At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead reviews of complex models and ensure their integrity for key business decisions.
- Company: Join Standard Life, a leader in retirement savings with over 200 years of experience.
- Benefits: Earn up to £145k, enjoy 38 days leave, private medical cover, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of curiosity and inclusivity, with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on risk management while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Strong quantitative skills, programming experience, and a background in finance or insurance.
The predicted salary is between 145000 - 145000 £ per year.
Job Type: Permanent
Location: This role can be based in either our London, Birmingham, or Edinburgh offices with time spent working in the office and at home. Flexible working: All roles are open to part-time, job-share and other types of flexibility. We will discuss what is important to you and balancing this with business requirements during the recruitment process.
Closing Date: 24th July
Salary and benefits: Up to £145k depending on experience plus an indicative bonus range of 30-60%, private medical cover, 38 days annual leave, excellent pension, 12x salary life assurance, career breaks, income protection, 3x volunteering days, and much more.
Who are we? We’re Standard Life, a retirement specialist focused entirely on retirement savings and income. We champion the belief that everyone’s journey to and through retirement can be better, and for more than 200 years, we’ve been helping our customers plan and prepare for their financial futures.
The role: As a Senior Quants Risk Manager, you’ll play a central role in ensuring the integrity, robustness and appropriateness of the models that underpin key decisions across our business. Working within our Transactions and Quants Modelling Oversight team, you’ll lead end-to-end reviews of a wide range of models covering asset pricing, liability valuation, ALM, and credit. The team values intellectual curiosity and collaboration as much as technical expertise, and team members are expected to challenge assumptions and influence modelling standards across the business.
You will provide independent, evidence-based challenge on both the methodology and implementation of models, ensuring they meet regulatory expectations, internal standards, and industry best practice. The role requires close collaboration with model developers as well as engagement with senior stakeholders across risk, finance, and asset management. You will bridge the gap between technical detail and business decision-making, confidently explaining complex modelling concepts, assumptions, and limitations to senior stakeholders both verbally and through written reports. You will have access to production code and develop benchmark models and analytical tools in state-of-the-art systems. This is an opportunity to apply deep quantitative expertise to high-impact work, influence modelling strategy, and help shape how we manage risk across a growing and strategically important area of the business.
What are we looking for?
- Ability to analyse complex quantitative methodologies and communicate conclusions clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Strong programming (e.g., Python, VBA, or actuarial modelling platforms) with the ability to review quantitative code
- Demonstrated experience in a quantitative role within insurance or financial services (e.g. model validation, model development, or actuarial modelling) with the ability to independently lead reviews of complex models
- Strong academic background in a quantitative discipline (e.g. mathematics, physics, statistics, or actuarial science), ideally to MSc or PhD level
- Intellectual curiosity and a willingness to explore unfamiliar topics beyond the immediate scope of a review
- Understanding of stochastic modelling techniques such as Monte Carlo, interest rate modelling, or asset-liability modelling
- Good understanding of insurance regulatory frameworks (e.g. Solvency II)
- Comfortable engaging in constructive debate, collaborating with colleagues from different disciplines, and contributing to initiatives that support the wider business.
We want to hire the whole version of you. We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels accepted and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If your experience looks different from what we’ve advertised and you believe that you can bring value to the role, we’d love to hear from you. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know so we can help you to be at your best. We’re reviewing applications as they come in, so apply early to avoid missing out.
Senior Quants Risk Manager employer: Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group)
Standard Life is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where BPA Actuaries can thrive and make a meaningful impact in the life insurance sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive salaries, and an attractive benefits package that includes private medical cover and generous annual leave, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an ideal workplace for those seeking both professional development and personal fulfilment.
Contact Details:
Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quants Risk Manager
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group). Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quants Risk Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group).
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group)'s website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group)
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group).
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group) will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group) employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
