Head of UK Operational Risk and Controls

Head of Operational Risk and resilience

Working hours: This role is available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis. 

Location: Swindon with travel to London

Are you ready to expect the best?

At Zurich, we are market leaders. In order to meet the needs of our customers even better, we go to we break new ground, think creatively, work agilely. Our corporate culture gives you the gift of more flexibility - and plenty of freedom to develop optimally. Think big - and also international! Your development opportunities know no bounds with us be ready to take the future into your own hands.

The opportunity: 

As Head of Operational Risk, you will support the UK CRO and management team in the task of managing operational risk across the UK to support their identification at an early stage, initiate control measures or consciously identify risks: You will lead a team of operational risk and controls professionals with the objective of implementing timely and effective risk management for the UK business. In your role, you will be responsible for providing the consistent and reliable information that provides management for a 360º view of risk and risk-related decisions are needed, including overseeing the Zurich UK business in EMEA from the perspective of operational risk and controls.

What will you be doing?

• You will also be responsible for carrying out risk assessments (Strategic Risk Assessments) and analysis in order to identify risks and problems at an early stage, and ensure that measures are defined and monitored. This includes carrying out risk assessments and reviews to assess the effectiveness of the organisation's operational risk and control management practices 
• You will oversee and challenge1st Line of Defense activities and be responsible for the validation of findings and observations with the relevant stakeholders and verification of the results. You will continue to develop and enhance operational risk appetite and tolerance thresholds for the UK, including supporting the implementation of risk mitigation strategies, contingency plans and associated controls to manage operational risks.
• You will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies and frameworks for operational risk management that are aligned with the company's goals and risk appetite.
• You will be  responsible for the end‑to‑end implementation, oversight and continuous improvement of the Internal Control Integrated Framework. The role leads second‑line assurance over control design and effectiveness, oversees control testing and action plan remediation, and delivers clear, timely reporting to senior management, committees and Boards, supporting a strong control culture and effective risk management across the UK business.
• You will ensure that the organisation has effective structures and processes in place to manage the operational risk and accompanying controls in order to facilitate the implementation of strategies and frameworks for the effective management of operational risk.
• You will also be responsible for supporting and monitoring the implementation of the Zurich Group Risk Management Framework ( Zurich Risk Policy, Strategic and Operational Risk Management, Internal Control System, Business Resilience)
• You will lead the mentoring and development of other professionals within the UK Risk management team, as well as the provision of contributions to, or management of, global training and workforce development initiatives.

Many of our employees work flexibly in a variety of different ways, including part-time, flexible hours, job share, an element of working from home or compressed hours. This is because we want the best people for our roles, and we recognise that sometimes those people aren’t available full-time. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may need. 

What are we looking for?

• Experience in control functions (1-2-3 Lines of Defence, compliance, audit, risk or other internal control and governance functions) and core areas of insurance activity (claims processing, underwriting, etc.)
• You will also have in-depth knowledge of operational risk management principles, methods and best practices, including knowledge of the legal requirements, risk assessment and mitigation techniques, and the framework for the Risk reporting
• You have the proven ability to work with senior executives and Independent Non Executive Directors
• You are characterized by a strong focus on execution and results, strategic skills combined with solid operational skills and the ability to drive change, support, showing both perseverance and resilience

• Your ability to deal with ambiguity, different requirements and demanding deadlines as well as your independence and the ability to work both independently and in a team
• Personally, you inspire others with your excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills as well as your high service orientation and the ability to think in a networked way
• You have a good knowledge of insurance and regulatory requirements
• You have proven budgeting and project/program management skills
• Ideally, you will also have knowledge in the areas of data analysis and data visualisation

Our Culture:

At Zurich, our strength comes from the diverse experiences, perspectives and talents of our people. Our goal is to create a workplace where every employee can flourish and where everyone feels valued, heard and respected.

Over a quarter of our employees are members of at least one of our inclusion communities (Employee Resource Groups), with groups focused on areas such as social mobility and cultural awareness. We’re proud to have received numerous industry awards recognising our diversity and inclusion policies and initiatives.

We’ve created an environment that places real importance on our people’s wellbeing from a physical, mental, social and financial perspective. We work with our wellbeing partners and industry experts to provide practical advice and access to a wide range of lifestyle support, alongside opportunities to learn, grow and develop the skills needed for the future.

We actively support our employees to give back to their communities through volunteering and charitable activity. Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, is one of the longest‑established corporate trusts in the UK. Together, we’ve supported causes across the UK through grants and volunteering, contributing over £100 million in funding and volunteered time.

Your application:

If you are curious to know more or not quite sure if your skills match this role, please reach out to the hiring manager or the Talent Acquisition Business Partner for an informal conversation.

At Zurich, we are committed to supporting every employee to progress in their careers and therefore encourage internal moves through a transparent posting and selection process. We also ask you to inform your current line manager about your application beyond the first interviews in the spirit of transparency.  

If you are successful in securing an interview, please be aware that the recruiting manager may reach out to your current manager for an internal reference - this will be an informal conversation, and no historic performance ratings will be disclosed. 

We’re committed to treating all applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, sexual orientation, disability or any other protected characteristic.

As an inclusive employer we also want to ensure that all candidates feel comfortable and are able to perform at their best during the interview. You’ll have the opportunity to let us know of any reasonable adjustment or practical support needed when you apply.

We’d love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, please send an email to recruitment@uk.zurich.com

So, make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.