Senior Operational Risk Manager (2LOD) in London

Our Story

Hello there. We’re Zopa. We started our journey back in 2005, building the first ever peer-to-peer lending company. Fast forward to 2020 and we launched Zopa Bank. A bank that listens to what our customers don’t like about finance and does the opposite. We’re redefining what it feels like to work in finance. Our vision for a new era of banking puts people front and centre — we’ve built a business that empowers everyone to aim high, every day, to move finance forward. We’re incredibly proud of our achievements and none of it would be possible without the amazing team here. It’s not just industry awards we’re winning, we’ve also been named in the top three UK’s Most Loved Workplaces. If you embrace unconventional challenges, are unafraid to think differently and are driven to make an outsized impact, you’ll thrive here at Zopa, so join us, and make it count.

The Operational Risk team owns the framework for managing operational risk at Zopa, and ensures it is efficiently and effectively implemented and reported on in the business.

We are looking for an experienced second line senior operational risk manager to support the ongoing delivery and development of the operational risk framework and the systems that support it. The role is an exciting opportunity for a senior risk manager motivated by driving change in a growing organisation.

A day in the life:

• Working closely with the Director of Operational Risk and risk specialists across the business.
• Maintaining the framework for managing operational risk at Zopa, including the risk taxonomy, operational risk assessment matrix, RCSA framework, risk and control reporting processes, and risk events policy.
• Communicating the defined framework to the business, working with first line to ensure that it is understood and effectively implemented.
• Overseeing the collation of MI and other materials for the executive Risk Management Committee, including ensuring timely collation of risk and controls reporting from the first line.
• Owning and maintaining the governance, risk and control system that collates.
• Managing and conducting second line operational risk assurance work, adding value through the provision of independent testing, challenge and insight.
• Supporting the annual ICAAP Pillar 2A assessment for operational risk.

About you:

• You’ll have proven experience in an operational risk management role within the financial services industry.
• You’ll have a deep understanding of industry best practice in operational risk, including in respect of the design and documentation of processes and controls, and in clear risk analysis and assessment.
• You'll have a strong understanding across operational risk and be able to challenge first line credibly, with deeper knowledge in one or more sub-types (in particular, internal fraud, supplier risk, finance processes or business continuity).
• You’ll demonstrate strategic thinking with advanced knowledge in operational risk management frameworks and methodologies.
• Have excellent communication skills, capable of influencing a wide range of stakeholders and presenting credibly at senior levels with the structure and clarity.

At Zopa we value flexible ways of working. We value face-to-face collaboration and a good work-life balance. 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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.