to engage with us directly. Let’s make it happen!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Private Markets - Credit Risk in London

Risk Management
Market Risk Expertise
Derivatives Knowledge
Model Enhancement
Quantitative Analysis
Value at Risk
Stress Testing
Backtesting
Liquidity Risk Modelling
Margin Methodologies
Model Performance Monitoring
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
SQL
Python

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your trading experience and market risk management expertise to show us you’re the perfect fit for this high-impact role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about risk management and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention any relevant projects or achievements that demonstrate your ability to enhance risk frameworks and engage with senior stakeholders.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills: In your application, don’t forget to highlight your analytical mindset and problem-solving abilities. We want to see examples of how you've tackled complex risk issues and contributed to model enhancements in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our first line risk function!

How to prepare for a job interview at Barclay Simpson

✨Know Your Risk Models Inside Out

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the risk models relevant to the role, such as Value at Risk and stress testing. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these models in your previous roles and any enhancements you've contributed to.

✨Engage with Senior Stakeholders

Since this role involves working closely with senior management, practice articulating complex risk issues in a clear and concise manner. Think about examples where you've successfully communicated technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

✨Showcase Your Trading Experience

Highlight your trading background and how it informs your approach to risk management. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where your trading experience helped you identify and mitigate risks effectively.

✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare to discuss past challenges you've faced in risk management and how you tackled them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your analytical mindset.

Head of Private Markets - Credit Risk in London
Barclay Simpson
Location: London

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