The Role:
An excellent opportunity for a strategic and hands-on risk professional to lead the design and delivery of a proportionate, risk-based assurance programme within a commercial insurance environment. This role focuses on assessing risk exposures related to underwriting and distribution, including third-party arrangements, and delivering high-quality, actionable insights to senior stakeholders.
The successful candidate will lead a team of analysts and consultants, oversee the execution of assurance plans, and drive a culture of proactive risk management and continuous improvement. You’ll work closely with business stakeholders to identify control weaknesses, determine root causes, and implement effective remediation plans, all while aligning with regulatory expectations and broader risk frameworks.
Key Responsibilities:
* Responsible for the delivery of the risk-based Distribution Assurance Plan
* Provide support to the Senior Distribution Assurance Manager to deliver the broader Line 1 Risk Assurance Plan, as required
* Assist in the design and maintenance of an appropriate methodology for all assurance activity delivered by self and team
* Ensure the quality of reports is appropriate and deliver assurance activity in line with the agreed protocols within the Line 1 Risk Assurance Team
* Manage recommendations and actions to clear conclusion in line with risk appetite
* Manage timely and clear communication and collaboration with business stakeholders in the scheduling, and execution of the plan
* Coach and develop individuals within the team to drive higher standards
* Deliver reporting that is of a high standard, with escalation to an appropriate level, in alignment to the risk ownership model and the Commercial Governance Framework
Skills & Experience:
* Good knowledge of the risks in distribution and underwriting practices within financial services business
* Good knowledge of testing and assurance methodology and practices
* Excellent report writing skills with good attention to detail
* Leadership experience with the ability to support and coach own team member
* Good knowledge of FCA and PRA requirements, with the ability to apply that to distribution and underwriting risk to drive meaningful action and improvement initiatives
* Pragmatic and balanced in approach with excellent ability to quantify and size risks and issues accurately
* Curious and does not take information at face value - is comfortable to provide questions and challenge until issues are resolved to a satisfactory standard
* Strong analytical skills with the ability to absorb high volumes of information and distil to pertinent facts
* Good communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to build trust and credibility with business stakeholders
* Good planning, prioritisation and resource management skills to enable plan delivery
* Open to feedback and constructive challenge with the ability to be flexible in style and approach while maintaining the integrity of findings and recommendations