Operational Risk Manager (2nd Line of Defence)

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. Want to see us in action? 

The second line Operational Risk team owns the framework for managing operational risk at Zopa, and is responsible for setting high-quality standards over the design and documentation of processes, controls and risk assessments. The team is responsible for risk oversight of the first line, training and assurance activity, designed to ensure that defined frameworks and standards are adhered to and that Zopa is managing its operational risk exposure within the bank’s risk appetite. 

We are looking for an experienced second line operational risk manager to support the ongoing development of the operational risk framework. Someone comfortable utilising data and analytics to identify actionable insights, trends and themes. They will be partnering with the business to provide effective review, challenge, oversight and assurance of operational risk assessments and decision making by the business.  The role is an exciting opportunity for an analytically minded risk manager motivated by driving change and contributing to delivering responsible growth and a truly customer centric experience.   

A day in the life:

• You'll be working closely with the Head of Operational Risk and senior risk leaders from across the business. 

• Providing second line operational risk oversight of first line, ensuring that defined frameworks and standards are adhered to, and that sufficient subject-matter expertise is applied, in ongoing operations and in major change initiatives. 

• Conducting second line operational risk assurance work, adding value through the provision of independent testing, challenge and insight. 

• Supporting the development of policies and frameworks to manage internal fraud, supplier and business continuity risks across the business. 

• Training the first line on the defined frameworks and standards to help build and champion quality and excellence in operational risk management across the business. 

• Improving the quality of discussion and debate around risk – ensuring appropriate escalation, a consistently evolving approach to MI and controls and clear expectation setting. 

• 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 deep subject matter expertise in at least one sub-type of operational risk (in particular, internal fraud, supplier risk or business continuity).  

• You’ll demonstrate strategic thinking with knowledge of operational risk management frameworks and methodologies. 

• You’ll have excellent communication skills, capable of influencing and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.  

• You’ll have the ability to advise and challenge on the implementation of smart solutions across multi-functional teams.  

• You’ll have an analytical mindset, comfortable utilising data and analytics to identify actionable insights, trends and themes. 

This role is hybrid, requiring travel to our London Bridge office 1-2 times per week.