Group Risk Manager

Group Risk ManagerHornchurch, Essex | Hybrid options available for experienced applicantsPackage up to £40,000 + bonus and benefitsAbout ConnectConnect is one of the UK's leading specialist mortgage networks and packagers, supporting appointed representative (AR) firms and advisers across residential, buy-to-let, commercial, bridging, second charge and specialist lending, together with protection and general insurance referrals. As a directly authorised, FCA-regulated business, we hold ourselves and our network members to the highest standards of regulatory conduct and customer outcomes. As the Group continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced Group Risk Manager to strengthen and lead our risk management capability across the business..The RoleReporting to the Compliance Director and working closely with the Compliance, Training & Competence and Operations teams, the Group Risk Manager will own the Group's Risk Management Framework and act as the second line of defence across all Group entities. You will identify, assess, monitor and report on the risks facing the business and its network of appointed representatives, ensure our policy suite remains current and effective, and embed a strong risk culture that supports good customer outcomes in line with the FCA's Consumer Duty.Key ResponsibilitiesReviewing and checking mortgage and protection files for suitability, affordability and fair customer outcomes, in line with FCA MCOB (Mortgages and Home Finance: Conduct of Business) rules and ICOBS (Insurance: Conduct of Business) requirements for protection salesSupporting advisers with day-to-day risk & compliance queries, including application of the Consumer Duty (PRIN 2A) particularly the four outcomes: products and services, price and value, consumer understanding, and consumer supportAssisting with financial crime checks, including AML (Money Laundering Regulations 2017), sanctions screening, and fraud prevention as part of file and adviser due diligenceContributing to complaints handling oversight in line with DISP (Dispute Resolution: Complaints) rules, and root cause analysis to feed back into the Consumer DutyDesign and monitor key risk indicators (KRIs) and produce clear, insightful MI and risk reporting for the Board and senior management, with escalation of emerging risks and breaches.Support the Risk Committee, tracking remedial actions through to closure.About You: Skills, Experience & QualificationsEssentialA minimum of 5 years' risk management and/or compliance experience within FCA-regulated financial services.CeMAP qualified (or an equivalent RQF Level 3 mortgage advice qualification, e.g. CII Certificate in Mortgage Advice).Strong working knowledge of the FCA Handbook (MCOB, SYSC, PRIN/Consumer Duty, DISP, SUP, TC, CONC, ICOBS), FSMA 2000, SM&CR, the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 and UK GDPR / DPA 2018.Demonstrable experience designing and running risk frameworks, risk registers, RCSAs and KRI/MI reporting for senior committees or Boards.Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders, AR principals and advisers, and to explain regulatory requirements in plain English.High integrity, sound judgement and the ability to satisfy FCA fit and proper requirements.DesirableExperience within a mortgage network, mortgage club or packager, or another intermediary distribution business with appointed representative oversight.A recognised risk or compliance qualification (e.g. ICA Diploma in Governance, Risk & Compliance, IRM International Certificate/Diploma in Enterprise Risk Management, or CISI Risk in Financial Services).What We OfferCompetitive salary based on experienceQuarterly bonus schemeHybrid and flexible working options (Experience dependent)Company benefits schemesFull training and support, including funding for relevant professional qualifications (E.g.CeMap)A supportive, friendly culture with genuine career progressionThis is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing, forward-thinking business where your work genuinely matters and your career can develop alongside the company.