At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse risks and improve frameworks while collaborating with a diverse team.
- Company: Join USS, a leading pension scheme with a vibrant and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, health services, and personal development support.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working model and opportunities for community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial futures while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in risk management and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
When you join USS, the size and scale of our pension scheme means you will have numerous opportunities to learn and develop your career. Given our size you'll have real autonomy and influence as you collaborate closely with a wide-ranging team of experts. Our office is a vibrant place to work, and we offer flexibility of office/homeworking due to our hybrid model.
About the role
In your role as Senior Operational Risk Analyst, you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to sit within the second line Enterprise and Operational Risk Management (EORM) team, which is responsible for overseeing risk management and control activities across USS. The role reports into the Operational Risk Manager, who is responsible for risk oversight and assurance across Group Functions, including HR, Finance, Group General Council (GGC), Group Risk and the corporate insurance programme. The primary focus of the role is to support the embedding and continuous improvement of the Operational Risk Framework. You will provide analysis, insight, and challenge to help ensure effective risk management, strong controls, and high-quality governance across the business. This is a 12-month fixed term contract to provide maternity cover.
What you will be doing
- Delivering Results: High-quality, insight-led risk reporting to support committees and senior stakeholders.
- Analysing risk events to identify trends, root causes and emerging risks.
- Tracking actions and provide challenge to ensure timely and effective resolution.
- Using the risk system (Protecht) to maintain accurate data and support reporting and analysis.
- Supporting thematic reviews and deep dives into key risk areas.
Framework and Control
- Supporting the embedding and ongoing development of the Operational Risk Framework.
- Contributing to the assessment and improvement of controls, including design and effectiveness.
- Promoting alignment between risk events, controls and risk profiles across the business.
- Supporting the management of the corporate insurance framework.
Stakeholder Management
- Building strong working relationships with colleagues across EORM, Information Security, Compliance, HR and Finance.
- Supporting and challenging business Risk owners and Risk Champions with the identification, assessment and documentation of their risks and controls.
- Providing constructive challenge on risk assessments, controls and actions.
- Supporting a proactive and forward-looking approach to risk management.
Process Improvement and Innovation
- Identifying opportunities to simplify and improve risk processes.
- Supporting the use of automation and AI tools (e.g. Copilot) to enhance efficiency and insight.
- Contributing to ongoing enhancements to risk systems and reporting approaches.
About you
We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they don't tick every box, if you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, then please apply, regardless of whether you meet all the requirements outlined in this profile.
To be successful in the role you will have:
- Experience in operational risk, risk management, audit or a business control function within financial services.
- Strong understanding of risk and control frameworks, including control assurance.
- Experience in risk event or incident management and analysis.
- Ability to analyse data and provide clear, practical insight to stakeholders.
- Good communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools.
- Experience using generative AI tools (e.g. Copilot) is desirable.
At USS, every individual contributes to building a secure financial future for our members and their families. We strive to create a work environment where everyone can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. We're also committed to helping you build your career by providing opportunities for development. We put a focus on recognising and supporting each individual's unique career path, driving this forward with the support of an engaged and proactive management team. Here at USS, we want you to thrive in and out of work with a friendly team, flexible culture and excellent range of benefits!
How we will reward you
- Generous annual leave package.
- Access to a high quality pension scheme provided through Universities Superannuation Scheme.
- Supportive people policies (including enhanced occupational sickness pay and family friendly pay).
- Financial contributions towards your personal development to help you maintain your physical and mental wellbeing.
- Access to a range of health and wellbeing services i.e., private healthcare, discounted gym membership.
- Learning and development opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and talent.
- Employee Volunteer Day’s to support the communities where you work and live.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
Our culture and values
Our people are what makes us different. We work together to create a diverse and inclusive culture that embraces individuality, where people are welcomed and feel comfortable in the knowledge that they can be themselves. Our purpose firmly states the importance of members, putting them ‘front and centre’ of what we do. This is embedded through our values: Integrity.
About us
Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) was established in 1974 as the principal pension scheme for universities and other higher education institutions in the UK. We work with around 330 employers to help build a secure financial future for almost 577,000 members and their families. We are one of the largest private defined benefit pension schemes in the UK, with total assets of around £76.8bn (at 31 March 2025).
USSL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to ensure our recruitment process is as flexible and inclusive as possible so we can attract diverse candidates and recruit the best talent. We want all candidates to perform at their best during the recruitment process, so if you need any reasonable adjustments or if there is anything we can do to help support you through your recruitment journey please let us know by contacting resourcing@uss.co.uk.
Senior Operational Risk Analyst in Liverpool employer: Universities Superannuation Scheme Ltd
At USS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment that fosters professional growth and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide generous benefits, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for personal development, ensuring that every team member can thrive both in and out of the workplace. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion.
Contact Details:
Universities Superannuation Scheme Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Operational Risk Analyst in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at USS on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Dive deep into USS's values and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do a mock interview with you. Focus on articulating your experience in operational risk and how it aligns with what USS is looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, shoot a thank-you email to express your appreciation. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operational Risk Analyst in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational risk and how it aligns with the role. We want to see how your skills can contribute to our team at USS!
Showcase Your Insights:When writing about your past experiences, focus on specific examples where you provided analysis or insight that led to improved risk management. This will help us understand your thought process and problem-solving abilities.
Be Authentic:Don’t stress if you don’t tick every box! If you’re excited about the role and have relevant experience, we encourage you to apply. Just be yourself and let your passion shine through in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Universities Superannuation Scheme Ltd
✨Know Your Risk Frameworks
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of operational risk and control frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in financial services. This will show that you can hit the ground running!
✨Data Analysis is Key
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical skills by discussing specific examples where you've identified trends or root causes from risk events. Use data to back up your insights, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you've successfully managed stakeholders in the past. Be ready to share examples of how you've built strong working relationships and provided constructive challenges to risk owners. This is crucial for the collaborative environment at USS.
✨Embrace Innovation
Familiarise yourself with automation and AI tools like Copilot. Be prepared to discuss how you've used technology to enhance efficiency in risk management processes. Showing that you're forward-thinking will set you apart from other candidates.