Investec is a distinctive Specialist Bank serving clients principally in the UK and South Africa. Our culture gives us our edge: we work hard to find colleagues who'll think out of the ordinary and we put them in environments where they'll flourish. We combine a flat structure with a focus on internal mobility. If you can bring an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to learn and collaborate to your work, this could be the boost your career deserves.

Head of Risk Control: Role Description

Introduction

We are seeking a dedicated and innovative professional to join our team in a pivotal capacity. This individual will embody our core values while bringing fresh perspective and expertise to the table. Essential attributes for success in this role include a growth mindset, adaptability, pro-activity, integrity, and a passion for continual improvement.

Position Overview

The Head of Risk Control is a critical part of our organization, responsible for the implementation of the Bank's non-financial risk management strategy and monitoring of the Bank's risk profile as a second line of defence. The key objective is to ensure an effective internal control system by designing and implementing an adequate non-financial risk framework with consistent supervision and assessment across all areas of the Bank. This position requires a combination of technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and a commitment to excellence. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team and play a vital role in shaping the future of the Bank.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintaining a comprehensive overview and oversight of the non-financial risk framework in the following areas:
  • Operational risks
  • Operational resilience and business continuity management
  • Third party risk management (offshoring and outsourcing)
  • Technology risk
  • Information security and cyber risk
  • Data governance
• Ensuring that material risks are timely and pro-actively identified and escalated to the Executive Management of the Bank and Group Risk functions
• Regular risk reporting to the Executive Management, the Board of Directors, the Audit and Risk Control Function, and Group Operational Risk functions
• Control register oversight, assessing design and operating effectiveness
• Ensuring that risk events and issues are analysed, documented, escalated and resolved in an effective and timely manner (incident management)
• Ensuring, together with the relevant business areas, the implementation, enhancement or enforcement of mitigation measures with regards to risk events and issues
• Oversight of the Bank's governance framework: inventory of regulations, policies, guidelines and terms of reference, procedures and processes, and ensuring streamlined structure and quality of the formal business framework documentation
• Ensuring that risk appetite, tolerance and limits are clearly defined and monitored
• Assisting the Bank's departments with the risk and control self-assessments and key control inventories, including any measures to be implemented, and having oversight thereof
• Reviewing and maintaining of risk acceptances together with risk owners and obtaining approvals from management
• Supervising third party management, incl. offshoring and outsourcing. Managing the relationship with the Group Risk functions regarding any outsourced operational risk services provided to Bank via service level agreements (SLAs).
• Overseeing Technology, Information Security and Cyber Risks
• Reviewing external and internal audit reports and assisting with responses to findings; monitoring of audit findings and ensuring that appropriate actions have been identified and implemented
• Assisting with the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment (ICAAP) for the calculation of capital
• Reviewing and maintaining the end user developed application (EUDA) register along with the EUDA owner
• Responsibility for independent control testing with the business areas.
• Ensuring sign-off on projects according to the Initiative Approval Document (IAD) process, if applicable
• Ensuring that an adequate Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is in place, up-to-date and regularly tested; planning and facilitating crisis management and disaster recovery; including overall coordination responsibility for the emergency and evacuation procedure.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality projects on time and within budget
• Managing a small cross-border team on a remote basis, mentoring and supporting team members, fostering a culture of learning and professional development. Managing resources efficiently, including time, budget, and personnel, to maximize productivity and outcomes
• Communicating effectively with team members, peers and internal stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver solutions
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, best practices, and innovations relevant to the role
• Identifying opportunities for process improvement and implement innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• Higher education (university, bachelor's or master's degree). Additional certifications related to risk management are considered an asset
• Proven experience in a similar role within risk management, audit or management consulting
• Solid understanding of risk management requirements and frameworks in financial services in Switzerland, in particular private banking and wealth management
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in German and in English, with the ability to deliver high-quality presentations and convey complex information clearly and concisely
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and independently, pro-actively managing various stakeholders across multiple locations
• Proficiency in relevant software applications, tools, and technologies, in particular MS Office, MS SharePoint; knowledge of Client Lifecycle Management of Appway, Aravo and Protecht is highly beneficial
• Strong people management and organizational skills
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, changing environment
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth
• High standards of performance, partnership, client focus, ethics, integrity, and professionalism.

