At a Glance
- Tasks: Identify and manage operational risks while collaborating with senior stakeholders.
- Company: High-performing global financial services firm with a proactive culture.
- Benefits: Gain exposure to senior leadership and contribute to meaningful change.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with the business and drive impactful initiatives.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping a strong risk-aware culture in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience in operational risk within sell-side financial services.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 ÂŁ per year.
We’re partnering with a high-performing global financial services firm that is looking to hire an experienced Operational Risk professional to join a highly visible and commercially focused team. This is not a traditional “sit behind the policy” Operational Risk role. The team is embedded within the business, highly hands-on, and operates as a true first-line partner to the front office and operational teams. You’ll be working directly with senior stakeholders across the business, influencing decision-making, challenging processes, and helping shape a strong risk-aware culture in a fast-paced capital markets environment. If you enjoy being close to the business, solving real problems, and driving meaningful change rather than simply reporting on it, this could be an excellent next step.
The Role
You’ll play a key role in identifying, assessing, and managing operational risk across the business, while partnering closely with stakeholders to strengthen controls, improve governance, and support strategic initiatives. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading operational risk and control assessments across business areas
- Identifying control gaps and driving remediation through to completion
- Conducting root cause analysis on operational incidents and implementing preventative actions
- Partnering with senior stakeholders to challenge risk decisions and improve control environments
- Producing meaningful risk reporting, dashboards, and trend analysis for senior management
- Supporting governance forums, committees, and risk oversight activities
- Monitoring emerging risks and helping evolve the operational risk framework
- Reviewing business change initiatives and providing risk input on new processes, products, and integrations
- Supporting scenario analysis, risk appetite, and broader enterprise risk activities
- Working collaboratively with second and third line functions while remaining commercially focused and solutions-driven
What We’re Looking For
We’re specifically looking for candidates who have direct, hands-on experience within sell-side financial services environments. To be considered, you should have:
- Proven 1st line Operational Risk experience within a sell-side firm
- Strong knowledge of capital markets products and environments
- A solid understanding of the trade lifecycle
- Experience working within fast-paced financial services organisations
- Strong operational risk, controls, governance, and assurance knowledge
- Experience conducting risk assessments, control reviews, and incident investigations
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- The ability to work independently while influencing senior stakeholders confidently
- Exposure to frameworks such as Basel, COSO, ERM, ICAAP, or ICARA would also be highly beneficial.
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to join a business where Operational Risk is genuinely valued and embedded within the commercial side of the organisation. The team is proactive and collaborative they go above and beyond, take ownership, and operate as true business partners. You’ll gain significant exposure across the organisation, work closely with senior leadership, and have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change initiatives within a dynamic market environment.
⚠️ Please only apply if you have direct relevant experience. Candidates without this specific experience will not be considered.
Operational Risk Manager employer: ETRA Talent
Contact Detail:
ETRA Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Risk Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the financial services sector, especially those who work in operational risk. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of capital markets and operational risk frameworks. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you've influenced decision-making or improved controls.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! During interviews, highlight specific examples of how you've tackled operational risks and collaborated with senior stakeholders to drive change.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Risk Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your hands-on experience in operational risk within sell-side financial services. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced decision-making and improved risk environments in previous roles. We want to see your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your excellent communication skills and your ability to work independently while influencing senior stakeholders. This is key for us, as you'll be working closely with various teams.
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. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at ETRA Talent
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of operational risk and capital markets. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your hands-on approach and understanding of the trade lifecycle.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, practice how you'll communicate your ideas clearly and confidently. Think about how you can influence decision-making and challenge processes effectively during the interview.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss real problems you've solved in previous roles. Highlight your experience in conducting root cause analysis and implementing preventative actions, as this will show your proactive mindset and ability to drive meaningful change.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Frameworks
If you have exposure to frameworks like Basel or COSO, be sure to mention it. Even if you don’t have direct experience, showing that you understand these concepts can set you apart and demonstrate your commitment to the field.