Operational Risk Officer in Coventry

The Operational Risk Management (ORM) Senior Specialist operates within the Risk Oversight team, conducting a wide range of Second Line of Defence (2LoD) activities to ensure robust risk governance across the business. The role provides expert support to the First Line of Defence (1LoD), ensuring operational risks are effectively identified, assessed, monitored, and managed. The position requires strong analytical skills, autonomy, and stakeholder engagement across multiple business areas to drive continuous improvement in risk practices.

Job Responsibilities:

• Participate in the Risk & Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) process, performing Check & Challenge reviews, providing feedback to 1LoD and Heads of Department, and raising Permanent Control Actions (PCAs) as needed.
• Review and challenge local policies and procedures to ensure alignment with corporate strategy and operational risk management objectives.
• Develop, execute, and report on the annual ORM Independent Testing Plan (ITP), including issue identification and follow-up.
• Prepare, analyse, and deliver Operational Risk and Control reporting to senior management and relevant governance committees.
• Support Operational Permanent Controllers in managing Historical Incidents, ensuring data quality and timely closure.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships across departments and functions to promote effective risk management practices.
• Coordinate and contribute to cross-functional risk initiatives, ensuring best practice sharing and consistency in ORM frameworks.
• Represent the Risk Oversight team in key business meetings, deputising for senior members when required.
• Provide expert guidance on complex operational risk matters, acting as a subject matter resource for the wider organisation.
• Identify and contribute to process and control improvements across ORM processes and systems.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and a methodical, systematic approach to work.

Essential:

• University degree (or equivalent level qualification) in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive experience in operational risk management, internal control frameworks, or governance within financial services or leasing/auto finance.
• Leading risk and control assessments and implementing robust operational risk frameworks.
• Acting as a delegate for senior management during absence periods, demonstrating decision-making authority and leadership capability.

Operational expertise:

• Hands-on experience in back-office operations, including process optimization, incident management, and root cause analysis.

Governance and reporting:

• Ability to prepare and present risk reports to senior stakeholders and contribute to governance committees.

Technical skills:

• Strong knowledge of Back Office systems, Microsoft Office suite, and risk management tools; ability to leverage data for risk analysis and reporting.

Desirable:

• Experience in auto finance or leasing sector; familiarity with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.