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- Tasks: Lead risk management and shape the future of risk at Saga.
- Company: Join Saga, a trusted brand for over 50s in the UK.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, pension scheme, private medical insurance, and more.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-stakes leadership role.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in risk management and strong stakeholder skills.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join Saga's Risk and Compliance function within Insurance and Money at a pivotal moment in our journey. As Head of Risk, you'll report to the Insurance Risk Director and play a central role in shaping how risk is managed across Saga Services Ltd, Saga Money, and our partner landscape. You will lead the operation, oversight and evolution of our risk and control framework, ensuring it remains robust, forward-looking and aligned to our strategic ambitions. This is a high-impact leadership role where you'll be the trusted advisor to the SSL management team on all aspects of risk and control management spanning strategic, financial, non-financial and reputational risk, as well as operational resilience. You will influence confidently at all levels of the business and act as a key point of contact with the FCA, helping to safeguard Saga's reputation as one of the UK's most trusted brands. We work in a hybrid way at Saga both at home and in the office, requiring you to be based in our Folkestone office weekly with visits to our London office for collaboration.
Responsibilities
- Design, implement and oversee the risk and control framework used throughout SSL and Saga Money, covering all risk types.
- Lead the risk business partnering team across SSL, liaising with the Head of Compliance and working as one with the compliance business partners.
- Ensure a clearly articulated and approved framework for risk appetite, and appropriate risk appetite measures and tolerances to support senior management decision making and strategy formation.
- Identify, develop and deploy operational risk management tools, techniques and strategies to ensure operational risk management across Saga is value adding and contributes to overall strategy and performance.
- Lead risk partners to map risks, processes and control ownership with the first line.
- Design and perform risk-based control testing, document results, issues and remediation actions.
- Actively promote a risk culture aligned to strategy and risk appetite, with effective and timely response to risk events.
- Assist in the formation, review and ongoing delivery of appropriate risk governance.
- Present to relevant committees on topics in enterprise or operational risk management.
- Conduct targeted risk opinions or deep dives across material risks or projects as requested by the Board or leadership team.
- Maintain continuous development by reviewing risk management maturity and evaluating core framework components in operation by the first line and partners.
- Lead the development and delivery of specific risk projects on behalf of the CRO or first line functions.
- Provide risk advice, leadership and stewardship to material transformation and change programmes and projects to support strategic and tactical objectives.
- Support the Insurance Risk Director in day-to-day management of the CRO Function and the first line Risk Champion community.
- Ensure an open and collaborative relationship between all lines of defence and group colleagues.
Experience and qualifications
- Proven experience leading a team that operates a risk framework covering an entity and overseeing significant third-party partners/providers.
- Experience presenting clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Understanding of technology landscapes and system concepts.
- Understanding of data legislation and regulatory environment.
- Ability to constructively challenge the status quo.
- Stakeholder management skills, including senior management.
- Strategic thinking and business acumen.
- Resilient, adaptable, and open to change in a fast-paced environment.
- Unquestionable integrity, professionalism, and commitment to ethical practice.
Industry context
Over the past 75 years we have become the UK's specialist provider of products and services to people aged over 50. We are recognised as the most trusted brand amongst UK consumers in this demographic, with products including cruises, holidays, insurance, personal finance products and Saga Magazine.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Option to purchase additional leave - 5 extra days
- Pension scheme matched up to 10%
- Company performance related annual bonus - Up to 15%
- Car allowance £4,800 per annum
- Private medical insurance after 1 year's service
- Life assurance policy on joining us, 4 x salary
- Wellbeing programme
- Colleague discounts including family discounts on cruises, holidays and insurance
- Range of reductions and offers from leading retailers, travel groups and entertainment companies
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Grandparents leave
- Income protection
- Access to Saga Academy, our bespoke learning platform
Head of Risk (Insurance) 12 month FTC employer: SAGA PLC
Contact Detail:
SAGA PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Risk (Insurance) 12 month FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the insurance and risk management sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Saga’s values and recent developments. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise common interview questions, especially those related to risk management and compliance.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you’ve led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and manage risks effectively, as this is crucial for the Head of Risk role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Saga team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk (Insurance) 12 month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Risk role. Highlight your experience in risk management and leadership, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications or certifications that align with our needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed risk frameworks and influenced stakeholders in previous positions.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be presenting to both technical and non-technical audiences, make sure to demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at SAGA PLC
✨Know Your Risk Frameworks
Make sure you’re well-versed in various risk management frameworks and how they apply to the insurance sector. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've designed or implemented these frameworks in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Risk, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare to share experiences where you've successfully led teams, influenced stakeholders, and navigated complex risk scenarios. Highlight your ability to foster a collaborative risk culture.
✨Understand Regulatory Environments
Familiarise yourself with the FCA regulations and how they impact risk management in insurance. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in past roles and how you would approach this at Saga.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think about potential risks Saga might face and how you would address them. This will show your proactive approach and understanding of the business landscape.
