Operational Resilience Manager

Location: Remote (UK Residents only)

Hours: Permanent Full Time Role 09:00-17:30

About Us

At Kensington Mortgages, we have been leading the way in providing specialist mortgage solutions for over 25 years. We are dedicated to offering people a chance to secure a mortgage, especially when high street lenders say no. Our approach is all about understanding the unique circumstances of our customers - It is what we call the Kensington Difference. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Barclays Bank UK PLC, we are proud to operate with the highest standards of service and integrity, fully authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Overall Purpose of The Job

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Operational Resilience Manager to lead the development, implementation and ongoing management of our Operational Resilience Framework. The critical role ensures that the organisation can anticipate, prepare for, respond to and recover from any disruptions that may impact our business operations. As the Operational Resilience Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring continuity of critical business processes, maintaining regulatory compliance, and coordinating regular mock-disaster exercises. You will work closely with stakeholders across all levels of the organisation, including C-Suite and external business partners.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead the development and administration of the Operational Resilience and Business Continuity Management Programme.
• Identify and evaluate potential threats to the organisation, ensuring appropriate mitigation strategies are in place.
• Prepare the annual Operational Resilience self-assessment and supporting documentation.
• Provide strategic direction and resilience guidance to all key stakeholders, including Senior Management (CEO and CIO) and Executive level.
• Conduct Business Impact Assessments and scenario-based stress testing.
• Plan and manage scenario tests, liaising as appropriate with colleagues from across the Group.
• Review business continuity and disaster recovery plans for our key suppliers and, if necessary, witness failover testing.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulation and industry standard (e.g. FCA Operational Resilience Policy).
• Responsible for the ongoing maintenance and communication of the Group Crisis Management plan.
• As the Subject Matter Expert for operational resilience and a member of the Crisis Management Team, provide expert guidance during all business continuity events.
• Engage with, train and support our network of Operational Resilience Champions in key functions to assist them in applying best practices, tools and processes.
• Maintain and test the emergency notification platform.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills

• Proven experience working in an Operational Resilience, Business Continuity or Disaster Recovery role.
• Passion for organisational resilience and making a difference long term in a highly dynamic environment.
• Strong understanding of threats, risks, impacts and associated mitigations as they relate to a major organisation.
• Able to demonstrate a proactive approach to drive forward the operational resilience agenda across the organisation.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, including c-suite and Board level.
• Good understanding of IT systems, particularly in relation to disaster recovery and high availability design and architectural considerations.
• Previous experience of managing third party suppliers and contractors.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate complex business continuity concepts and risks into business language and impact.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiating skills and a capability to adapt style and approach as needed to reflect the audience.
• Ability to influence and manage challenging situations through to successful resolution.
• Ability to apply a pragmatic consultative approach to find the right solution for the business.

Qualifications

A recognised Business Continuity Management certification (with the BCM Institute / BCI / DRI International) highly desirable.

Why Join Us

At Kensington Mortgages, we believe our employees are the heart of our success. We are committed to creating a supportive and flexible work environment that values personal growth, professional development and a healthy work-life balance. Our inclusive culture respects and celebrates diversity in all its forms, ensuring that everyone feels welcome, valued and understood. We recognise and appreciate differences in thinking, learning styles, gender, race, identity, ethnic origins and sexual expression. We are an inclusive, neurodiversity-friendly employer committed to creating a supportive environment where all employees can thrive.

Ready to make a difference? If you are passionate about providing an exceptional service and want to join a team that values your contributions, we would love to hear from you! Apply today and be part of the Kensington Mortgages family and help us to continue making a positive impact in the lives of our customers.