Head of Operational Risk (Trading) in London

Head of Operational Risk (Trading) in London

London Full-Time 69750 - 85250 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
X4 Technology

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and enhance operational risk strategies in a dynamic trading environment.
  • Company: Leading trading organisation undergoing exciting growth and transformation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, comprehensive benefits including private medical and gym perks.
  • Other info: Opportunity for international travel and significant career advancement.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of operational risk and make a real impact on global operations.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in operational risk within trading or similar environments.

The predicted salary is between 69750 - 85250 £ per year.

X4 are partnered with a leading trading organisation undergoing an exciting period of growth and transformation across their international business. As part of this next chapter, they're offering the opportunity for an experienced Head of Operational Risk to take ownership of the development, implementation and continuous improvement of their operational risk framework across global commercial and operational activities.

This is a high-impact appointment for the business, leading an international team of 4-5, primarily based in London, with wider international coverage including Europe and the Far East. The ideal candidate is someone who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, combining best practice with real-world commercial pragmatism. Just as importantly, you'll be confident winning hearts and minds, influencing key stakeholders and driving meaningful impact across their risk agenda.

Responsibilities for the Head of Operational Risk
  • Set the strategic direction for Operational Risk, aligning the function with the firm’s wider growth and transformation agenda
  • Lead and develop an international team of 4–5, while overseeing the day-to-day Operational Risk and Enterprise Architecture functions
  • Own and continuously enhance the Operational Risk Framework, including KRIs, controls, policies and processes across global business areas
  • Lead incident management, risk reporting and governance, providing clear insight, escalation and recommendations to senior leadership
  • Act as the senior Operational Risk partner to the business, influencing stakeholders, strengthening risk culture and driving meaningful change
Requirements for the Head of Operational Risk
  • Proven Operational Risk leadership experience within commodities, trading, or environments with similar operational risk considerations
  • Strong understanding of operational risk, controls, governance and regulatory requirements within fast-paced commercial environments
  • Proven people leadership experience, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders, drive cultural change and bring teams with you
  • Strong IT aptitude, with BPMN/process-mapping experience a plus
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to operate effectively across complex, evolving and international environments

This is an exciting opportunity to shape operational risk for a firm entering the next phase of expansion. You'll have autonomy to evolve the function, influencing how the business thinks about risk and controls while winning hearts and minds. You'll have a genuine seat at the table and opportunity to make a visible, real-world impact.

Salary is £125-150k plus 10-20% bonus and comprehensive wider package, including pension, private medical, gym/fitness benefits, life insurance and more. Please apply online for immediate consideration.

Head of Operational Risk (Trading) in London employer: X4 Technology

X4 Technology is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement, particularly in cutting-edge technologies like encryption and cloud security. Our inclusive culture and commitment to work-life balance make this an ideal place for talented individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the tech industry.

X4 Technology

Contact Details:

X4 Technology Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Operational Risk (Trading) in London

Join Compliance Communities

Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!

Attend Industry Conferences

Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.

Leverage Your University Career Services

If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.

Showcase Your Knowledge Online

Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like X4 Technology looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operational Risk (Trading) in London

Operational Risk Management
Leadership Skills
Stakeholder Influence
Risk Framework Development
Incident Management
Risk Reporting
Governance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!

Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!

Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at X4 Technology. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!

How to prepare for a job interview at X4 Technology

Master the Regulations

Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!

Show Your Analytical Skills

Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!

Know Your Tools

Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!

Align with Company Culture

Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with X4 Technology’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!