Head of Operational Risk and Controls

Zurich Insurance

Head of Operational Risk managing team for UK business at Zurich Insurance. Responsible for operational risk assessments and developing risk management strategies.

Posted 4/23/2026full-timeSwindon • 🇬🇧 United KingdomLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the UK CRO and management team in managing operational risk across the UK.
Lead a team of operational risk and controls professionals.
Identify risks at an early stage and initiate control measures.
Conduct risk assessments and analysis to identify risks and problems.
Oversee and challenge 1st Line of Defense activities.
Validate findings with relevant stakeholders and verify results.
Develop and enhance operational risk appetite and tolerance thresholds.
Implement risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans.
Responsible for end-to-end implementation of the Internal Control Integrated Framework.
Lead second-line assurance over control design and effectiveness.
Deliver clear, timely reporting to senior management, committees, and Boards.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experience in control functions (1-2-3 Lines of Defence, compliance, audit, risk or other internal control and governance functions).
Knowledge of core areas of insurance activity (claims processing, underwriting, etc.).
In-depth knowledge of operational risk management principles, methods and best practices.
Knowledge of legal requirements, risk assessment and mitigation techniques.
Proven ability to work with senior executives and Independent Non Executive Directors.
Strong focus on execution and results.
Strategic skills combined with solid operational skills.
Ability to drive change, support, showing both perseverance and resilience.
Ability to deal with ambiguity, different requirements and demanding deadlines.
Independence and the ability to work both independently and in a team.
Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills.
High service orientation and the ability to think in a networked way.
Good knowledge of insurance and regulatory requirements.
Proven budgeting and project/program management skills.
Ideally, knowledge in data analysis and data visualisation.

Benefits

Comp & perks

12% defined non-contributory pension scheme.
Annual company bonus.
Income Protection.
Life cover - four times your salary.
28 days holiday a year plus bank holidays.
Option to swap UK bank holidays for days off that have cultural or religious significance.
Option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday.
Three days paid volunteering.
Up to 16 weeks' full pay for maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
Access to Private medical insurance.
Virtual GP appointments.
Discounted gym membership.
Free flu jab.
Access to a wealth of support from our wellbeing partners.

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Hard Skills & Tools

operational risk managementrisk assessmentcontrol designrisk mitigation strategiesInternal Control Integrated Frameworkbudgetingproject managementdata analysisdata visualization

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationinfluencingnegotiationstrategic thinkingexecution focusresilienceindependenceteam collaborationadaptability