Operational Risk Framework Manager

At M&G, our purpose is to give everyone real confidence to put their money to work. With a heritage dating back more than 175 years, we have a long history of innovation in savings and investments, combining asset management and insurance expertise to offer a wide range of solutions.

Our two distinct operating segments, Asset Management and Life, work together to provide access to balanced, long-term investment and savings solutions.

Through telling it like it is, owning it now and moving it forward together with care and integrity; we are creating an exceptional place to work for exceptional talent.

We will consider flexible working arrangements for any of our roles and offer workplace adjustments to ensure you have the support you need to succeed in your role.

Department and team: Non-Financial Risk, Risk & Compliance, M&G plc

Management level: Manager / Expert

Role reports to: Head of Risk Framework and Systems

Number of Direct Reports: 2

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Context:

M&G plc, as a major UK listed financial services provider is required to maintain a comprehensive and effective Risk Management Framework that meets regulatory expectations and supports well‑informed decision‑making across the Group. The Operational Risk Framework Manager is responsible for the design, development and maintenance of the Group Operational Risk Framework and its supporting standards, methodologies, guidance and training (including RCSAs, Control management, Issues and Actions management, and Risk Events management).

This is a group-wide role that works across business areas and legal entities to ensure the Operational Risk Framework is coherent, well-understood and consistently applied. The Operational Risk Framework Manager will provide SME support and direction to the broader Non-Financial Risk team to enable effective and consistent adoption of the Operational Risk Framework. 

The Operational Risk Framework Manager will liaise with senior stakeholders across all business areas and present Operational Risk Framework updates at various Committees and Forums, where required.  

Success in this role requires:

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship building skills,
• Proven track record developing Operational Risk Management Frameworks,
• Strong analytical skills,
• Strong verbal & written communication skills, and
• Self-confidence and the ability to deliver presentations.

Key Responsibilities:   

•       Lead the design, maintenance and ongoing development and enhancements of the group-wide Operational Risk Standards, methodologies and guidance, including RCSAs, control management, issue management and risk-event management, ensuring these operate as an integrated framework.

•       Ensure that the Operational Risk Framework aligns with the Group Risk Management Policy, Group Risk Taxonomy and Risk Appetite Framework, and works coherently within the overarching Group Risk Management Framework.

•       Own operational risk framework training and coordinate communications on operational risk standards, processes, guidance and changes to the Risk and Control Community.

•       Develop the operational risk elements of the Group Risk Taxonomy and Risk Appetite Framework in partnership with the Enterprise Risk Framework Manager, and monitor regulatory, industry and peer developments relevant to operational-risk management, implementing proportionate changes where appropriate.

•       Work in partnership with the Head of GRC Platform Integration & Support to translate approved operational-risk methodologies into clear business and system requirements and support their effective implementation.

•       Presentation of Operational Risk Framework related topics at various Committees and Forums, as required.

•       Maintain collaborative and trusted relationships between the first line and lines to support consistent understanding and adoption of the Operational Risk Framework, providing subject-matter expertise and constructive challenge on operational-risk practices.

•       Lead, coach and develop a high‑performing specialist team, setting clear responsibilities and expectations and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. 

•       Ensure people, processes and team structures remain aligned to the future needs of the Non-Financial Risk function. 

•       Ensure compliance to the people policies, Group Code of Conduct and embed desired behaviours.

Key Knowledge

•       Strong understanding of PRA/FCA regulatory expectations relating to Operational Risk within financial services (essential).

•       Strong understanding of best practice and industry standards in relation to Operational Risk Management Frameworks (essential).

•       Broad understanding of the risk landscape facing M&G.

•       Knowledge of Insurance and Asset Management businesses is beneficial but not essential.

Experience

•       Strong experience in designing, enhancing and embedding Operational Risk Management Frameworks in a regulated financial services environment (essential).

•       Strong experience of analysing and interpreting complex rules and regulations and applying such knowledge to provide solutions to business problems and issues (essential).

Skills

•       Strong stakeholder management and relationship building skills (essential).

•       Strong analytical skills (essential).

•       Strong ability to design and develop new concepts independently (essential).

•       Strong presentation skills with the ability to explain and articulate risk related concepts and how they apply in practice (essential).

Attributes

•       Strong promoter of risk awareness within the organisation (essential).

•       Strong ability to learn quickly and explain complex issues to others (essential).

•       Ability to constructively engage with and challenge peers and Heads of Department (essential).

•       Ability to build and manage relationships with other team members (essential).

•       Self-starter, work well under pressure, results-focused – able to identify opportunities and take initiative and respond to priorities (essential).

What we offer:

We’re dedicated to supporting your wellbeing and helping you thrive, both at work and beyond. Our benefits are designed to help you balance your professional and personal life, and financially plan for the future. Our UK benefits include:

• A valuable pension scheme of up to 18% (13% made up of employer contributions and 5% employee contributions).
• Access to our Share Save and Share Incentive Plan, alongside financial wellbeing and support services to help give you real confidence to put your money to work.
• Enjoy 38 days annual leave (including bank holidays), with the opportunity to purchase up to five extra days. Our Time Off When You Need It policy gives you the flexibility - to balance work and personal commitments.
• Our market-leading Inspiring Families policy includes comprehensive support and paid parental leave covering maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and paternity leave - because supporting families is an important part of our inclusive culture.
• Health & Protection cover includes Private Healthcare, Critical Illness cover and Life Assurance for you, with additional family options - for peace of mind.

To explore more about life at M&G and our full benefits offering, visit Life at M&G

At M&G we strive to have a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture, underpinned by our policies and employee-led networks that offer networking, support and development opportunities for the diverse communities our colleagues represent. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – across gender, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation and more – including neurodivergent individuals, career returners and those with military service experience.

M&G is proud to be Level 3: Disability Confident Leader under the UK Government Disability Confident employer scheme, and we welcome applications from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions. If you would like to participate in the initiative, you will have the opportunity to indicate this on your application.

We are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. All candidates have the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments when applying. If you need any additional support at any stage, please contact us at: [email protected]