Risk Management Lead

## Opportunity Review: Risk Management Lead at John Lewis Partnership

Are you a seasoned risk professional seeking a role that offers genuine impact and strategic influence within a unique, employee-owned organisation? The John Lewis Partnership presents an exceptional opportunity for a Risk Management Lead to join their esteemed team. This permanent position, based at their Pimlico head office, offers a competitive salary range of £79,000 - £130,000 per annum, reflecting the critical nature of this role.

Reporting directly to the Director of Risk & Assurance, this is a high-visibility position that demands a strategic mindset and the ability to engage effectively with the Executive and Senior Leadership teams. You'll be instrumental in embedding risk management principles across the entire Partnership, ensuring that risk-informed decision-making is at the forefront of strategic initiatives and value creation.

Key Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Strategic Influence: This role offers direct partnership with the Executive and Leadership teams, providing a unique platform to shape strategic direction and drive value through proactive risk management. Your insights will directly contribute to protecting and advancing the Partnership's core aims (Customer, Partner, Profit, and Power).
• Framework Leadership: As a Subject Matter Expert (SME), you will have the opportunity to lead and mature the Risk Management Framework across a diverse and large-scale organisation. This is an ideal role for someone passionate about embedding best practices and fostering a strong risk culture.
• Value Protection & Creation: You will play a pivotal role in identifying, assessing, and managing key risks and opportunities, directly contributing to both the protection of value and the identification of new avenues for growth.
• Board-Level Exposure: The opportunity to deliver high-quality risk insight and reporting for the Executive Team, Audit and Risk Committee, and the Board is significant. This level of exposure is invaluable for career progression and developing a comprehensive understanding of corporate governance.
• Employee Ownership Model: The John Lewis Partnership's unique employee-owned structure offers a sense of shared purpose and reward. As a Partner, you will have a voice and contribute to the success of a cherished UK institution, fostering a strong sense of belonging and collective responsibility.
• Hybrid Working: The Partnership embraces a hybrid working approach, offering flexibility to balance personal needs with business requirements. While a minimum of one day a week in the office is encouraged, the structure allows for a more adaptable working life.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Essential Expertise: Candidates are expected to possess a strong foundation in risk management, ideally supported by an Accountancy, Risk, or Internal Audit qualification, or significant commercial experience in risk. A deep understanding of risk framework implementation, corporate governance, and internal control principles across various domains (financial, IT, digital/cyber, regulatory, strategic/programme) is crucial.
• Stakeholder Management: Building and managing trusted relationships with senior stakeholders is paramount. Your ability to communicate complex risk information clearly and concisely, and to influence decision-making at all levels, will be key to your success.
• Strategic Vision: The role demands a strategic mindset and the ability to see the "big picture." You will need to connect day-to-day risk management activities to the broader strategic objectives of the Partnership.
• Matrix Working: Experience in matrix working environments will be beneficial, as you'll likely collaborate across various departments and teams within the Partnership.
• Desirable Experience: While not essential, experience in large-scale multi-site retailing or FMCG, as well as specific expertise in cyber/data protection, customer, regulatory, or programme risk, would be advantageous.
• Commitment to the Partnership: Embracing the unique culture of employee ownership and contributing to the Partnership's purpose of building a happier world will be a rewarding aspect of this role.

This Risk Management Lead position at the John Lewis Partnership offers a compelling opportunity for an ambitious professional to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking, employee-owned organisation. If you possess the required expertise and a strategic vision for risk management, this role promises substantial career growth and the chance to contribute to the enduring success of iconic British brands.