At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and control business risks while supporting various departments in a hybrid work environment.
- Company: FirstBank UK, a top-tier bank with a rich heritage and global recognition.
- Benefits: Generous pension contributions, private medical insurance, gym subsidies, and 25+ days annual leave.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team to shape risk management strategies and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in business risk management within financial services and strong stakeholder leadership skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a supportive, inclusive workplace culture.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
FirstBank UK is a globally recognised, top-tier bank providing world-class services to various institutions and individuals. Offering a comprehensive range of retail and corporate financial services/products, this thriving business has over 10 million active customers in over 700 business locations and is the oldest African bank in the UK. Due to business requirements, we are now looking to acquire the services of an experienced Business Risk Manager to support a number of business units in the identification, ownership, management, and control of risks arising. Please note that this role is hybrid with 3 days from the office and 2 days working from home.
This role sits within the 1st Line of Defence and will support the following business units:
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Treasury
- Markets
- Business Transformation
- Governance
- Legal
- Strategy
- Corporate Communications, Brand & Marketing
Key Responsibilities:
- Facilitate and maintain Risk and Control Self‑Assessments (RCSAs), ensuring risks, controls, and mitigations are accurately identified, documented, and kept up to date.
- Support the design, implementation, and ongoing effectiveness of key controls, working with business owners to address control gaps and weaknesses.
- Oversee the identification, escalation, and remediation of operational risk events and issues, including coordination of root cause analysis and tracking of management actions.
- Support the monitoring of the Bank’s risk profile, including key risk indicators (KRIs), emerging risks, and trends, escalating concerns in line with governance expectations.
- Provide practical risk advice and challenge to support risk‑informed decision‑making, change initiatives, and new business activities.
- Support adherence to risk appetite, policies, and standards, embedding them into business processes and ways of working.
- Promote a strong risk and control culture through training, awareness, and ongoing engagement with stakeholders.
- Act as a key liaison with second line risk, compliance, and internal audit, supporting reviews, responding to findings, and ensuring timely closure of actions.
Key Skills/Experience:
- Significant experience in a senior first line business risk, operational risk, or control role, ideally within financial services or another highly regulated environment.
- Deep expertise in first line operational risk management.
- Demonstrated experience leading RCSAs, control assurance, and issues management across a business area or function.
- Proven track record of managing material operational risk events, including oversight of root cause analysis, escalation, and delivery of sustainable remediation.
- Experience overseeing and interpreting risk MI, KRIs, and trend analysis.
- Previous experience having regular engagement with second line risk, compliance & internal audit at senior level.
- Strong experience supporting or influencing strategic initiatives, change programmes, or new activities.
- Strong capability to interpret and apply risk appetite, frameworks, and policies.
- Excellent stakeholder leadership skills.
- Strong analytical judgement, particularly when assessing material risks, emerging issues, and risk interdependencies.
- Experience coaching or mentoring others on risk management practices.
In return, we offer a fantastic benefits package including:
- Up to 10% employer pension contribution
- Life Assurance Cover
- Income protection
- Private Medical Insurance plan (upon successful completion of probation period)
- Contribution to glasses/contacts and eye testing
- Gym subsidy (up to £50 per month)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric Vehicles (EVs) salary sacrifice
- Employee Assistance Program
- Interest Free season ticket loan for travel
- Birthday Leave
- 25 days annual leave, rising to 28 after 3 years and 30 after 8 years’ service
- Holiday Trading scheme
- Give As You Earn (GAYE)
First Bank is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
Business Risk Manager in City of London employer: FirstBank UK Limited
Contact Detail:
FirstBank UK Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Risk Manager in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working at FirstBank UK. A friendly chat can give us insights into the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common questions for Business Risk Managers. We should also think about how our past experiences align with the key responsibilities listed in the job description.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our analytical skills during the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how we've managed operational risks or led RCSAs. This is our chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Risk Manager in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Risk Manager role. Highlight your experience in operational risk management and any relevant achievements that align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for FirstBank UK. Use it to showcase your understanding of risk management and how your skills can contribute to our business units. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical judgement, make sure to include examples of how you've assessed material risks or managed operational risk events in your previous roles. We want to see your thought process!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at FirstBank UK!
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstBank UK Limited
✨Know Your Risk Management Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of operational risk management and the specific responsibilities of a Business Risk Manager. Familiarise yourself with concepts like Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs) and key risk indicators (KRIs) so you can speak confidently about them during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles in risk management, especially any experience you've had in financial services or regulated environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've identified and managed risks, as well as any successful remediation efforts you've led.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves liaising with various business units, think about how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with stakeholders in the past. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to influence and lead discussions around risk management practices.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the bank's current risk profile, emerging risks they’re facing, or how they promote a strong risk culture. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.