Operational Risk - Director

Profile Summary

To provide independent second line oversight and challenge of the firm’s operational risk framework, with a focus on Technology, Algorithmic Trading/Model Risk, Data and Third-Party Risk.

The role supports the identification, assessment, monitoring and reporting of operational risks across EMEA entities, ensuring compliance with regulatory expectations and driving improvements in operational resilience and risk insight. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Technology & Cyber Risk:
  Provide oversight and challenge of IT, cyber security, data and end-user computing risks, including review of control frameworks and penetration testing outcomes.


• Algorithmic / Model Risk:
  Oversee risks relating to algorithmic trading, models and automated decision-making, including governance, change control and monitoring of trading systems.


• Third-Party Risk:
  Provide second line oversight of outsourcing and supplier risk, including due diligence, ongoing monitoring and resilience considerations.


• Operational Resilience:
  Review and challenge identification of critical business services, impact tolerances, scenario testing and business continuity arrangements.


• Risk Framework Oversight:
  Lead oversight of RCSA, KRIs, risk events and scenario analysis; challenge control effectiveness, root cause analysis and remediation actions.


• Risk Systems:
  Oversee the integrity, governance and effective use of the firm’s Operational Risk Management systems (e.g. Archer / ORMS), including:




• Data quality, completeness and timeliness of risk information


• Alignment between regional and Head Office systems (including dual keying where applicable)


• Oversight of system design, enhancements and user adoption


• Ensuring risk data supports meaningful reporting, analysis and decision-making




• Data Risk:

Provide independent second line oversight and challenge of data governance frameworks, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations (e.g. BCBS 239) and Group standards. Provide challenge on data-related controls and frameworks, including data lineage, data integrity and monitoring controls, ensuring weaknesses are identified and remediated.

• Governance & Reporting:
  Provide clear and insightful reporting to senior management and governance forums; maintain strong stakeholder relationships across first line, audit and group entities.


• Leadership:
  Line manage and develop team members; promote a culture of effective challenge and continuous improvement; deputise for Head of Operational Risk where required.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Strong experience in Operational Risk, Technology Risk, Cyber Risk or IT Audit


• Knowledge of technology and control frameworks, including cyber security and data risk


• Experience in third-party risk management and operational resilience frameworks


• Understanding of algorithmic trading / model governance (preferred)


• Strong analytical, problem-solving and risk assessment capability


• Good understanding of the banking regulatory environment (UK/EMEA)

What Mizuho can offer you

Here at Mizuho, there are fantastic progression opportunities and clear paths to promotion. We will give you ample opportunity to affect change and to help grow our business.

In addition to the great opportunity outlined above we are also currently able to offer:

• Competitive starting salary, plus discretionary bonus


• Non-contributory pension


• 27 days’ annual leave


• Core working hours*


• Hybrid working  - office and home based*


• Virtual GP


• Wellbeing benefits, including Mental Health Allies and First Aiders

*For applicable roles only

At Mizuho, we embrace flexible ways of working when the role permits. We offer different working arrangements like part-time, job-sharing and hybrid (office and home) working. Our purpose-led culture and global infrastructure help us connect, collaborate, and work together in agile ways to meet all our business needs.

At Mizuho we are committed to supporting equality, diversity and equality, and seek to create a workplace that is fully inclusive. We welcome applications from all sections of the community that we operate in and from all ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation, beliefs, gender identities and disabilities.

If you require more information about our equal opportunities policy or wish to discuss any accessibility requirements or reasonable adjustments please contact the recruitment team – [email protected] and we will be happy to help.