Operational Risk Associate

**Our Story**

**Hello there. We’re Zopa.**

We’re incredibly proud of our achievements and none of it would be possible without the amazing team here. It’s not just industry awards we’re winning, we’ve also been named in the top three UK’s Most Loved Workplaces.

The 1st Line of Defence (1LOD) Risk Function are responsible for managing risks across the organisation, working closely with cross-business stakeholders and adopting the bank’s risk framework to embed effective and efficient risk management into everything we do.
- We are looking for an Operational Risk Associate to partner with our Lending Product teams (Loans, Credit Cards, Shared Services) to identify, assess and manage operational risks. The role is an exciting opportunity for a risk professional motivated by driving change and contributing to delivering responsible growth and a truly customer centric experience.

**A day in the life**:

- Be able to identify areas of risk and have a working knowledge of operational risks and controls.
- Facilitate the change management process within your respective areas and provide support on the risk assessment for new initiatives.
- Support in defining solutions in response to risks which are i) smart ii) proportionate, iii) sustainable (eg. Automated controls over manual interventions) and iv) considered (ie not just plugging the gap but thinking more holistically about the issue and what we need, to improve the risk environment)
- Be able to manage interdependencies in order to support in the delivery of agreed solutions, change initiatives in a timely and high-quality way.
- Ensure that MI and reporting is delivered in a timely manner, enabling accountable individuals to make informed, risk-based decisions.

**About you**:

- You'll be an experienced Risk associate with a passion for supporting teams to deliver better customer outcomes.
- Able to work with stakeholders to identify areas of risk, support in the delivery of change across the business and look for ways to improve our existing risk-based practices.
- You should be outcome orientated, hands on, and be able to use Zopa’s risk framework in order to propose optimal outcomes for customers and the bank.
- Have an ability to drive the implementation of smart solutions across multi-functional teams.
- A strong communicator who is able to articulate issues clearly, flagging trade-offs and solutions in order to gain buy in to your proposals.
- Passionate about improving the risk environment and general ways of working across the teams you support.
- Act as a source of knowledge and point of contact for business colleagues in your area such as second line risk and first line counterparts.
- Guide first line teams in completing comprehensive risk assessments and promoting a risk-aware culture across the business.

**Bonus points for**:

- A proven track record of experience in first line risk or change management in the financial services industry.
- Experience with credit products in a regulated financial services institution.

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**Flexible working? Yes please**

At Zopa we value flexible ways of working. We understand the benefits of face-to-face collaboration and the importance of a good work life balance. Our teams work in a hybrid manner from our open-plan, riverside London Bridge office and the comfort of their own homes at a frequency that suits the team and the work they do.

Not only that - you'll also have the option of working from abroad for up to 120 days a year* But no matter where you are, we’ll make sure you’ve got everything you need to thrive, both in your work and home life, from day one.
- Subject to having the right to work in the country of choice

**Diversity Statement**

Zopa is proud to offer a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to better products for our customers and a unique company culture for our people. We are made up of nearly 50 nationalities, have a DE&I forum made up of Zopians wanting to make a difference and we are proud of our culture where everyone can bring their full self to work. Our approach to DE&I is reflected in our hiring process so please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.