Job introduction
Play a key role in shaping and strengthening the Society's risk management approach by providing independent second line oversight, challenge and assurance across a broad range of operational risks. With a particular focus on complex and emerging areas such as technology, cyber security, operational resilience, data, third party risk and business change, you'll deliver expert insight, influence decision making at a senior level, and help ensure risks are managed effectively within the Society's Risk Appetite.
What You’ll Do
As a Senior Operational Risk Manager you will inspire and develop a high performing Operational Risk team through effective leadership, coaching and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Your key responsibilities will also include:
Provide second line oversight, challenge and assurance across operational risks, with a focus on technology, cyber security, operational resilience, data, third party and change risk.
Act as a trusted subject matter expert, offering guidance, challenge and strategic advice to senior stakeholders on complex and emerging risk issues.
Support and challenge first line teams to identify, assess and manage risks effectively, ensuring strong controls and informed decision making.
Deliver insightful risk reporting, analysis and updates to senior leadership, Risk Committees and the Board, highlighting key themes, trends and emerging threats.
Drive continuous improvement across risk frameworks, governance, reporting and risk management practices, while supporting regulatory and strategic initiatives.
Provide inspirational leadership to the second line operational risk team, aligned to our organisational behaviours.
What You’ll Need
To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:
Strong expertise across the operational risk landscape including technology, cyber security, operational resilience, third party risk and business change, with the ability to provide effective second line oversight, challenge and assurance.
Proven experience supporting and influencing senior stakeholders, translating complex risk matters into clear business insights, actions and recommendations.
In depth knowledge of operational risk frameworks, governance, risk appetite, assurance methodologies and relevant regulatory requirements.
Experience developing and enhancing risk frameworks, leading assurance activities, and challenging first line teams on complex risk matters.
Strong analytical, reporting and communication skills, including producing high quality risk reporting for Executive and Board level audiences.
A collaborative and pragmatic approach, with a track record of building strong relationships, coaching colleagues, driving continuous improvement and strengthening risk culture.
What’s In It For You
Your work matters.
And the way we reward you matters, too.
At Skipton, we offer pay and benefits that really do make life better, together with a genuine thank you for making a difference.
Annual discretionary bonus scheme
25 days standard annual leave + bank holidays + rising 1 day per year of service to a max of 30 days
Matching employer pension contribution (up to 10% per annum)
Colleague Mortgages and access to Skipton products and services at discounted rates
Flexible working to help balance your commitments
Private medical insurance, health and wellbeing app, volunteering opportunities, cycle-to-work scheme, discounted gym memberships
Lifestyle perks such as a Home and Tech voucher, which can be used at John Lewis, Currys, and IKEA
We’re here to make life better for our members.
About Skipton.
Our story began in 1853 in Skipton, North Yorkshire. Today, you’ll find us across England and Scotland, from Aberdeen to Plymouth.
We help over a million members put down roots, save for what matters, and feel good about their money. As a mutual, they own us, so everything we do is for them. You'll feel that same fairness and purpose in how all 2,500 of our colleagues work together, too
It all means that life at Skipton is more exciting than you imagine.
What it's like to work here
Life at Skipton
We talk and we listen to each other. And we make decisions as a team. That way, you get all the support you need to do work that works for everyone.
For most of our roles there's the option of blended working, which means we mix working from home and meeting in person, with three days a week in our Skipton office.
We also value what everyone brings to Skipton. And we create a fair place where you can be yourself. Our colleague networks play a big role in this. They connect people with similar life experiences and make our workplace warm, friendly, inclusive and welcoming.
It’s not just our members who are important to us.
You are, too.
Lots of organisations talk about wellbeing, but they don’t always back it up. As a mutual, we put people first. And that includes the people who work here. So, when we say we care about your wellbeing, we mean it.
Wellbeing isn't just one thing. It’s about feeling good, having energy, and being able to be yourself and perform at your best. That’s why we offer help for your mental and physical health across five key areas.
What’s more, it’s help that you can actually use too - not just read about.
Apply now
Sounds like you? Then apply now.
You don't need to tick every box - we look for people who care about our members and who want to grow at the same time. The rest can follow.
Skills Required
- Strong expertise across operational risk, including technology, cybersecurity, operational resilience, third-party risk, and business change.
- Experience supporting and influencing senior stakeholders and translating complex risk matters into clear insights, actions, and recommendations.
- In-depth knowledge of operational risk frameworks, governance, risk appetite, assurance methodologies, and relevant regulatory requirements.
- Experience developing and enhancing risk frameworks, leading assurance activities, and challenging first-line teams on complex risks.
- Strong analytical, reporting, and communication skills, including producing risk reporting for executive and Board audiences.
- Collaborative and pragmatic approach with experience building relationships, coaching colleagues, driving continuous improvement, and strengthening risk culture.
What We Do
Not just another building society. Not just another job. Imagine how good it would feel to help someone choose the mortgage they’ll use to buy their first home. Or the account they’ll use to save for it. We’ve been helping people make big financial decisions since 1853. It’s why over a million customers trust us as a good place for their money, and why our colleagues say we’re a good place to work. The Bailey (our head office) The Bailey is the vibrant hub where you’ll find all our central functions. We’re always looking for new talent because we love hearing new ideas. You can choose from a variety of roles that range from marketing and IT, through to audit, risk, products, digital and more – or maybe you’ll join our lively contact centre team. We’re based in Skipton, just a short train ride from Bradford and Leeds, we’re a stone’s throw from the A65 and have some cracking views of the Yorkshire Dales. Our network of UK branches Our branch colleagues are the face of Skipton Building Society. They’re relationship-builders, team workers, great talkers and they’re brilliant at listening too. Everything they do is designed to help customers make the best financial decisions, whether that’s choosing the right kind of savings account or having a full financial review. The Skipton culture Happy colleagues mean happy customers. So, when we recruit, we don’t just think about what’s in it for us, we think about what’s in it for you. It’s one of the reasons we’ve been recognised as one of The Times Best Companies to Work for the last 6 years. Mind, body and spirit With our colleagues’ support, we’ve created a culture that promotes diversity and inclusion. We understand the rich diversity in our Society, and how harnessing that diversity through effective inclusive practice has profound benefits for individuals, teams and the Society it self. This includes a progressive approach to personal well-being.








