Senior Operational Risk Consultant (h/f)

Job Title: Senior Operational Risk Consultant
Location: London, Hybrid

Project: Retail Banking Project.

emagine is a high-end professional services consultancy and solutions firm specialising in providing business and technology services to the financial services sector, we power progress, solve challenges and deliver real results through tailored high-end consulting services and solutions.

We have created a culture of openness and integrity by building genuine and strong relationships and partnerships, enabling us to be uncompromising in our dedication in delivering the optimal service for our clients. Our commitment is not just towards our clients but we aim to foster a positive and equitable working environment with our consultants and colleagues which stems from our core values: Confident, Dedicated, Responsible, Genuine.

The Role:

As the Senior Operational Risk Consultant you will be part of the independent risk function. Involving the first, Second and Third Line Risk function, providing oversight and challenge to key strategic change programmes. This role is crucial for supporting the safe and effective delivery of change initiatives that impact the operational resilience of the organisation, introduce new products for customers, and ensure compliance with regulatory and legal requirements.

You will work closely with Senior stakeholders, technical teams, senior leadership, and partners across the Three Lines of Defence to provide independent challenge and influence on project delivery. Your focus will be on both the strategic and technical aspects of change, ensuring risks are adequately identified, assessed, and mitigated.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop Risk Oversight Plans: Contribute to the development of a comprehensive risk oversight plan for assigned change programmes. Monitor key programme management activities (eg risk, time, cost, quality) and technical change activities (eg architecture, solution designs, 3rd party management, test plans, migration plans).

• Provide Assurance to Leadership: Offer assurance to executive management and the risk leadership team on the adequacy and effectiveness of risk management practices in mitigating key operational, regulatory, and conduct risks across the programmes.

• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including programme and project managers, senior leaders, and technical teams. Ensure that key risks are visible and appropriately managed throughout the life cycle of the programme.

• Oversight Activities: Conduct various oversight activities, including close and continuous oversight and formal risk and control reviews. Tailor oversight approaches based on the needs and complexity of the project.

• Assess Compliance with ERMF: Ensure business areas are compliant with the organisation's Enterprise Risk Management Framework (ERMF), including risk identification, control management, policies, and regulatory requirements.

• Collaborate Across the 3LOD: Work collaboratively with the Three Lines of Defence to simplify and strengthen project risk management practices, helping drive improved risk management practices for the overall benefit of the business.

• Provide Insight and Reporting: Present risk insights and updates to key governance forums, steering committees, and working groups, ensuring risks are well understood and managed. Deputise for the Head of Operational Risk Oversight (Change) as needed.

About You:

To be successful in this role, you will have the following experience and skills:

• Experience in Programme/Project Oversight: A proven track record in leading or overseeing complex programmes or projects, particularly within the retail banking with a strong technical understanding.

• Risk Management Expertise: Familiarity with assessing and managing risks in line with an Enterprise Risk Management Framework (ERMF) and knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements within financial services.

• Stakeholder Management: Strong interpersonal skills, with experience engaging regularly with senior stakeholders and building high-value relationships at all levels of the organisation.

• Leadership and Decision-Making: Demonstrated leadership capabilities and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure, managing ambiguity and uncertainty while balancing competing priorities.

• Technical and Analytical Acumen: Ability to rapidly assimilate complex technical information, assess risks, and provide clear, actionable insights to support informed decision-making.

• Resilience and Adaptability: Ability to stay calm under pressure, with a focus on the bigger picture and navigating change in a dynamic and evolving environment.