Head of Operational Risk

We are seeking an experienced Head of Operational Risk to join our dynamic team at a multi-jurisdictional bank regulated under both EU (CSSF) and UK frameworks. This role will be fast paced, dynamic and is crucial in managing and mitigating operational risks, with primary focus on Risk & Control Self-Assessment, Third-Party Risk Management, New Product Approval Process, and Incident management and reporting processes. The role includes the responsibility for the Outsourcing Function.

Banking Circle is a truly international and vibrant company with more than 600 skilled and dedicated employees worldwide. We are a differentiator in the market who provides the stability of a Bank and the flexibility of a Fintech, in order to deliver a payments solution to our clients as we continue transforming the Banking and Payments industry for the new economy.

About the role
We are looking to hire a skilled Head of Operational Risk, to join our Risk team in either our Luxembourg or Copenhagen office, reporting to the Chief Risk Officer (CRO). The Head of Operational Risk bears the responsibility for the development, direction, and management of Banking Circle’s Operational Risk Framework. This encompasses ensuring the effective anticipation, identification, measurement, control, and management of operational risk across the entirety of the Bank, including its branches and subsidiaries.

What you will be doing
- Own, develop and direct the Operational Risk Framework and drive the process to effectively embed it throughout Banking Circle, ensuring a framework fit for growth and global expansion.
- Oversee its effective implementation and interact both with Senior Management and Regulators.
- Advance and monitor operational risk appetite limits and analyse operational risks and recommend appropriate internal control improvements to ensure Banking Circle remains within appetite.
- Be responsible for the regulatory reporting of major incidents in accordance with relevant regulations.
- Independently participate in, and manage, projects to drive business development.
- Manage Risk reporting / analysis to the relevant committees as required. Constantly enhance the reporting to ensure risk dashboard / indicators are well developed and appropriate.
- As a manager, establish and nurture a culture of individual ownership of tasks with a clear individual sense of accountability and ensure staff has relevant / measurable objectives. Maintain a culture in your own and staff behavior ensuring high standards of conduct and integrity.
- Maintain good understanding of the relevant legal and regulatory developments and their impact on Banking Circle’s business operations and drive and support regulatory initiatives.
- Promote a company-wide risk culture ensuring first line ownership and accountability for risk management, by knowledge sharing and awareness on the importance of risk management.
- Work closely and collaborate with other control functions, including ICT Risk, Compliance and Internal Audit.

What we are looking for
To be the right candidate for this position, we expect you to have a demonstrated capability from an applicable role where you have a strong background in risk management, having worked in a similar role for 10 years, within regulated financial institutions and a deep understanding of regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.

You have an academic bachelor’s or master’s degree. You have 10 years’ relevant work experience with a holistic and solid understanding of being in a second line function in a banking landscape, and with hands-on experience in the payments industry being highly desirable.
You possess strong leadership and organisational skills with proven track record / experience from leading and developing a successful operational risk function.
You have extensive knowledge of risk measurement systems and concept, as well as to establish relevant Risk and Internal Control Frameworks.
You have solid knowledge of risk reporting and the relevant regulatory requirements as well as strong knowledge of the relevant regulatory requirements.
You own strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights. Knowledge in SQL, PowerBI, and general proficiency in data analysis and management is an asset.

As a person you have the ability to take ownership / assume responsibility, be pro-active, open minded, rigorous, as well as a fast learner with a dynamic personality.
You are able to work independently, high level of integrity and show courage by not being afraid to speak your mind.
You have strong analytical and communicational skills with the ability to present complex (technical) matters in a simple / understandable way.
You possess strong collaboration skills, able to team up across the organisation and having a constructive and solutions-oriented mindset and attitude.
You have the ability to manage relationships at all levels of the company.
You are flexible and adaptable able to take on unstructured assignments, able to differentiate what is important, develop appropriate action plans and demonstrate ownership.

As Banking Circle is an international company it´s a requirement, that you are fluent in English.

What we offer you
We offer a hybrid work model for our employees to allow for flexibility and productivity. However, we do expect you to spend most of your time in the office to build community and efficiency in the team. Furthermore, we offer a competitive salary and a generous benefit package, opportunities for continuous learning, development, and a dynamic and collaborative culture that values personal initiative and professional achievements.

Would you like to join us?
We will be conducting interviews continuously; therefore, we urge interested candidates to apply online as soon as possible.
Please note that applications or CVs coming through email or direct messages will not be accepted or considered.

If you have questions do not hesitate to contact Svetlana Stetchi, Global Recruitment Partner, on svst@bankingcircle.com. No agencies, please.

Department:

Lokation: Copenhagen (DK)