Operational Risk Officer

PURPOSE SUMMARY: The Operational Risk Management (ORM) Senior Specialist operates within the Risk Oversight team, conducting a wide range of Second Line of Defence (2LoD) activities to ensure robust risk governance across the business. The role provides expert support to the First Line of Defence (1LoD), ensuring operational risks are effectively identified, assessed, monitored, and managed. The position requires strong analytical skills, autonomy, and stakeholder engagement across multiple business areas to drive continuous improvement in risk practices. The role also provides second line oversight of Financial Crime risks, including Anti‑Money Laundering (AML) and Fraud, ensuring appropriate governance, independent challenge, and assurance over first line controls, risk assessments, and issue management. The Operational Risk Management (ORM) Senior Specialist ensures that all operational risk activities support the organisation's compliance with Consumer Duty, embedding customer-centric risk practices and promoting good outcomes for customers across the business. Salary: Basic: £45k-£50k Bonus: 8.5% Location: Home based with 2 days working in the office – Coventry PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Participate in the Risk & Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) process, performing Check & Challenge reviews, providing feedback to 1LoD and Heads of Department, and raising Permanent Control Actions (PCAs) as needed.
• Review and challenge local policies and procedures to ensure alignment with corporate strategy and operational risk management objectives.
• Develop, execute, and report on the annual ORM Independent Testing Plan (ITP), including issue identification and follow-up.
• Prepare, analyse, and deliver Operational Risk and Control reporting to senior management and relevant governance committees.
• Support Operational Permanent Controllers in managing Historical Incidents, ensuring data quality and timely closure.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships across departments and functions to promote effective risk management practices.
• Coordinate and contribute to cross-functional risk initiatives, ensuring best practice sharing and consistency in ORM frameworks.
• Represent the Risk Oversight team in key business meetings, deputising for senior members when required.
• Provide expert guidance on complex operational risk matters, acting as a subject matter resource for the wider organisation.
• Identify and contribute to process and control improvements across ORM processes and systems. Financial Crime (AML & Fraud) – Second Line Oversight
• Provide second line oversight and effective challenge of the firm's AML and Fraud risk framework, including governance arrangements, policies, and key controls.
• Review and challenge AML and Fraud Risk Assessments prepared by the First Line of Defence, ensuring risks are appropriately identified, assessed, and documented in line with the firm's risk appetite.
• Perform independent testing and thematic reviews of key AML and Fraud controls, in line with the annual ORM Independent Testing Plan.
• Oversee and challenge the management of AML and Fraud‑related incidents, ensuring appropriate root cause analysis, remediation actions, and timely closure.
• Review AML and Fraud management information (MI) and key risk indicators (KRIs), identifying trends, emerging risks, or control weaknesses and escalating where appropriate.
• Support the embedding of Consumer Duty considerations into AML and Fraud control oversight, ensuring financial crime controls operate proportionately and do not result in foreseeable customer harm.
• Act as a second line subject matter point of contact for AML and Fraud matters, working closely with Compliance, Risk, and relevant business owners. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• The ORM Senior Specialist works autonomously and is empowered to identify opportunities for performance improvement and process efficiency.
• Regular interaction with local and transversal Risk teams, 1LoD and 2LoD partners, and business management.
• Provides timely, accurate information and risk insights through monthly reporting and ad-hoc requests. ABILITY AND SKILLS PROFILE:
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to influence and challenge effectively.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proven ability to build effective working relationships across all levels of the organisation.
• Facilitation and presentation skills, with the ability to lead meetings and training sessions.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and a methodical, systematic approach to work.
• Ability to provide robust, independent challenge on AML and Fraud risks, balancing regulatory expectations with proportionality and business practicality. KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
• Essential: University degree (or equivalent level qualification) in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or a related discipline.
• Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of progressive experience in operational risk management, internal control frameworks, or governance within financial services or leasing/auto finance.
• Proven track record of:
• Leading risk and control assessments and implementing robust operational risk frameworks.
• Acting as a delegate for senior management during absence periods, demonstrating decision-making authority and leadership capability.
• Managing or mentoring team members, including providing guidance and oversight on risk-related activities.
• Driving strategic initiatives to strengthen risk culture and improve control environments across multiple business units.
• Operational expertise: Hands-on experience in back-office operations, including process optimization, incident management, and root cause analysis.
• Governance and reporting: Ability to prepare and present risk reports to senior stakeholders and contribute to governance committees.
• Technical skills: Strong knowledge of Back Office systems, Microsoft Office suite, and risk management tools; ability to leverage data for risk analysis and reporting.
• Desirable: Experience in auto finance or leasing sector; familiarity with regulatory requirements and industry best practices, including AML and Fraud risk governance and second line assurance practices.
• Experience of second line oversight of AML and/or Fraud risk within a regulated financial services environment, including review of risk assessments, controls, incidents, and management information. IT SKILLS PROFILE:
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with operational risk management systems and data analysis tools.
• Ability to compile and interpret management information using digital and data tools. Data Privacy