Operational Risk Manager

Job Introduction

Handelsbanken is a relationship bank built on trust, long-term thinking and local decision-making. We provide bespoke banking and wealth management services to personal and corporate customers,

Our decentralised model means decisions are made close to the customer, in our branches. Our central Functions teams play a vital role in supporting the branch network, providing the expertise, governance and infrastructure that enable branches to serve customers effectively and sustainably.

This approach had underpinned our success for decades. Handelsbanken is independently recognised as one of Europe’s safest commercial banks, holds the strongest credit rating among its peers and is consistently ranked highly for customer satisfaction and relationship banking.

Our culture is values-led, shaped by trust, respect, and long-term thinking. We empower our people to use their expertise, make confident decisions and build long-term careers. We look for people who share our long- term vision, want to grow and want to make a meaningful impact in their local community and with the Bank

Check our Handelsbanken website for further information

The opportunity 

An opportunity has arisen within our Operational Risk Team, 2LOD risk.

The Operational Risk Manager works within an experienced risk management team which is responsible for providing high quality analysis, advice, guidance and assurance on the management of operational risk to ensure the business complies with the relevant policies, frameworks and regulatory expectations. 

The team is responsible for the development and implementation of Operational Risk Policy and Operational Risk Management Framework (ORMF) and associated processes and tools. They are responsible for overseeing, reviewing and challenging risk assessments / risk management activities as well as promoting consistency and best practice in the application of the ORMF across the Bank. They are also responsible for undertaking control assurance, which is key in helping the business to understand its inherent exposure to risk and overall effectiveness of the control environment.

The Operational Risk Manager covers all components of the ORMF including risk and control self-assessments, operational risk events, action management, scenario analysis, and key indicators, control assurance and testing. 

Key responsibilities

• Support the Senior Operational Risk Manager/s in leading, delivering and executing the Operational Risk Team’s business plan;
• Support the development and maintenance of the ORMF, processes and tools, including review and revisions where necessary;
• Attend where required, governance and risk forums representing the Operational Risk Team and act as delegate for the Senior Operational Manager and / or Head of Operational Risk as and when requested;
• Provide advice, guidance and support on operational risk management to the 1LOD (business functions) across the Bank
• Develop and provide training and awareness on ORMF components, processes, tools and systems across the Bank;
• Provide independent 2LOD oversight and challenge to the operational risk management activities and risk profiles;
• Assess the effectiveness of the operational risk framework in the Bank through a combination of 2LOD monitoring and oversight, independent control testing and broader assurance activities.
• Monitor and report operational risk exposure against management limits and Board risk tolerance.
• Lead in ad hoc targeted and / or responsive deep dives/thematic reviews into operational risk areas of interest; 
• Analyse and interpret operational risk and control data for emerging trends and produce regular/ad-hoc reporting / risk opinion for senior management and risk governance forums on the material operational risks and control environment within the Bank;
• Support and maintain the operational risk system (support the system owner in their duties);     
• Build and maintain relationships with key business / other relevant stakeholders (i.e. Group, SMEs) to be a trusted advisor/partner.

What we’re looking for

Research (by Harvard University) shows that women are particularly likely to second guess themselves and not apply - so if you are worried you don't meet all the criteria, get in touch anyhow and let us do the worrying…

• Demonstrate a sound understanding of the UK and International regulations relating to operational risk
• Experience of operational risk and control management in the Financial Services Industry (either within first line, second line or Internal Audit)
• Experience in the delivery and facilitation of control testing or broader control assurance experience (2LOD/3LOD)
• Demonstrate strong communication skills, both written and verbal including being able to translate risk matters to non-risk professionals in a clear or simple way
• Be a team player and be able to build and manager strong relationships with internal stakeholders
• Be comfortable challenging and influencing stakeholders including senior management - Balance the risk and reward and being prepared to make a decision / recommendation

Why join Handelsbanken

We want everyone at Handelsbanken to feel supported, motivated, and able to do great work. That’s why, alongside brilliant colleagues, meaningful work and training and development opportunities, we provide a variety of benefits designed with your wellbeing in mind. 

In addition, there is a flexible benefits package with the key highlights detailed below.

Application next steps 

Your journey with us begins once you have submitted your application. One of our Handelsbanken Talent Acquisition Partners will be reviewing your details and will later organise a phone conversation if your experience aligns with our requirements, we will extend an invitation for you to participate in an interview.  

This advert will be live for a minimum of two weeks. However, please note that after the two weeks, the closing date could change at any time depending on the number of responses received.

The Bank is deeply committed to embedding good equality and diversity practice into all of our activities. This is so that we are an inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to work that encourages everyone to apply, regardless of socio-economic background, age, disability, pregnancy and/or parental status, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), veteran status, marital and civil partnership status, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment or sexual orientation. 

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