We’re 1st Central, a market-leading insurance company utilising smart data and technology at pace. Rapid growth has been based on giving our 1.4 million customers exactly what they want: great value insurance with an excellent service. And that’s the same for our colleagues too; we won Insurance Employer of the Year at the British Insurance Awards 2024 and our Glassdoor score is pretty mega too!
At 1st Central, we’re all about doing things smarter, faster, and with a healthy dose of challenge - and we’re looking for someone who thrives on that. If you’re an experienced Risk professional who loves working with senior leaders, challenging the status quo, and influencing big decisions across the business, then keep reading – this could be your perfect next move.
We’re on the hunt for a Group Risk Manager who will act as a trusted partner and subject matter expert ideally in Customer Operations and/or Technology risk, helping to guide and support risk practices across our Group. You’ll work with senior leaders, sit in on governance meetings, and play a key role in keeping our Risk Management Framework both robust and future-fit.
We’re big on flexibility. Our teams are spread across Salford Quays, Manchester and Haywards Heath, West Sussex, but most of us work from home most of the time. We think collaboration is pretty great though, so we like to get together now and then - just to keep those creative sparks flying. Prefer being in the office more often? That works for us too. We’re even open to remote working - all we ask is that you join us in person about once a month to stay connected and keep those face-to-face vibes alive.
Must-have skills to be successful in this role:
- Extensive Risk Management experience - you know risk inside-out and can apply it at a high, strategic level.
- A natural relationship-builder with senior management - you’re confident engaging, influencing, and partnering with execs and senior stakeholders.
- A solid grip on FCA and GFSC regulations – you understand what good looks like in regulated environments and can help others live up to it.
- Influencing and networking with senior leaders - you’re skilled at guiding conversations, building consensus, and driving meaningful outcomes at the top level.
What’s involved:
- Act as the Risk Management SME and business partner for the relevant business unit, working with the relevant Executives & Senior Leadership to support and challenge their implementation of the Risk Management Framework
- Lead the Risk & Control Self-Assessment process for the relevant business unit, liaising with the relevant Executive & Senior Leadership to challenge their view of risk in their spans of control
- Provide specialist Risk Management support and challenge leading to the identification and assessment of new risks and associated controls across the Group
- Serve as primary point of contact for implementation of the Risk Management Framework within the relevant business unit, liaising with risk owners, executives and senior leadership on the application of this within their areas of control
- Lead the monthly Pillar Governance meetings held by executives, acting as the Risk Management lead in these
- Support the preparation, review and submission of Risk reporting to Audit Committees
- Own named aspects of the Risk Management Framework, and lead development of these to best-in-class standard, syndicating these with executive stakeholders across the Group, gaining approval for these and leading implementation of these aspects across the Group
- Support Group companies and relevant operational departments to embed Risk Management within business processes and ensure they are appropriately owned and controlled
- Raise awareness of the benefits of effective Risk Management throughout Group companies
- Monitoring Board approved Risk Appetite and that Tolerances are adhered to by management
- Regular review of the Risk Management Programmes to ensure adherence to the Risk Framework
- Deputise for the Head of Risk & Risk & Compliance Director as required
- Liaison with Group companies Compliance Officers, Internal and External Auditors as appropriate
- Attend Group companies Audit & Risk Committees when required
Experience, knowledge, skills and qualifications
- Extensive Risk Management experience at a senior level, with a strong track record of achievement.
- Specialist technical knowledge of risk management techniques, including risk MI analysis and corporate governance.
- Solid understanding of FCA and GFSC rules, regulations, principles, and codes of practice.
- Broad commercial awareness with up-to-date knowledge of insurance industry trends.
- Strong project management experience, with sound planning and organisational skills.
- Experienced in building relationships, influencing, and networking with senior stakeholders to drive collaboration and consensus.
- Confident and credible in business and technical discussions at all levels.
- Able to assess complex issues and recommend strategic business decisions.
- Skilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and managing challenging conversations.
- Resilient, self-motivated, and comfortable with senior-level challenge.
- Culturally aware, inclusive in approach, and sensitive to diversity.
- Strong intellect with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
- IT literate and confident using data and systems to inform decisions.
Behaviours:
- Builds strong, influential relationships with senior stakeholders, providing trusted advice and gaining buy-in through clear, confident communication.
- Takes ownership of performance and development, consistently delivering high-quality outcomes and meeting objectives.
- Demonstrates resilience and adaptability in the face of challenge, maintaining focus and professionalism under pressure.
- Thinks strategically and analytically, identifying root causes, trends, and improvements that support business goals.
- Actively contributes to business initiatives and change, bringing ideas and solutions that improve processes and outcomes.
- Plans and manages workload effectively, balancing multiple priorities while remaining responsive to business needs.
Sound like your kind of challenge? This is a great opportunity to make a genuine impact in a forward-thinking organisation. You’ll be right at the heart of risk strategy, working alongside senior leaders to shape how we manage risk and protect the future of the business.
Ready to apply? We’d love to hear from you – click the button and let’s start the conversation.
What can we do for you?
People first. Always. We’re passionate about our colleagues and know the best people deserve an extraordinary working environment. We owe it to them so that’s what we offer. Our workplaces are energetic, inspirational, supportive. To get a taste of the advantages you’ll enjoy, take a look at all our perks in full here.
Intrigued? Our Talent team can tell you everything you need to know about what we want and what we’re offering, so feel free to get in touch.
