Investment Governance and Risk Officer

Join to apply for the Investment Governance and Risk Officer role at Canada Life Assurance Europe plc. Location: London (City).

Company Overview

Our solutions each of our offerings is built to meet a distinct purpose, forming the core of portfolios for long‑term growth or providing access to specific global markets. With over 40 years of experience as asset managers, we offer high‑quality multi‑asset solutions, risk‑profiled products, and attractive equity, fixed‑income, alternative funds, and real‑estate finance.

Our heritage Great‑West Lifeco is a financially strong, stable global organisation with £1,800bn under administration and 33,250 employees worldwide (as of 31‑Dec‑2024). We also serve more than 31 million customers globally and trace our roots back to 1847, making us the oldest Canadian life assurance company.

Job Summary

This key role operates the 1st‑line control environment, ensuring adherence to regulation, investment policy, and client mandates. Responsibilities include first‑line monitoring, surveillance, oversight, and reporting through management information to senior management. The role delivers expert risk advice, facilitates effective risk processes, promotes a risk‑aware culture, and liaises with 2nd‑line oversight functions.

What You’ll Do

• Risk Framework Processes – Maintain risk appetite, risk event logging, control inventory, risk register, top & emerging risks, risk & control self‑assessment, KRI, RFI reporting, and project support. Identify drivers for poor customer outcomes, develop risk mitigations, and provide training to embed a risk culture.
• 1st Line Control, Oversight and Surveillance – Manage operations of the 1st‑line control environment, ensuring regulatory compliance and effective oversight.
• Investment Policy and Mandate Adherence – Operate controls to demonstrate adherence to investment policy, client mandates, and regulatory obligations, including pre‑trade compliance in the Order Management System.
• Governance and Functional Effectiveness – Produce regular reporting and MI, prepare reports for the Risk Oversight Committee and other stakeholder forums, and support annual attestation to policy requirements.
• Advice and Risk Management – Champion the 3‑Lines‑of‑Defence model, provide technical expertise on regulation, and support the integration of risk culture across the business.

Who You Are

• Expert knowledge of asset‑management products and services.
• Deep knowledge of regulations affecting asset‑management firms.
• Technical proficiency in regulatory and risk‑management frameworks.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing, communication, and detail‑oriented skills.
• Ability to deliver under tight time pressure and manage competing priorities.
• A self‑motivated, well‑organised, and pragmatic professional.
• Experience embedding and maintaining an enterprise risk‑management framework.
• Experience in business‑level risk oversight and presenting advice clearly.
• Ability to build effective relationships across the three defensive lines.

Qualifications

• Degree desirable.
• Investment administration or management qualification.
• Professional qualification desirable.

Benefits Of Working At Canada Life

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive reward package, including a generous pension, bonus scheme, income protection, private medical insurance, and life assurance. Ongoing personal and professional development, flexible working, and additional benefits support your growth and wellbeing.

Diversity and Inclusion

We commit to building an inclusive workplace with a diverse workforce, where everyone feels they belong and can achieve their potential. Flexible working arrangements are available to meet personal and family commitments.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Canada Life is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified candidates are considered for employment irrespective of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected characteristic. The company is equally committed to providing a harassment‑free workplace for all employees.