Head of Operational Risk - Cape town

SUMMARY:
Join a growing financial institution as the Head of Operational Risk, leading the design and implementation of a scalable Operational Risk & Resilience Management Framework.

POSITION INFO:
We are seeking a seasoned Head of Operational Risk to lead the design, implementation, and ongoing effectiveness of the Operational Risk & Resilience Management Framework (ORRMF). This is a second-line-of-defence leadership role, providing assurance to the Board and Exco on operational stability as the organisation scales. Key Responsibilities: Design, implement, and maintain the Operational Risk & Resilience Management Framework. Set and monitor operational risk appetite and supporting metrics. Lead risk and control self-assessments (RCSA), operational loss event management, and remediation tracking. Own business continuity and resilience management, including recovery planning and testing. Oversee third-party and outsourcing risk management in partnership with Procurement and Legal. Coordinate with Technology\/Cyber risk functions to ensure comprehensive operational risk oversight. Prepare dashboards and reporting for Exco, Board Risk Committee, and regulators. Champion a proactive operational risk culture and build a capable risk team. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Risk Management, Finance, Actuarial Science, Commerce, or related field; postgraduate qualification advantageous. Risk certification (FRM, PRM, or equivalent) strongly preferred. 10-12 years' operational risk management experience, with at least 5 years in senior leadership within a regulated financial institution. Proven experience uplifting or designing operational risk frameworks, ideally in greenfield or scale-up environments. Strong knowledge of RCSA methodology, loss event management, business continuity, and resilience practices. Confident Board and Exco-level reporting and stakeholder engagement. Key Competencies: Strategic risk judgement and independence of mind. Regulatory and technical acumen. Influence and stakeholder management. Resilience under regulatory scrutiny. Clear communication for governance forums. Ability to balance customer experience, operational efficiency, and proportionate control design. 👉 Apply now to take ownership of operational risk in a growing, regulated banking environment.