Associate, Operational Risk Manager

Key Skills

Data Visualization, Effective communication skills, Financial Risk, KPI, Python Programming, SQL, Writing

Job Description

Title: Associate, Operational Risk Manager, Enterprise Risk Management

Business Overview

The Risk & Quantitative Analysis (RQA) group provides independent oversight of BlackRock’s fiduciary and enterprise risks. RQA’s principal objectives are to advance the firm’s risk management practices and to deliver independent risk expertise and constructive challenge to drive better business and investment outcomes. 

RQA is committed to investing in our people to increase individual enablement and ultimately build a stronger team. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion which encourages collaboration, innovation, diversity and the development our future leaders. We actively engage in discussions on career growth and work with team members to understand how personal passions and strength connect with our purpose.

Operational Risk Management

The Operational Risk team within Enterprise Risk is responsible for all aspects of operational risk, including error investigation and resolution, new product and business change risk assessments, risk reporting / analysis, leading risk reducing projects and the maintenance of the operational risk framework, including facilitation of Risk and Control Self-Assessments.

Key Responsibilities

Based in Edinburgh, the candidate will work closely with local and regional teams across BlackRock.

• Development and active promotion of the risk management framework and BlackRock‘s risk-aware culture, including roll-out of Operational Risk framework tools and training.
• Collaborate with internal business and risk teams to identify, monitor, and manage enterprise and operational risks.
• Develop strong relationships with business partners to challenge risks and processes, including escalating issues for remediation, as needed.
• Manage operating event investigation from beginning to end; root cause analysis, validating impact, reporting to senior stakeholders, and influencing accountability for process improvements.
• Provide oversight and challenge to business areas on risk management, design and effective operation of controls, including in the context of Risk & Control Self Assessments (“RCSAs”) and Risk and Control Issues (“RCIs”).
• Use the firm’s rich operating data, KPIs and incident data to hypothesize, analyse, monitor, report, and escalate trends in the operating environment.
• Prepare and present risk reports and analysis to management, Boards & business to support oversight responsibilities.
• Drive operational excellence at BlackRock and support the Operational Risk team in enhancing the framework through participation in key initiatives for the global / regional team.

Skills/Competence/Experience

• A degree in Business, Finance or Risk Management related field.
• 3+ years of enterprise and operational risk management experience within the Asset Management industry preferred.
• Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills as well as an ability to communicate (verbal, written and presentation) and influence change across all levels within the organization.
• A proven record of constructively challenging the business on its risk management practices and control environment, together with influencing business priorities and outcomes.
• Experience managing operating events and appropriate remediation of controls.
• Experience using and applying tools including RCSAs and RCIs to identify, measure and monitor risks and risk trends together with remediation efforts.
• Good negotiation skills, ability to resolve conflict between teams or individuals so that functional / organizational objectives are achieved through teamwork, collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
• Understanding of fund products (UCITS and AIFs) and financial market instruments and Trade & Product Lifecycle would be advantageous.
• Programming (SQL, Python, etc.) and/or data visualization expertise preferred.

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.