Head of Operational Risk (Trading)

Role: Head of Operational Risk

Industry: Trading

Location: London (with international travel) - hybrid

Salary: £125-150k + 10-20% bonus + comprehensive benefits

X4 are partnered with a leading trading organisation undergoing an exciting period of growth and transformation across their international business.

As part of this next chapter, they're offering the opportunity for an experienced Head of Operational Risk to take ownership of the development, implementation and continuous improvement of their operational risk framework across global commercial and operational activities.

This is a high-impact appointment for the business, leading an international team of 4-5, primarily based in London, with wider international coverage including Europe and the Far East.

The ideal candidate is someone who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, combining best practice with real-world commercial pragmatism. Just as importantly, you'll be confident winning hearts and minds, influencing key stakeholders and driving meaningful impact across their risk agenda.

Responsibilities for the Head of Operational Risk

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• Set the strategic direction for Operational Risk, aligning the function with the firm’s wider growth and transformation agenda
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• Lead and develop an international team of 4–5, while overseeing the day-to-day Operational Risk and Enterprise Architecture functions
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• Own and continuously enhance the Operational Risk Framework, including KRIs, controls, policies and processes across global business areas
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• Lead incident management, risk reporting and governance, providing clear insight, escalation and recommendations to senior leadership
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• Act as the senior Operational Risk partner to the business, influencing stakeholders, strengthening risk culture and driving meaningful change
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Requirements for the Head of Operational Risk

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• Proven Operational Risk leadership experience within commodities, trading, or environments with similar operational risk considerations
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• Strong understanding of operational risk, controls, governance and regulatory requirements within fast-paced commercial environments
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• Proven people leadership experience, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders, drive cultural change and bring teams with you
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• Strong IT aptitude, with BPMN/process-mapping experience a plus
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• Excellent communication skills with the ability to operate effectively across complex, evolving and international environments
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This is an exciting opportunity to shape operational risk for a firm entering the next phase of expansion. You'll have autonomy to evolve the function, influencing how the business thinks about risk and controls while winning hearts and minds. You'll have a genuine seat at the table and opportunity to make a visible, real-world impact.

Salary is £125-150k plus 10-20% bonus and comprehensive wider package, including pension, private medical, gym/fitness benefits, life insurance and more.

Please apply online for immediate consideration.