Operational Risk Manager

When you join USS, the size and scale of our pension scheme means you will have numerous opportunities to learn and develop your career. Given our size you'll have real autonomy and influence as you collaborate closely with a wide-ranging team of experts.

Our office is a vibrant place to work, and we offer flexibility of office/homeworking due to our hybrid model.

About the role

In your role as Operational Risk Manager, you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to support the embedding and oversight of the risk and control framework within the Pensions business, including leading thematic reviews to provide independent assurance of the control environment.

What you will be doing

As a trusted part of the Group Risk and Funding team you will be responsible for:

Risk Oversight and Assurance

1. Provide independent second-line oversight across the Pensions business
2. Conduct thematic reviews to assess control effectiveness and identify areas for improvement
3. Provide independent assurance over the effectiveness of key controls and risk management activities
4. Ensure clear escalation of key risks, control weaknesses and emerging issues
5. Provide second-line oversight and challenge over material change initiatives (e.g. pensions re-platforming)

Risk Insight and Reporting

1. Deliver high-quality, insight-led risk reporting for committees and senior stakeholders
2. Analyse risk events, control data and actions to identify trends, root causes and systemic issues
3. Ensure accurate and complete risk data within the risk system (Protecht)

Framework Embedding

1. Support the development and consistent application of the Enterprise and Operational Risk Management framework
2. Embed risk management into governance forums, business processes and decision-making
3. Promote strong alignment between risks, controls, events and actions

Stakeholder Management

1. Build strong, trusted relationships across the Pensions business
2. Provide independent challenge & oversight of the Pensions business with the identification, assessment and documentation of their risks & controls
3. Actively participate in the Operational Risk Forum and in risk event triage discussions
4. Engage with Compliance, Internal Audit and other second-line teams to ensure a coordinated approach

Process Improvement and Innovation

1. Identify and implement opportunities to simplify and improve risk processes
2. Support the use of automation and AI tools (e.g. Copilot) to enhance efficiency and insight
3. Contribute to ongoing enhancements to the risk system and reporting

About you

We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they don't tick every box, if you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, then please apply, regardless of whether you meet all the requirements outlined in this profile.

To be successful in the role you will have:

1. Strong experience in operational risk, risk management, audit or a business control function within financial services
2. Good understanding of risk and control frameworks, including control assurance
3. Understanding of pensions administration processes and associated operational risks
4. Ability to analyse data and provide clear, practical insight to stakeholders
5. Good communication and stakeholder management skills
6. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools
7. Experience using generative AI tools (e.g. Copilot) is desirable

Why join us?

At USS, every individual contributes to building a secure financial future for our members and their families. We strive to create a work environment where everyone can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. We're also committed to helping you build your career by providing opportunities for development. We put a focus on recognising and supporting each individual's unique career path, driving this forward with the support of an engaged and proactive management team. Here at USS, we want you to thrive in and out of work with a friendly team, flexible culture and excellent range of benefits!

How we will reward you

- Great starting salary

- Generous annual leave package

- Access to a high quality pension scheme provided through Universities Superannuation Scheme

- Supportive people policies (including enhanced occupational sickness pay and family friendly pay)

- Financial contributions towards your personal development to help you maintain your physical and mental wellbeing

- Access to a range of health and wellbeing services i.e., private healthcare, discounted gym membership

- Learning and development opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and talent

- Employee Volunteer Day’s to support the communities where you work and live

- Cycle to Work Scheme

Our culture and values

Our people are what makes us different. We work together to create a diverse and inclusive culture that embraces individuality, where people are welcomed and feel comfortable in the knowledge that they can be themselves. Our purpose firmly states the importance of members, putting them ‘front and centre’ of what we do. This is embedded through our values:

- Integrity

- Collaboration

- Excellence