Operational Risk Manager

Hello, we’re Starling. We built a new kind of bank because we knew technology had the power to help people save, spend and manage their money in a new and transformative way. We’re a fully licensed UK bank with the culture and spirit of a fast-moving, disruptive tech company. We’re a bank, but better: fairer, easier to use and designed to demystify money for everyone. We employ more than 3,500 people across our London, Southampton, Cardiff and Manchester offices.

We are seeking an experienced risk expert to join our team as an Operational Risk Manager. This role is central to the Bank's Enterprise Risk Management Framework, involving the governance and management of reporting processes, ownership of the Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) standards, acting as the primary administrator for the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) system, and overseeing the operational risk profile. The successful candidate will also conduct independent oversight and assurance reviews, supporting the Head of Technology and Operational Risk in embedding the Operational and Enterprise Management Risk Frameworks.

Key accountabilities / responsibilities

• Lead the design and automation of risk Management Information (MI), leveraging data visualisation tools to enhance the transparency of 2nd Line risk reporting.
• Set the standards for Events management and reporting on operational losses, events and breaches to support effective reporting to regulators and capital calculations such as the ICAAP;
• Provide independent 2nd Line oversight and challenge of the Enterprise Risk Management Framework (ERMF). Including experience in conducting thematic reviews and deep-dive assessments, experience in a specific operational risk domain (such as Outsourcing, People, Change, or Financial Reporting) is desirable.
• Own and develop the RCSA standards, procedures and quality, in line with the Operational Risk Framework;
• Produce high-quality, independent 2nd Line risk reports to Starling's Operational Risk Committee an Executive/ Board Risk Committee, where required;
• Manage the administration, configuration, and optimisation of the banks GRC system to ensure data integrity, robust governance workflows, and automated risk reporting.;
• Monitor Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to identify emerging risk patterns and provide predictive insights to senior management.

Requirements

Technical competencies

• Expert Knowledge: Demonstrates a deep and current understanding of operational risk practices and enterprise risk management frameworks (ERMF).
• Data Analysis and GRC Tooling: Experience in GRC system administration and the use of data tools (e.g., SQL, BI solutions) to manipulate large datasets and automate governance reporting. .
• Communication skills: Demonstrates strong written communication skills with the ability to translate complex information into clear, concise, and compelling presentations, documentation, and reports for both technical and non-technical audiences.

Behavioural competencies

• Problem-Solving and Initiative: Identifies and resolves complex issues proactively, showing a track record of effective problem-solving and a commitment to continuous improvement;
• Organisational and Detail-Oriented: Displays exceptional organisational skills and keen attention to detail to manage complex tasks and ensure accuracy;
• Influence: Is able to constructively challenge stakeholders and resolve problems efficiently while building effective relationships across teams;
• Collaborative Partnership: Works effectively with colleagues in the wider 2LOD function, such as Enterprise Risk and Compliance;
• Values Champion: Acts as a role model by championing company values (e.g., "listen, keep it simple, do the right thing, own it, and aim for greatness") within the risk function;
• Adaptability: Shows flexibility and resilience when faced with new challenges, adapting approaches to an evolving business and regulatory environment.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday (plus take your public holiday allowance whenever works best for you)
• An extra day’s holiday for your birthday
• Annual leave is increased with length of service, and you can choose to buy or sell up to five extra days off
• 16 hours paid volunteering time a year
• Salary sacrifice, company enhanced pension scheme
• Life insurance at 4x your salary
• Private Medical Insurance with VitalityHealth including mental health support and cancer care. Partner benefits include discounts with Waitrose, Mr&Mrs Smith and Peloton
• Generous family-friendly policies
• Perkbox membership giving access to retail discounts, a wellness platform for physical and mental health, and weekly free and boosted perks
• Access to initiatives like Cycle to Work and Salary Sacrificed Gym partnerships

About Us

You may be put off applying for a role because you don't tick every box. Forget that! While we can’t accommodate every flexible working request, we're always open to discussion. So, if you're excited about working with us, but aren’t sure if you're 100% there yet, get in touch anyway.

We’re on a mission to radically reshape banking – and that starts with our brilliant team. Whatever came before, we’re proud to bring together people of all backgrounds and experiences who love working together to solve problems.

Starling Bank is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to foster diversity & inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment at Starling Bank are considered without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

By submitting your application, you agree that Starling Bank may collect your personal data for recruiting and related purposes. Our Privacy Notice explains what personal information we may process, where we may process your personal information, its purposes for processing your personal information, and the rights you can exercise over our use of your personal information.