Head of Infrastructure & Enterprise Technology Risk

Opportunity Review: Head of Infrastructure & Enterprise Technology Risk

This role represents a significant opportunity for a seasoned risk professional to lead and shape the strategic direction of infrastructure and enterprise technology risk within a prominent financial institution. The position offers a compelling blend of strategic leadership, technical depth, and the chance to make a tangible impact on a large scale.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Strategic Impact & Thought Leadership: You will be at the forefront of defining and delivering risk strategies, policies, and processes. This involves providing crucial insight, control, and thought leadership to senior stakeholders, directly influencing business strategy and decision-making.
• Team Leadership & Development: This role offers the chance to lead and inspire a team of risk specialists, fostering a culture of continuous learning and empowering them to share innovative solutions. This is an excellent opportunity to mentor and develop talent within the risk domain.
• Breadth of Technical Exposure: The role demands a comprehensive understanding of current technology, from core infrastructure to emerging areas like AI and Digital Ledger Technology. This provides an exceptional platform to deepen your expertise and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
• Influence and Partnership: You will build strong partnerships with risk and control owners across the business, acting as the primary operational risk expert. This involves influencing key senior stakeholders and deputising for senior colleagues, enhancing your visibility and influence within the organisation.
• Focus on Innovation and Customer Experience: The organisation is committed to innovation and improving customer and staff experience through technology. This role is central to ensuring that technological advancements are managed safely and effectively, aligning with strategic outcomes.
• Commitment to Flexible Working: The employer offers hybrid working arrangements, providing a balance between in-office collaboration and personal flexibility.
• Attractive Compensation and Benefits: A competitive salary range of £114,810 - £135,070, coupled with a generous pension contribution, annual bonus, share schemes, and a comprehensive benefits package, underscores the value placed on this senior role.
• Organizational Growth and Purpose: Joining an organisation that is investing significantly in its people, data, and technology to meet the evolving needs of millions of customers offers a chance to be part of a transformative journey and contribute to a clear, impactful purpose: "to help Britain prosper."
• Diversity and Inclusion Focus: The organisation has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, actively welcoming applications from under-represented groups and demonstrating this through various initiatives. This fosters an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Depth of Operational and Technology Risk Expertise: A strong foundation in operational and IT systems risk, particularly within financial services, is essential. Candidates should possess practical knowledge across a wide spectrum of technology lifecycle management, service management, architecture, development, resilience, and cloud services.
• Emerging Technology Acumen: Beyond current technologies, demonstrating curiosity and an understanding of emerging risks associated with technologies like AI and Digital Ledger Technology is crucial.
• Regulatory and Industry Knowledge: Experience in developing and managing risk policies, appetite frameworks, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards is a prerequisite.
• Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving: The ability to assimilate complex data, make sound, informed decisions, and effectively balance risk against opportunity is paramount. Candidates should be able to anticipate future trends and shape strategies accordingly.
• Collaborative and Influential Communication: Success in this role hinges on the ability to build strong partnerships across different business lines and inspire teams. Excellent communication and inclusive leadership skills are vital for influencing stakeholders and driving consensus.
• Data-Driven Approach: A focus on data-led monitoring and automation for risk tracking and reporting is expected. Candidates should be comfortable leveraging data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.
• Pace and Agility: The role requires the ability to provide advice and manage risk "at pace," particularly in supporting senior leaders with risk appetite decisions during periods of strategic transformation.

Career Path Guidance:

For professionals with a deep-seated expertise in technology risk and a passion for shaping strategic frameworks, this role offers a significant step forward. It provides a unique opportunity to transition from a specialist individual contributor to a strategic leader, with direct influence on organizational direction and risk culture. The breadth of exposure to various technologies and the responsibility of leading a specialist centre of excellence will undoubtedly enhance your profile as a high-calibre risk leader. This position is ideal for someone looking to make a substantial impact within a large, established organization undergoing significant transformation, positioning them for even more senior leadership roles in the future.