Head of Operational Risk

Responsibilities

• Provide a UWL-wide view of risk and present a prioritised agenda to UWL Boards, Ex Co, Management Committees and Forums.
• Lead the UWL Risk Team to support identification, management, escalation and mitigation of risk incidents using Utmost Group methodology and framework.
• Oversee the quality and timeliness of root cause analysis performed by 1st Line, ensuring remediation actions are completed on time.
• Ensure the practical implementation of the company’s risk management framework across all business lines.
• Support the business with additional duties of a comparable nature as determined by the company.
• Oversee operational risk, embedding the operational risk management framework of the company.
• Oversee Internal/Risk Framework and policy implementation and attestation processes.
• Report on Key Risk Indicators and KPIs against the company’s Risk Appetite and the implementation of the Risk Framework.
• Provide an annual opinion on policy adherence and risk culture.
• Support the development of the Risk Function across the Utmost Group.
• Maintain the Risk Register and related items within the risk management application.
• Lead the annual Operational Risk and Control Assessment of the company, report findings to the Board, and monitor for material changes in the risk profile.
• Leadership
• Hold line management responsibility for the Risk team.
• Identify and nurture talent, ensuring deadlines and performance objectives are met and personal development is supported.
• Use in‑depth knowledge and experience to support employees, promoting continuous improvement and good practices.
• Lead and motivate teams with an inclusive, collaborative, authentic style, putting the organisation’s interests first.
• Maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, enabling efficient prioritisation and delivery.
• Represent the Risk Function or the company internally and externally.
• Provide thought leadership and drive the vision and plans for the Risk Function.
• Ensure service delivery quality across all business lines, seeking stakeholder feedback.
• Collaborate with control functions in Guernsey and across the business.
• Regulatory & Compliance
• Adhere to Utmost Code of Conduct, UW F&P Regime and relevant regulations, subject to regulatory approval.
• Risk Strategy
• Support the development of a UWL risk strategy and associated risk appetite framework.
• Lead discussions on risk appetite with UW Executives and other stakeholders, recommending statements to the UWL Executive Committee.
• Ensure the company’s risk appetite and operational risk attitudes are observed and maintained within agreed thresholds.
• Risk Management & Strategy
• Implement and refine a UWL-wide risk framework for identifying, monitoring, reporting and escalating all material risks.
• Embed the Risk & Control Self‑Assessment (RCSA) process across the business.
• Embed company risk policy and guidelines framework.
• Manage and monitor error and loss reporting processes; investigate material incidents and ensure reconciliation with Finance.
• Maintain and develop the Operational Risk Register.
• Maintain issue management processes related to incident reports, risk assessments and control assessments.
• Carry out and report to the Board on the annual Operational Risk Assessment.
• Facilitate the annual policy attestation process and production of letters of representation.
• Assess and monitor the effectiveness of Business Continuity arrangements and contribute to the plan.
• Implement risk‑management methodology and standards of the company.
• Provide operational risk and internal control input into projects from inception.
• Manage incident management and issue tracking from root‑cause analysis.
• Risk Reporting
• Develop and maintain periodic operational risk reporting of the company risk profile and material exposures to internal and external parties and regulators.
• Risk Governance
• Attend risk‑related meetings including service boards and group risk meetings.
• Assist Internal Audit when required, including reviews of Terms of Reference and supporting the internal audit plan.
• Projects
• Participate in projects and assist with system development and testing, ensuring operational procedures are updated.
• Provide risk guidance on behalf of the wider group for allocated projects.
• Communicate effectively with project sponsors and team members on progress and any concerns.
• Training & Development
• Maintain a positive and ethical work climate conducive to attracting, retaining and motivating staff.
• Proactively develop knowledge of industry themes and good practices; network with industry peers, regulators, etc.
• Provide training, coaching and internal consultancy on operational risk.
• Provide training to various user categories on the operation of the RMS application.
• Complete IRM or equivalent qualification within 2 years unless already qualified.
• Risk & Audit
• Assess operational risks associated with day‑to‑day activities and implement risk mitigation controls.
• Ensure risk events are reported on a timely basis and actions completed within agreed timelines.
• Contribute to the creation of a risk‑aware culture and high standards of corporate governance.
• Culture
• Act as a role model in demonstrating the behaviours and culture across the organisation.
• Represent company strategy and commercial decisions proactively.
• Lead by example, motivate and assist with change management.
• Provide an annual opinion on risk culture.

Requirements

• Strong analytical, presenting, influencing and organisational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and proven accuracy.
• Excellent time management, organisational and prioritisation techniques.
• Results‑focused, comfortable with high volumes of work and deadline driven.
• Strong continuous‑improvement mindset and organisational excellence.
• Ability to establish strong relationships at all levels, across functions and jurisdictions.
• Displays honesty, integrity and a strong sense of ethics in all decisions and actions.
• Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Use initiative and enhance processes and procedures to maximise efficiencies.
• Willingness to adapt, learn and understand proprietary systems.
• Must hold current and valid Population Management Permit or Certificate in Guernsey.

Skills & Experience

• Ideally 5 years of risk‑focused roles within the finance industry.
• Excellent knowledge of financial products and industry practice.
• Experience with established risk‑and‑governance frameworks, methodologies and risk‑management systems.
• Operational knowledge in a risk‑related environment.
• Tech savvy with good experience in Microsoft Office and risk‑management systems.

Benefits

• Death in Service benefit – 4 × basic salary.
• Income Protection.
• Secondary Pension at 10% of basic salary.
• Private Healthcare for you (and extendable to partner/dependent children) and free EAP service.
• Discretionary bonus scheme based on personal and business performance.
• Optional benefit at employee’s cost: investment and savings plan, dental insurance.
• Payment of up to two professional memberships.
• Internal and external training opportunities.
• Sports and social event programme.
• Community & volunteer programme.
• Annual flu jab.
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