Head of Operational Risk - Insurance - £120,000-£140,000Broadgate are delighted to be working on a retained basis with our client, a leading UK regulated financial services organisation, to appoint a Head of Operational Risk. This is a senior leadership opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening the operational risk framework, providing critical insight and assurance to the Chief Risk Officer.Role PurposeAs Head of Operational Risk, you will provide the CRO with insight and assurance on the operational risks faced by the organisation—both current and emerging. This assurance will be delivered in line with the organisation’s risk strategy, appetite, and regulatory obligations.You will lead the Operational Risk team within the Risk function, ensuring effective oversight, advice, challenge, and support across the business. The role requires strong collaboration with functions including Risk, IT, Claims, Operations, and Commercial.This is a Certified Person Material Risk Taker role under the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR), regulated by the FCA and PRA.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide oversight, monitoring, advice, and challenge on operational risks.Ensure all operational risks are captured and assessed in the risk register.Maintain an effective risk incident and breach reporting process, with strong MI and analytics.Ensure IT and cyber risks are clearly understood and well-managed.Partner with the Head of Compliance to ensure conduct risk is effectively managed.Lead operational risk analysis and MI reporting for committees and forums.Oversee the RCSA process, ensuring it is fit for purpose and used effectively by the 1st line.Define and maintain risk appetite statements and metrics for operational risks.Own and maintain relevant risk policies and procedures, ensuring effective cascade across the business.Develop and deliver a plan of operational risk reviews, reflective of the emerging risk profile.Support the CRO as part of the senior leadership team, providing risk insight and advice.Build and lead a capable operational risk team with the right expertise and skills.Act as a champion for operational risk, embedding a strong risk culture across the organisation.Person ProfileEssential ExperienceSignificant senior experience in risk management within financial services.Proven track record in delivering operational risk frameworks.Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to convey complex issues clearly.Evidence of leadership and delivering results in risk management functions.Desirable ExperienceExposure to operational risk disciplines (Cyber, IT, RCSA, Operational Resilience).Planning and project management experience.Experience in a regulated business.Experience contributing to committees.Skills & CompetenciesStrong problem-solving ability and sound judgement.Knowledge of business processes, risk management practices, and regulatory requirements.Excellent prioritisation and project management skills.Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building capability.Gravitas and ability to contribute across a wide range of topics.Advanced IT skills (particularly MS Excel and other Office tools).Clear communicator, resilient, proactive, and collaborative.Passion for continuous improvement and developing others.KnowledgeHolistic understanding of general insurance operations.Awareness of financial risk management techniques and practices.Knowledge of market practice, legislation, and insurance industry trends.Broad and rounded risk management knowledge.QualificationsDegree in a relevant subject with strong numeracy/literacy.IRM or IOR qualification/membership (essential).Broader risk management qualifications (desirable).
Richard Williams