Careers at The Stafford Building Society

The Risk Officer role is to support the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) in implementing and maintaining the Society’s Risk Management Framework, ensuring that risks are identified, assessed, monitored and reported effectively. The Risk Officer will contribute to the development of a strong risk culture, assist in regulatory compliance activities, and help ensure that risk practices are proportionate to the Society’s size and operations.

The Risk Officer will support the CRO as needed, while maintaining responsibility for their own defined areas.

• Support Risk Officer (RO1) in the maintenance of Symbiant (GRC) system including risks, controls, scoring and general reviews.
• Assist in the identification and ongoing maintenance and assessment of operational risks including scoring and controls within Symbiant.
• Support Risk Officer (RO1) in providing training to users of Symbiant as required.

Operational Risk

• Assist Risk Officer (RO1) with the risk event process including the assessment of all risk events submitted escalating as necessary in line with the Risk Event Management Procedure. In addition, cover these tasks in times of absence or increased workloads.
• Under the guidance Risk Officer (RO1), review the RCSAs undertaken by the business, providing feedback and reporting as required.
• Contribute to the training and awareness activity delivered to the business on operational risk-related topics as and when required.
• Support internal audit activity, including coordination, engagement with stakeholders, and follow-up on risk mitigation actions.
• Promote awareness and understanding of risk management practices across the Society.
• Assist in the preparation of the risk reports as requested by the CRO / or Risk Officer (RO1) in respect of Management, Committee and Board reporting.
• Undertake trend analysis on risk events, incidents, and control weaknesses, identifying patterns, contributing to root cause insights and preventative actions.
• Support scenario analysis or stress testing activities for operational risk, where required.
• Support stakeholder management by coordinating operational risk issues and actions, engaging with stakeholders to support timely resolution.

Other Responsibilities

• Contribute to the updating of Policies and Procedures as directed by Risk Officer (RO1} and / or the CRO.
• Assist the CRO and / or Risk Officer (RO1) in undertaking risk assessments received from the business.
• Work closely with Risk Officer (RO1), supporting the Operational teams (key stakeholders) in providing assistance and responding to findings from risk review or risk events.
• Work closely with the Compliance team.
• Liaise with Internal Auditors and where required, External Auditors.
• Assist in providing information to the regulators (PRA & FCA) and preparing for regulatory visits as and when required.
• Assist Risk Officer (RO1) with the emerging risks / horizon scanning of principal risks for presentation to the Board Risk Committee.
• Monitor regulatory developments utilising the Regulatory Updates produced by Compliance and assist in ensuring compliance for those relating to the Risk team.
• Act as first point of contact for routine risk queries from the business, escalating complex matters as required.
• Support the development of Management Information (MI) by analysing risk data, drafting commentary, and summarising key risk issues and emerging themes.
• Actively seek opportunities to develop technical risk capability and practical expertise.

Annual Assurance Plan (AAP)

• Contribute to the completion of the AAP in conjunction with Compliance as and when required.

Skills & Experience

• Operational risk experience working within Financial Services.
• Understanding of operational risk in a building society.
• Experience of updating procedural documentation.
• Working knowledge of the Microsoft suite of products notably Word, Excel, Outlook, Sharepoint, Powerpoint etc.
• Knowledge of appropriate risk legislation, regulations, and guidance within financial services industry advantageous.
• Demonstrate curiosity and a willingness to challenge processes constructively to support continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate into meaningful insight.
• Risk qualification or working towards would be advantageous.

Competencies

• Maintain confidentiality
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Excellent written and oral communicator, orientated and able to meet demanding deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and thoroughness in all aspects of the role.
• Ability to identify discrepancies, assess risks, and maintain high-quality standards in documentation and processes.
• Ability to analyse complex information and data.
• Skilled in writing clear, concise reports and communications, ensuring accuracy, effectiveness, and information delivery.
• Ability to manage stakeholder expectations including board members, auditors, and colleagues.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise, and under pressure.
• Excellent decision-making with the ability to exercise sound judgement on a consistent basis.
• Understanding of the regulatory framework and compliance requirements in the Financial Services industry, including the ability to interpret FCA & PRA regulations.
• Ability to identify control weaknesses, analyse underlying causes, and contribute to proportionate, practical improvements.

If you’d like to explore the Risk Officer vacancy or find out more about working with us, email our Human Resources team at hr@srbs.co.uk, with your CV and covering letter.