Core Competencies

• Leadership: Ability to inspire and guide individuals toward achieving goals.
• Initiative: Pro-active approach to identifying needs and solving problems before they escalate.
• Collaboration: Willingness to work with others, share knowledge, and achieve common objectives.
• Adaptability: Capacity to adjust to new circumstances, learn quickly, and embrace change.
• Communication: Strong listening, speaking, and writing skills to interact effectively with diverse audiences.
• Accountability and ownership: Taking responsibility for one's actions and outcomes, owning successes and mistakes.
• Innovation: Creative thinking and openness to new ideas that challenge the status quo.
• Problem-Solving: Systematic approach to addressing challenges and delivering effective solutions.
• Time Management: Efficiently organizing tasks and schedules to meet deadlines and priorities.
• Customer Focus: Commitment to exceeding internal and external client expectations.

Working Conditions

The position is typically based in an office environment. Standard work hours (42 hours per week) apply, although flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines or attend meetings in different time zones. Occasional travel may be necessary for training, conferences, or stakeholder meetings.

Reporting Structure

This role reports directly to the Chief Risk Officer of the Bank and supervises one staff member based in South Africa. The role is also integrated into the Bank's mother company operational risk function. Regular communication with senior leadership, colleagues, and stakeholders across the Group, specifically in the UK and South Africa is expected.

Professional Development

Our organization is committed to supporting the continuous professional growth of our employees. Opportunities for advancement, further education, and participation in industry events are encouraged. The successful candidate will be expected to take advantage of available resources, attend relevant training, and pursue certifications that align with their role and career aspirations.

Performance Metrics

Success in this position will be measured through:

• Achievement of individual, team, and organizational targets.
• Quality and timeliness of deliverables.
• Feedback from supervisors, peers, and clients.
• Contribution to innovation and process improvement initiatives.
• Adherence to company values, ethics, and codes of conduct.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at all levels of the organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications, experience, and motivation for applying to this position. Selected candidates will be contacted for an initial interview and may be required to complete assessments, provide references, and participate in additional interviews as part of the hiring process.

About Our Company

Our company is a recognized leader in its industry, known for innovation, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. We offer a supportive and collaborative work environment, competitive compensation, and a comprehensive benefits program. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and grow your career alongside talented and passionate professionals.

Conclusion

The Head Risk Control role is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and skilled individual seeking to advance their career within a forward-thinking organization. If you are ready to take on new challenges, contribute to a dynamic team, and help shape the future of our company, we encourage you to apply and become part of our success story.

Note: CVs and data will be managed, processed, and stored in the UK. By applying, you, as the candidate, agree to this.

Embedded in our culture is a sense of belonging and inclusion. This creates an environment in which everyone is free to be themselves which helps to drive innovation, creativity and ultimately business performance. At Investec we want everyone to find it easy to be themselves, and to feel they belong. It's a responsibility we all share and is integral to our purpose and values as an organisation.

Research shows that some candidates can be reluctant to apply to a role unless they meet all the criteria. We pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit here and welcome you to do the same – if the role excites you, please don't let our person specification hold you back. Get in touch!

Recite Me

We commit to ensure that everyone is fairly assessed during our recruitment process. To assist candidates in completing their application form, Recite Me assistive technology is available on our Careers pages. This can be accessed by clicking on the ‘Accessibility Options' link at the top of the page.

The Recite Me tool includes a screen reader, styling and customisation options, a series of reading aids, a translator and more.

If you have any form of disability or neurodivergent need and require further assistance in completing your application, please contact the Careers team at [email protected] who will be happy to assist.