At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage operations and risk for DebenhamsPay+, ensuring smooth processes and excellent customer service.
- Company: Join the innovative Debenhams Group, transforming retail with a focus on culture and connection.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, private medical cover, gym access, and discounts across all brands.
- Other info: Embrace change and drive impact in a supportive, dog-friendly workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of retail in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in FCA regulated environments and strong analytical skills are essential.
Description
THE ROLE
At Debenhams Group, we are on a journey of transformation, revitalising our brand, culture, and connection with colleagues and customers alike. In a fast-changing retail environment, effective and authentic communication is vital to building trust, aligning our teams, and amplifying the impact of our work across internal and external audiences.
We are looking to hire an experienced Operations & Risk Manager for our DebenhamsPay+ financial services.
This role will be based out of our central Manchester office.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
Operational management & delivery
- Manage the day-to-day operation of agreed processes, ensuring activity is delivered in line with Pay+ & Financial Services priorities, Group objectives and approved operating standards.
- Coordinate operational activity across internal teams and Customer Service functions to support effective customer servicing, complaints handling, collections activity and incident response.
- Support the Head of Credit Risk & Operations in translating process ownership requirements into clear routines, controls, service expectations and action plans for day-to-day delivery.
Governance, risk & regulatory support
- Manage the operational risk process on a day-to-day basis, including maintenance of relevant operational-based system risk register entries, control actions, issue logs and risk appetite monitoring.
- Ensure incidents, control issues and emerging risks are identified, assessed, escalated and resolved promptly, with good customer outcomes prioritised throughout.
- Maintain effective governance evidence, reporting packs and action tracking to support process owner oversight, regulatory expectations, audit activity and senior management decision-making.
- Support the ongoing embedding of operational resilience, business continuity and issue resolution arrangements, ensuring plans, dependencies, lessons learned and remediation activity remain current.
- Prepare clear recommendations and escalation updates where risks move outside tolerance, incidents require senior attention or process decisions are needed.
Incident management & issue resolution
- Act as the day-to-day coordinator for operational incidents, ensuring appropriate triage, customer impact assessment, ownership of actions, escalation and timely closure.
- Lead post-incident reviews and root-cause analysis, translating lessons learned into practical improvements to controls, processes, MI and colleague guidance.
- Maintain incident logs, action trackers and evidence to support governance, auditability and consistent reporting to the Head of Credit Risk & Operations.
Performance & continuous improvement
- Monitor operational KPIs, SLAs, risk indicators and cost efficiency measures, identifying exceptions and coordinating practical actions to improve performance and control effectiveness.
- Produce and maintain operational, risk and incident dashboards that provide accurate insight, highlight trends, support escalation and enable informed decision-making.
- Identify opportunities to simplify processes, strengthen controls, reduce repeat issues and improve the experience for customers and colleagues.
People & Partner Management
- Provide reliable day-to-day oversight, ensuring data, reporting and process evidence are accurate, timely and fit for governance purposes.
- Support and coach operational colleagues involved in the processes, helping to set clear expectations, routines, KPIs and accountability for delivery.
- Manage day-to-day engagement with third-party service providers and outsourcing partners, ensuring performance, issues and risks are monitored in line with agreed governance frameworks.
- Build strong, collaborative relationships across Product, Technology, Risk, Compliance and Customer teams to support joined-up delivery and timely resolution of cross-functional issues.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
- Previous experience working within a FCA regulated environment, ideally within the consumer credit sector
- Solid understanding of collections & arrears management
- Firm understanding of risk management processes from identification to control design & implementation
- Experience of leading a small team
- An analytical mindset and competence in using Excel
- Experience of presenting to senior leaders
WORKING WITH US
At Debenhams Group we thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers—people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact.
WHY JOIN US
Our mission is to create a workplace where everyone is respected, individual differences are valued, and people can be themselves at work — without exception.
2025 was a year of significant change for the Group. 2026 is about bold moves, real results and unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, you belong at Debenhams Group.
Our benefits include (subject to level and eligibility):
- Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover and life assurance
- Access to an on-site gym and free weekly Pilates, yoga and fitness classes
- Discount across all brands
- Comprehensive wellbeing package
- Dog-friendly offices (in selected locations)
- Ongoing learning and development with strong internal progression
- On-site canteen serving breakfast, lunch, snacks and hot drinks
- Free season ticket loan
#LI-DH1 #Debenhamsgroup
Operations & Risk Manager in Manchester employer: Debenhams Group
At Karen Millen, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. As a Buying Admin Assistant, you'll benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, allowing you to grow your career in the fashion industry while working in a vibrant location. Our commitment to employee well-being and collaboration ensures that you will thrive in a supportive environment where your contributions are valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations & Risk Manager in Manchester
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Debenhams Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations & Risk Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Debenhams Group.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Debenhams Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Debenhams Group.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Debenhams Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Debenhams Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
