Job Description

Senior Operational Risk Manager A highly regarded investment and savings business is appointing a Senior Operational Risk Manager to take full ownership of its operational risk and compliance environment across investment and operational processes.
This is a hands-on, senior role reporting directly into the COO, with regular exposure to Exco, Risk and Audit Committees. The mandate is clear: embed a robust operational risk framework, strengthen regulatory compliance, and elevate risk culture across the business.
This role is not suited to generalist compliance managers or candidates outside the investment/savings space.
The technical brief (read this carefully): You will be accountable for end-to-end operational risk management within an investment environment, including:

• Owning and embedding the Operational Risk Management Framework (RCSAs, KRIs, incident & loss event management, issue tracking)
• Managing regulatory compliance across POPIA, FAIS, FIC Act, CISCA, Pension Funds Act (incl. Reg 28 & Board Notices), FSCA conduct standards and related guidance
• Coordinating incident, breach and mandate deviation management, including root cause analysis, remediation and senior-level reporting
• Maintaining and governing the enterprise-wide risk register
• Preparing clear, decision-useful risk, compliance and governance reporting for Exco, Risk Committee, Audit Committee and Boards
• Leading operational risk input into audits, regulatory reviews and remediation initiatives

Key areas of exposure required:

• Reviewing investment management agreements (IMAs), fund documentation and service provider contracts from an operational risk and regulatory perspective (non-legal)
• Managing third-party, outsourcing and vendor risk, including operational due diligence on administrators, custodians, asset managers and technology providers
• Overseeing the policy environment - drafting, maintaining and embedding risk, compliance and governance policies
• Coordinating the FAIS compliance relationship, including Key Individuals, Representatives and ongoing FAIS obligations
• Designing and delivering staff compliance and risk training
• Actively promoting a strong risk culture, with the confidence to challenge senior stakeholders constructively

What will make you a fit (non-negotiable):

• Minimum 5 years' experience within the investment and savings industry

(asset management, investment administration, pension fund administration or similar) * Demonstrated, practical experience applying:

• RCSAs
• Incident & breach management
• Control testing
• KRIs
• Solid, working knowledge of South African investment-related legislation and FSCA requirements
• Experience engaging confidently with senior management, Exco and governance committees
• Strong written and verbal reporting capability, this role lives in detail and insight

Qualifications:

• Relevant undergraduate degree (Law, Finance, Business or similar)
• Postgraduate qualification and/or professional certifications in risk, compliance or investments are advantageous

Candidates who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply directly to the vacancy.

Skills Required