At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and manage risk across a purpose-led financial services organisation.
- Company: A forward-thinking financial services business focused on sustainability and responsible investment.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with strong visibility and growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing risk management in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in risk management and a desire to shape your role.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The organisation is a purpose‑led financial services business with a strong focus on long‑term sustainability, responsible investment, and doing the right thing for customers. It is entering an exciting phase of evolution, reshaping its Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) capability to support future growth, resilience, and regulatory excellence. Following a recent senior leadership change, the Finance and Risk functions have been deliberately separated to ensure both areas receive dedicated focus and leadership. With a new Finance Director now in place, the business is investing in building a standalone, high‑impact Risk function. This represents a genuinely rare opportunity to help shape a role, influence a function, and play a central role in how risk is managed across the organisation.
The business is seeking to appoint a Risk Specialist to take ownership of risk in its broadest sense. Rather than stepping into a rigidly defined position, the successful individual will have genuine scope to shape the role around their strengths, experience, and interests. While prudential risk is fully outsourced, the focus of the role will include:
- Conduct Risk
- Operational Risk
- Operational Resilience (a key strategic priority)
- Outsourcing and third‑party risk management
Ideally, the role would hold SMF4 (Chief Risk), making this a compelling opportunity for someone looking to step into, or further develop, their senior management and regulatory profile.
Why This Role Stands Out
- A role that can be shaped – no fixed job description; real freedom to design a meaningful remit
- Broad exposure – risk in its widest sense, combining strategic oversight with practical delivery
- SMF opportunity – a valuable chance to take on (or build experience toward) an SMF role
- Career‑enhancing – strong visibility, influence, and long‑term development potential
- Flexible working – ideally two days per week in the office, with pragmatism to secure the right individual
- Part‑time considered – experienced candidates may be considered on a part‑time basis (e.g. three days per week) with a fair, pro‑rated salary reflecting responsibility and scope
The successful candidate will join a collaborative and developing GRC and Finance function, working alongside:
- Finance Director
- Compliance Manager
- Trainee Actuary (graduate, progressing through actuarial exams)
- Junior Risk / Governance Officer (supporting risk administration and governance activity)
The role will provide leadership, expertise, and direction within the risk space, working closely with colleagues across compliance, finance, and the wider business.
Who This Could Suit
- An established risk professional seeking broader influence and ownership
- Someone ready to step into an SMF4 position
- A senior individual looking for flexibility or part‑time working without compromising responsibility or impact
- A risk leader motivated by building, shaping, and improving rather than maintaining the status quo
Risk Specialist (Governance, Risk & Compliance) in Manchester employer: MERJE
As a purpose-led financial services business, we prioritise long-term sustainability and responsible investment, making us an excellent employer for those passionate about ethical practices. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and personal growth, offering unique opportunities to shape your role and influence the Governance, Risk and Compliance function significantly. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to employee development, we provide a supportive environment where you can thrive while making a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Risk Specialist (Governance, Risk & Compliance) in Manchester
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like MERJE looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Risk Specialist (Governance, Risk & Compliance) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at MERJE. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at MERJE
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with MERJE’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
