Head of Enterprise and Operational Risk in London

At the Pension Protection Fund (PPF), we provide security in retirement for our members and millions of people throughout the UK who belong to defined benefit (DB) pension schemes. Through the PPF and Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS), we compensate members for their pensions after the employer funding their pension becomes insolvent. In total, we look after over 400,000 members across the PPF and FAS. With over £30 billion in assets under management, our investments support long‑term economic growth across the UK. Our award‑winning team of around 450 professionals has earned the IPE UK Pension Fund of the Year title three times in seven years. We work closely with government and industry partners to improve outcomes for scheme members, employers, and the broader pension system—playing a vital role in strengthening retirement security nationwide.

We are seeking a senior risk leader to join us as the Head of Enterprise and Operational Risk. This pivotal role is responsible for the PPF’s enterprise risk management framework and for overseeing operational and resilience risk across the organisation. The Head of Enterprise and Operational Risk will lead the continuous improvement of the enterprise risk management framework, oversee compliance with relevant regulatory and industry standards, and deliver high‑quality risk insights for executive teams, risk committees and the Board.

The postholder will provide independent second‑line oversight, challenge and assurance across operational and resilience risks, making sure that risks to the organisation’s strategic objectives, financial sustainability, operations and reputation are identified, assessed, managed and reported in a coherent, transparent and proportionate way. A key part of the role is to foster and support an open and constructive risk culture where risks and issues are surfaced early, challenge is encouraged and risk thinking is embedded throughout the organisation.

The successful candidate will bring significant senior‑level experience in operational risk or a closely related discipline, typically gained within the financial services sector. They will have a proven track record in designing, implementing and embedding risk management frameworks. Extensive experience in risk governance and presenting to senior leadership and Boards is essential, as is a history of leading and developing highly effective risk teams.

We are looking for a strategic, influential and collaborative leader with excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation. The ideal candidate will bring balanced professional judgement, a constructive approach to challenge and a commitment to promoting a strong, open and forward‑thinking risk culture.

In return for your skills, experience and commitment we’ll give you a challenging role within a business where you’ll get the support you need to develop your career. We’ll also give you lots of opportunities for personal development and skills training. Our Croydon office is just across the road from East Croydon station, which is around 15 minutes from Victoria or London Bridge, 10 minutes from Clapham Junction or half an hour from St Pancras.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and actively encourage applications from people with disabilities. We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. We are happy to discuss your needs and ensure you have the support required. We embrace diverse talent welcoming people with different beliefs, backgrounds and ways of working. Whatever your background, and however you identify, you’ll be welcome here.