Overview

Head of Operational Risk at Deel. Lead and own Deel’s Operational Risk Management (ORM) function, ensuring operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and a proactive risk-aware culture across the business. This includes governance and continuous improvement of ORM frameworks, policies, procedures, and methodologies, including the design and implementation of ORM programs. The role has end-to-end accountability for change governance, ensuring operational risk considerations are embedded into all change initiatives, including product launches, system implementations, and process transformations. The Head of Operational Risk will be a thought leader, leveraging AI and technology to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and influence the evolution of business practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain a robust Operational Risk Management framework—including policies, standards, and governance processes—ensuring alignment with business strategy and regulatory expectations.
• Serve as a thought leader and strategic advisor to the CRO and executive leadership on emerging operational risk trends and best practices.
• Champion the use of AI, automation, and advanced analytics to streamline risk processes, promote technology-enabled approaches, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Oversee change governance processes to ensure operational risk is consistently considered and mitigated during business transformation, system upgrades, and product rollouts.
• Develop, track, and analyse Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), thresholds, breach protocols, and remediation timelines across the business.
• Produce real-time, AI-enhanced dashboards and risk reports for senior leadership and the board, ensuring clarity and actionability.
• Own the third-party/vendor risk framework, embedding monitoring processes while safeguarding compliance and operational resilience.
• Partner with product and tech teams to ensure operational risk is embedded in the design and rollout of new HR & Payroll features, especially in AI and data-driven capabilities.
• Implement predictive analytics to anticipate and mitigate potential incident trends before they occur.
• Drive a proactive, risk-aware culture through targeted training, leading initiatives and sharing expertise.
• Embed technology literacy in operational risk training, assisting teams in AI adoption, utilization, and leveraging automation responsibly.
• Maintain current knowledge of evolving global regulations impacting Deel.
• Ensure ORM frameworks and policies are updated in line with regulatory developments and industry standards.

Skills And Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership expertise in operational or enterprise risk management, preferably within financial services, payments, payroll, or HR-focused sectors.
• Proven leadership in designing, owning, and improving ORM frameworks, policies, and governance structures, including change governance oversight.
• Demonstrated track record as a thought leader influencing organisational strategy and operational practices.
• Strong experience applying AI, automation, and technology solutions to risk management, including predictive analytics and GRC platforms.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and stakeholder management skills.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., FRM, CRMP, ISO 31000, COSO ERM) preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Risk Management, Business, or related field; Master’s preferred.

Total Rewards

Our workforce deserves fair and competitive pay that meets them where they are. With scalable benefits, rewards, and perks, our total rewards programs reflect our commitment to inclusivity and access for all.

Some things you’ll enjoy

• Stock grant opportunities dependent on your role, employment status and location
• Additional perks and benefits based on your employment status and country
• The flexibility of remote work, including optional WeWork access

Deel is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy or maternity, or other legally protected characteristics. Deel will provide accommodation on request throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation, please inform our Talent Acquisition Team at recruiting@deel.com.