Job Description
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Senior Risk Manager within Connells Group's second line of defence (2LOD) Risk function. This is a critical role in strengthening Connells Group’s enterprise risk capability, supporting the identification, assessment, management, and reporting of risks across the organisation.
You will act as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders, embedding a proactive risk culture, enhancing governance frameworks, and ensuring that risk insights effectively inform strategic decision-making.
Key Responsibilities:
Enterprise Risk Framework & Governance
- Support the ongoing development and enhancement of the Group Risk Management Framework (GRMF), ensuring alignment to regulatory expectations and industry best practice
- Drive consistent application of risk policies, standards, and methodologies across the business
- Monitor the firms risk profile and escalate emerging risks to the Risk Committee and relevant governance forums in a timely manner.
- Champion a strong risk culture across the organisation
- Support training, awareness, and communication initiatives to embed risk management practices
- Promote clarity around roles and responsibilities (1st, 2nd, and 3rd line model)
- Identify opportunities to enhance risk processes, tools, and reporting capabilities
- Support implementation of automation and digital risk tooling where appropriate
- Contribute to maturity uplift of enterprise risk capability
Risk Identification & Assessment
- Lead and facilitate risk identification and assessment activities across business units
- Ensure risks are clearly articulated, appropriately scored (impact/likelihood), and aligned to risk appetite
- Challenge first-line assessments to ensure robustness, consistency, and transparency
- Ensure risk practices align with relevant regulatory requirements and expectations
- Support control environment assessments, including identification of weaknesses and improvement actions
- Collaborate with Compliance and Internal Audit to ensure alignment and minimise duplication
Risk Reporting & Insights
- Produce high-quality, executive-ready risk reports, dashboards, and insights
- Enhance risk MI to provide forward-looking, decision-useful information (trends, emerging risks, stress points)
- Support development of risk heatmaps, scenario analysis, and thematic reviews
- Contribute to the Group's RCSA (Risk and Control Self-Assessment) process and operational resilience programme.
- Oversee the tracking and management of risk events, issues, and remediation actions
- Ensure timely escalation of material risks and breaches
- Monitor delivery of mitigating actions and challenge delays or inefficiencies
Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, supporting effective risk ownership and accountability
- Build strong relationships across functions (Operations, Finance, HR, IT, Compliance, Audit)
- Provide constructive challenge while maintaining a solutions-oriented approach
The ideal candidate:
- Significant experience in enterprise risk management within a complex organisation (financial services, property, or related sectors advantageous)
- Strong understanding of risk frameworks, governance, and regulatory expectations
- Proven ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders effectively
- Experience producing Executive-level reporting
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
- Confident, balanced approach to risk: commercially aware without compromising independence
#connellsgroup
CF00865
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Risk Manager in Milton Keynes
✨Dive Into Industry Networking Events
Get your foot in the door by attending insurance industry events and conferences. Not only will you learn about the latest trends, but you'll also meet potential employers and industry peers. Check out local chapters of professional bodies like the Chartered Insurance Institute for valuable meetups.
✨Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage
Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn in the insurance world. Engage with industry content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals at companies you admire (like Connells Group HQ Careers). A thoughtful message explaining your interest can really make a difference!
✨Look Out for Graduate Schemes
Many firms in insurance have structured graduate programmes. Keep an eye on application windows and utilise your university's career services for insider tips. These schemes are designed to develop talent and often lead to permanent roles after your initial training.
✨Leverage Your Current Connections
Got friends or family in the industry? Now’s the time to reach out! Personal referrals can give you a head start, so let them know you're on the lookout for full-time opportunities at places like Connells Group HQ Careers. Don’t shy away from asking for a coffee chat; you never know what doors it might open!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In insurance, we love a candidate who can crunch numbers and analyse data effectively. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or experiences that highlight your analytical abilities, especially if you’ve tackled risk assessment or financial modelling.
Showcase Industry Knowledge:Don’t be shy about your knowledge of the insurance sector! We want to see that you've done your homework on current trends, regulations, and challenges in the industry. Mention any relevant projects or studies you’ve completed that demonstrate your understanding of the field in your cover letter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about insurance. Share any personal experiences or what drew you into this profession. We’re looking for enthusiasm and a clear motivation for why you want to be part of our team at Connells Group HQ Careers.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Connells Group HQ Careers. Highlight relevant skills such as risk management, customer service experience, or any certifications you've earned in the industry to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connells Group HQ Careers
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Connells Group HQ Careers to throw some technical questions your way, so be ready to demonstrate your grasp of these essentials.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Side
In the insurance world, it's all about data. Prepare to discuss any analytical tools or methodologies you've used in past experiences. If you have a portfolio of projects where you've tackled complex data, bring that along to impress the team!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
As a full-timer at Connells Group HQ Careers, they'll want to know how you handle real-life scenarios, not just theory. Think about challenges you've faced in teamwork or customer service, and how those experiences can relate to a career in insurance.
✨Know the Company Culture Inside Out
Understanding Connells Group HQ Careers's values and workplace culture is essential. Don’t just memorise their mission statement; think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will show your genuine interest in being part of their team long-term.
