Operational risk & regulatory change analyst

At a glance

Location: Cirencester Office or Bristol

Workplace Type: Hybrid (2 days in office)

Employment Type: 12 month Fixed-Term Contract

Seniority: Mid-Senior Level

About the Role

Partner Finance is responsible for the operation of a BSP and lending scheme that supports the growth and succession of Partner businesses across the Partnership. As an Operational Risk & Regulatory Change Analyst, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that Partner Finance operates within a robust risk management and regulatory framework. You will own the day-to‑day oversight of the division's risks and adapt controls as regulatory requirements evolve, and provide assurance that risks remain within appetite while delivering good outcomes for customers. This role sits at the heart of Partner Finance as a first line defence, working closely with Compliance, Group Risk, and senior stakeholders to embed strong governance, effective controls, and a forward‑looking approach to regulatory change.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading and managing the assessment of existing and emerging operational risks impacting Partner Finance and its BSP/lending proposition
• Creating and delivering an annual control testing plan, reporting progress and outcomes to key stakeholders
• Working with Risk and Control Owners to assess key controls, identify efficiencies, and oversee improvements to control effectiveness
• Managing and overseeing all risk and control actions within the Riskonnect system to ensure timely delivery and risk mitigation
• Leading and coordinating half-year and full-year RCSA attestations
• Contributing subject matter expertise to group-wide projects implementing new risk and regulatory requirements
• Providing ad hoc assurance over controls and processes both within and outside Partner Finance
• Reporting on risk management and control performance into appropriate divisional governance and oversight forums

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for an experienced operational risk professional with strong regulatory knowledge and a proactive mindset. You’ll be confident operating in a complex financial services environment, able to interpret regulatory requirements and translate them into practical, effective controls. You’ll also be comfortable challenging the status quo to ensure that emerging risks are identified, assessed and mitigated, while maintaining a strong focus on customer outcomes and regulatory integrity.

Essential skills and experience

• Proven experience leading operational risk and controls management initiatives within Financial Services, ideally across lending, credit, or consumer finance
• Awareness of risk management frameworks and industry best practices relating to risk and controls
• Experience of FCA regulation and frameworks, including Consumer Duty, risk management frameworks, RCSA, and control design
• Awareness of Conflicts of Interest and lending related risk
• Ability to assess complex operational and financial risk and control issues and provide clear, actionable recommendations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex risk and regulatory matters to senior stakeholders

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience contributing to or leading regulatory change or group-wide transformation projects within an operational environment
• Relevant professional qualification or degree in risk management, compliance, finance, or a related discipline

What's in it for you?

We reward you for the work you do, whether that’s through our discretionary annual bonus scheme that reflects both personal and company performance, competitive annual leave allowance (28 days plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase an additional 5 days), or online rewards platform with a variety of discounts.

We also have benefits to support whatever stage of life you are in, including:

• Competitive parental leave (26 weeks full pay)
• Private medical insurance (optional taxable benefit)
• 10% non-contributory pension (increasing with length of service)

Reasonable Adjustments

We are an equal opportunities employer and want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive for all. If you require reasonable adjustment(s) at any stage please let us know by emailing us at careers@sjp.co.uk.

Research tells us that applicants (especially those from underrepresented groups) can be put off from applying for a role if they do not meet all the criteria or have been on an extended career‑break. If you think you would be a good match for this role and can demonstrate some transferable experience please apply, regardless of whether you tick every box.