Head of Operational Risk Management Methodology and Assurance ED

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

The Head of Operational Risk Methodology & Testing is responsible for the design, development, and ongoing enhancement of the Bank’s operational risk framework, methodologies and testing capability across EMEA.

This role ensures that the organisation’s approach to operational risk is robust, forward-looking, and compliant with regulatory expectations, including those set out by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) and Bank for International Settlements (BIS), as well as applicable regional regulations (e.g., PRA, ECB).

The role combines technical methodology ownership (risk quantification, framework design, interaction with capital modelling) with practical testing and assurance (RCSA challenge scenario testing, stress testing, control testing), ensuring that the Bank can demonstrate effective risk identification, measurement, monitoring, and resilience under severe but plausible scenarios.

Business Area

SMBC’s Group’s strategy is to become a top-tier global financial institution by driving growth in international franchises including Capital Markets and Transaction Banking while strengthening client-focused business models and execution excellence. The plan places major emphasis on technology transformation, including modernising IT infrastructure and accelerating AI adoption. It also focuses on improving profitability and capital efficiency, with a long-term target of approximately 15% ROTE. Across EMEA and other regions, the strategy is underpinned by operational resilience, stronger control environments, talent development, global collaboration and the creation of long-term social value. These aims need a corresponding enhancement of Op Risk and Control processes including across all EMEA locations.

Position Description

Lead Operational Risk Methodology, Testing and Framework Oversight across EMEA, serving as the regional SME and primary regulatory contact. Accountable for ensuring alignment with Basel principles, regulatory requirements, and effective 2nd Line oversight and challenge.

Operational Risk Framework & Methodology

• Own and enhance the EMEA Operational Risk Management Framework (ORMF). Maintain methodologies covering RCSA, scenario analysis, risk taxonomy, risk identification, loss data, and near-miss reporting.
• Ensure comprehensive coverage of operational, ICT, resilience, and third-party risks. Drive regional consistency while meeting local regulatory requirements.
• Provide independent oversight and challenge of 1st Line risk management activities.

Testing, Scenario Analysis & Validation

• Lead a risk-based 2nd Line testing programme. Oversee scenario analysis, reverse stress testing, control effectiveness reviews, and thematic assessments.
• Identify control weaknesses, validate resilience capabilities, and ensure compliance with regulatory expectations. Govern testing outcomes, scenarios, and remediation activities.

Operational Risk Capital & Quantification

• Own operational risk capital methodologies in line with Basel standards. Oversee integration of internal and external loss data, scenario outputs, and forward-looking risk assessments.
• Provide expertise on capital approaches, including SMA and Pillar 2 methodologies.

Regulatory Engagement

• Act as the primary EMEA contact for PRA, FCA, ECB and other regulators. Lead regulatory engagement on operational risk methodology, testing, resilience, reviews and remediation programmes.
• Ensure frameworks meet Basel and regulatory expectations for governance, validation and risk assessment.

Data, Analytics & Technology

• Drive use of analytics and technology to enhance risk quantification, trend analysis, emerging risk identification and reporting automation. Oversee integration of methodologies into GRC platforms and enterprise systems.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead a team of 4 direct reports and provide virtual leadership to 3-5 regional risk professionals. Partner with Technology, Operations, Front Office, Compliance, Internal Audit and Risk teams.
• Act as a trusted adviser to Executive Committees and Boards on operational risk, resilience and risk appetite. Manage relationships with regulators, consultants and key vendors.

Role Context

• Significant regulatory engagement with PRA, FCA and ECB, operating under high levels of regulatory and Board scrutiny. Supports business and technology functions responsible for critical processes and third-party providers.
• Operates across a 6-month to 5-year horizon, driving improvements to the EMEA risk and control environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Extensive operational risk experience within banking or financial services. Strong expertise in operational risk frameworks, scenario analysis, stress testing, quantification and capital methodologies.
• Deep knowledge of Basel III/IV, BIS principles, and PRA, FCA, ECB and EBA requirements. Proven experience leading regulatory reviews and remediation programmes.
• Demonstrated leadership within a 2nd Line Risk function, with strong executive and board-level stakeholder management skills. Ability to translate complex risk concepts into practical business insights, exercising sound judgement, independence and credibility.

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!