Risk & Control Associate (fixed-term)

About this role

Business Unit Overview:

The EMEA Client Business represents ~$2,800bn AUM and generates +$5.4bn of annual revenue which translates to 24% of BlackRock’s total AUM and 30% of BlackRock’s total annual revenue.

The EMEA Client Business consists of ~550 members of staff, covering clients in 20 countries, comprised of Sales & Relationship Management functions, Business Development, Marketing, Country / Regional Management functions. These functions are supported by a central Core COO function.

The Core COO team works with the functions within the EMEA Client Business and other internal partners (including Compliance, Finance, Risk and technology teams) to deliver a robust business governance platform, manage the region’s financials and maximize BlackRock’s commercial impact within the EMEA Region. 

Department Overview:

The Core COO team fulfils a crucial role in the effective operation of the EMEA Client Business. The team consists of 20 FTE based in London and Budapest who are accountable for the execution of the following key pillars:

• Business Management & Oversight: Driving governance, resource & financial management, risk management and oversight of sales conduct to support compliant revenue growth
• Change: Implementation of regulatory, operating model and client projects
• Risk & Controls: Developing and overseeing the operational risk and control framework, providing governance and oversight to ensure strong internal controls, proactive risk management, and alignment with firmwide risk, audit, and compliance standards.

The team has a broad remit and works with teams across the region and globe to help the EMEA client business execute on BlackRock’s mission. Key partners outside of sales include, Regional Exec, BPI, Legal and Compliance, Tech & Ops, EII, Investments, APG, HR, FP&A and Finance.

Job Purpose/Background:

The successful candidate will:

• Build strong rapport with Sales to help resolve complex problems whilst demonstrating commercial awareness
• Engage with the leaders of the EMEA client business to drive key initiatives and work closely with internal partners including Investment teams, Compliance, Finance, Marketing, Operations, and Transformation Office
• Be responsible for monitoring the EMEA sales teams’ adherence to the sales process, and for producing high quality, actionable management information which identifies areas of risk and proposed solutions
• The successful candidate must be self-motivated, detail orientated and energetic, with the ability to work to multi-task important activities which support the commercial success of the EMEA Client Business.
• Liaise with L&C where appropriate e.g. resolving Core Compliance queries/issues, responding to novel issues/questions, taking responsibility for appropriate attestations, etc.
• When applicable, respond to Internal Audits and Compliance Testing programs along with executing their remediation plans

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the general operating framework for the EMEA Client Business including its Operating Manual, regular certifications, conduct reviews of Aladdin permissions, perform regular folder clean-ups
• Performing or overseeing regular testing and monitoring of the sales teams’ processes to validate compliant behaviors
• Delivering process and procedure training to sales teams on a periodic and reactive basis
• Conduct periodic reviews and updates of relevant policies, training materials, and procedures to ensure they remain relevant and effective
• Producing high quality management information able to be used to govern the department
• Detecting key process issues and risks and identify solutions able to be rolled out across the business
• Supporting the day to day management of the business, through the monitoring and coordination of key approval processes managed by the COO team
• Becoming a subject matter expert for the businesses key processes and a point of contact for sales teams
• Provide support for MiFID-related activities, including oversight of processes and delivery of system and process improvements to enhance compliance and operational efficiency.
• Identifying and leading projects aimed at improving in the team’s efficiency using process improvements and automation

Knowledge/Experience:

• A high-energy, self-motivated individual who is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must have knowledge of Excel & PowerPoint (an ability to navigate and interpret multiple datasets a bonus)
• Inquisitive mindset
• Project Management
• Planning & Prioritisation
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships effectively
• Organisational skills and ability to manage multiple work items simultaneously
• Risk & control mindset
• Flexible and proactive with a keen attention to detail

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.