Risk Specialist (Governance, Risk & Compliance)

Job description

The organisation is a purpose-led financial services business with a strong focus on long-term sustainability, responsible investment, and doing the right thing for customers. It is entering an exciting phase of evolution, reshaping its Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) capability to support future growth, resilience, and regulatory excellence.

Following a recent senior leadership change, the Finance and Risk functions have been deliberately separated to ensure both areas receive dedicated focus and leadership. With a new Finance Director now in place, the business is investing in building a standalone, high-impact Risk function.

This represents a genuinely rare opportunity to help shape a role, influence a function, and play a central role in how risk is managed across the organisation.

The business is seeking to appoint a Risk Specialist to take ownership of risk in its broadest sense. Rather than stepping into a rigidly defined position, the successful individual will have genuine scope to shape the role around their strengths, experience, and interests.

While prudential risk is fully outsourced, the focus of the role will include:

• Conduct Risk
• Operational Risk
• Operational Resilience (a key strategic priority)
• Outsourcing and third-party risk management

Ideally, the role would hold SMF4 (Chief Risk), making this a compelling opportunity for someone looking to step into, or further develop, their senior management and regulatory profile.

Why This Role Stands Out

• A role that can be shaped – no fixed job description; real freedom to design a meaningful remit
• Broad exposure – risk in its widest sense, combining strategic oversight with practical delivery
• SMF opportunity – a valuable chance to take on (or build experience toward) an SMF role
• Career-enhancing – strong visibility, influence, and long-term development potential
• Flexible working – ideally two days per week in the office, with pragmatism to secure the right individual
• Part-time considered – experienced candidates may be considered on a part-time basis (e.g. Three days per week) with a fair, pro-rated salary reflecting responsibility and scope

The Team

The successful candidate will join a collaborative and developing GRC and Finance function, working alongside:

• Finance Director
• Compliance Manager
• Trainee Actuary (graduate, progressing through actuarial exams)
• Junior Risk / Governance Officer (supporting risk administration and governance activity)

The role will provide leadership, expertise, and direction within the risk space, working closely with colleagues across compliance, finance, and the wider business.

Who This Could Suit

This opportunity may suit:

• An established risk professional seeking broader influence and ownership
• Someone ready to step into an SMF4 position
• A senior individual looking for flexibility or part-time working without compromising responsibility or impact
• A risk leader motivated by building, shaping, and improving rather than maintaining the status quo

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Manchester Area

Type of Contract

Part-time jobs

Published at

04-03-2026

Profession type

Accountancy

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English