Overview

Join to apply for the Head of Operational Risk role at Griffin

This is a senior risk leadership role within Griffin’s Risk and Compliance team, focused on building and embedding a robust second line of defence for a fast-growing, technology-first bank.

About Griffin

Hi, we’re Griffin! We’re the bank for companies who want to build and launch financial products.

Our context: we’re moving towards a future where most people access financial services through tech companies. Many firms embed financial products into their apps, but legacy banking infrastructure can slow them down. Griffin aims to change that by combining technology with a regulated, API-first banking platform.

Our culture

We hire for fit with our core values and support a high-trust, high-autonomy environment. We are remote-first, asynchronous, and flexible, with a focus on clarity and open discussion across the organisation.

The Risk and Compliance team

Like Griffin overall, the Risk and Compliance team is establishing itself. We aim to be best in class, building a second line that provides expert, pragmatic advice while remaining independent from the first line.

Who are you?

The ideal candidate will have most of the following:

Experience

• Strong knowledge of the UK’s banking regulatory framework and industry best practice in design and operation of systems and controls.
• Solid experience in financial services in the UK, preferably in a challenger bank or professional services.
• Experience in enterprise risk management and operational risk.
• Solid experience in payments and cards, preferably in a bank.
• Holistic oversight of systems and controls across a new bank, in areas such as economic crime, compliance or risk.
• Able to understand regulatory details and cross-reference with policy and practice.

Qualities

• Pragmatic and collaborative mindset, with an interest in embedding a strong three lines of defence model across the business.
• Comfort operating in a growing, dynamic bank environment; may be asked to take on additional second-line activities as required by the CRO.

What will you be doing here?

As Head of Operational Risk you will:

• Support the CRO with oversight of the risk profile and the embedding of the risk management framework and risk appetite statement, and propose changes to keep it fit for purpose.
• Act as risk subject matter expert for Non-Financial Risks, providing independent guidance to the first line and oversight for operational risk, operational resilience, outsourcing, change risk, technology, and other non-financial risks relevant to Griffin.
• Oversee (from a second line perspective) project and product risk, carrying out and reviewing risk assessments as needed.
• Act as second line SME to payments, savings and cards products.
• Manage and oversee the work of other operational risk team members as their reporting line as required.
• Oversee and, if required, deliver parts of the second line assurance plan across the business to assess adherence to policy and the effectiveness of controls.
• Draft ToRs, risk management policies and standards, and other governance documents for the first line.
• Design, develop and improve MI and reporting packs for committees and supported governance processes.
• Contribute to other second-line activities as the business grows and evolves.

This is a certified role under the Senior Manager’s and Certification Regime (SMCR), requiring compliance with the FCA’s Fitness and Propriety Requirements.

What can we offer you?

We are an early stage startup planning to expand our benefits package over time. Current offers include:

• 25 days off a year + winter break (closed between Christmas and New Year) + bank holidays
• Remote-first flexibility – work from anywhere in the UK
• Support with home office setup
• Share options to own a piece of Griffin
• 1:1 coaching and therapy through Oliva
• Auto-enrolment into company pension scheme with Penfold
• Enhanced parental leave with up to 6 months at full pay
• Private medical and life insurance (Vitality and AIG)

As a bank, we’re committed to security. The successful candidate will undergo background screening, and offers are conditional on satisfactory checks including right to work, criminal record, credit history, and references.

How do I apply?

Are we your next move? Apply via the link below. If there’s a match, our Talent team will reach out to schedule an initial conversation.

We’re remote-first and have a small London office in Moorgate, but we’re comfortable hiring from anywhere in the UK.

Diversiy and inclusion

Our goal is for Griffin to reflect the diversity of the working population. We are committed to creating a supportive, empowering, and inclusive environment for every team member, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical ability, nationality, neurodiversity, or religious beliefs. If you’re part of an under-represented group in fintech, we’d love to hear from you.

Griffin Bank Ltd requests that recruitment agencies do not submit CVs unless explicitly asked by our Talent team. Any speculative CVs may not be recognised and Griffin is not liable for any fees.

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Finance and Sales

Industries

• Banking