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- Tasks: Lead the Distributor Risk Team and manage onboarding risk frameworks for partners.
- Company: Join Zopa, a forward-thinking fintech with a commitment to diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, flexibility to work abroad, and comprehensive support for your well-being.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape risk management strategies and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in risk frameworks and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
This role sits within Zopa’s 1st Line of Defence (1LoD) Risk Function, supporting the business to embed effective and efficient risk management into day‑to‑day decision making. You will lead the Distributor Risk Team, owning the end‑to‑end onboarding and ongoing oversight risk frameworks for Auto, Payments and Retail Finance distribution partners. You’ll build and run proportionate frameworks that protect Zopa’s risk appetite and control environment, while materially improving onboarding speed and partner lifecycle monitoring. You’ll be expected to operate as a domain expert who can set direction, shape clear frameworks, and communicate complex risk analysis effectively to senior stakeholders.
A Day In The Life
- Own and operate onboarding risk frameworks.
- Design, iterate and operate a fast, risk‑based onboarding model for Auto, Payments and Retail Finance partners within clear, proportionate end‑to‑end risk frameworks.
- Define and maintain risk appetite guardrails, decision‑making authorities, and minimum control standards for partner onboarding and changes to partner operating models, aligned to Zopa’s broader risk management model and appetite monitoring approach.
- Ensure distributor/partner risks (including failures in onboarding or ongoing management) are clearly captured and managed as part of the bank’s operational risk taxonomy for distribution methods/intermediaries.
Embed data‑driven risk management
- Translate risk appetite into measurable metrics and high‑quality MI for senior governance, using a robust set of KRIs/KCIs/KPIs and clear thresholds/trigger points.
- Build and calibrate monitoring that provides early warning indicators and actively manages risk exposure across the full partner lifecycle.
- Provide clear, structured risk analysis and recommendations to support decisions that balance risk and reward within appetite.
Drive automation & tooling
- Partner with Product and Engineering to digitise onboarding and monitoring workflows, converting policy requirements into scalable, system‑executable controls (e.g., automated checks, evidence capture, attestations, monitoring triggers).
- Help ensure control performance is measurable and evidenced appropriately, aligned with expectations for control ownership, operation, and keeping risk/control data up to date.
Continuous control improvement
- Proactively identify weaknesses and friction points across onboarding and monitoring; implement enhancements that improve speed, clarity, and resilience.
- Use lessons learned (issues, incidents, near misses) to strengthen frameworks and controls, consistent with the “response and learning” cycle in Zopa’s risk model.
Act as a commercial risk partner
- Provide structured challenge and clear trade‑off analysis to enable growth within appetite.
- Build strong cross‑functional partnerships across 1LoD/2LoD and business teams, influencing outcomes through clear communication of complex topics to senior stakeholders.
About You
- Deep experience designing and operating risk‑based onboarding and oversight frameworks for third parties, intermediaries, merchants, brokers, distributors, payment partners, or similar.
- Strong capability in risk MI: defining KRIs/KCIs/KPIs, thresholds, and early warning indicators; turning risk appetite into practical measurement and governance‑ready reporting.
- Proven track record of partnering with Product/Engineering to implement automation and system controls, not just writing policy.
- Confident communicator who can synthesise and explain complex risk analysis clearly to senior stakeholders and governance forums.
- People leadership experience: coaching, prioritisation, performance management, and protecting team throughput during high‑demand periods.
Bonus Points For
- Experience in a regulated bank/fintech environment focusing on SMB risk and comfort working across the three lines of defence and governance routines.
Working Conditions and Benefits
This hybrid role requires you to come to our London office 2‑3 days a week. You’ll also have the option of working from abroad for up to 120 days a year! But no matter where you are, we’ll make sure you’ve got everything you need to thrive, both in your work and home life, from day one.
Diversity Statement
Zopa is proud to offer a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to better products for our customers and a unique company culture for our people. We are made up of nearly 50 nationalities, have a DE&I forum made up of Zopians wanting to make a difference and we are proud of our culture where everyone can bring their full self to work. Our approach to DE&I is reflected in our hiring process so please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.
Third Party Risk Lead employer: Zopa Bank
Contact Detail:
Zopa Bank Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Third Party Risk Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry, especially those at Zopa or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Zopa’s risk management practices. Show us you understand our frameworks and can bring fresh ideas to the table. We love candidates who can think critically about risk!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled risk challenges in the past. We want to hear about your successes and how you’ve learned from any hiccups along the way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Zopa family.
We think you need these skills to ace Third Party Risk Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with risk management frameworks. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Third Party Risk Lead, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be communicating complex risk analysis to senior stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly. Use examples in your application that illustrate how you've successfully communicated intricate topics in the past.
Highlight Your Technical Know-How: If you’ve partnered with Product and Engineering teams to implement automation or system controls, make sure to mention it! We’re looking for someone who can bridge the gap between policy and practical application, so share those experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Zopa while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zopa Bank
✨Know Your Risk Frameworks
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of risk management frameworks, especially those related to onboarding and oversight. Be ready to discuss how you've designed or operated similar frameworks in the past, as this will show your expertise and alignment with Zopa's needs.
✨Speak Their Language
Familiarise yourself with key terms like KRIs, KCIs, and KPIs. Use these acronyms confidently during your conversation to demonstrate your understanding of risk metrics and how they translate into actionable insights for senior stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Automation Experience
Prepare examples of how you've partnered with Product and Engineering teams to implement automation in risk processes. Highlight specific tools or systems you've used to digitise workflows, as this aligns perfectly with Zopa's focus on driving automation and tooling.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice explaining complex risk analyses in simple terms. During the interview, aim to convey your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing trade-offs and risk-reward scenarios. This will help you connect with the interviewers and showcase your communication skills.