We’re First Central Insurance & Technology Group (First Central for short), an innovative, market-leading insurance company. We protect the things customers love so they can get on with what matters to them in life.
Data drives us. It fuels our outstanding distribution, finance, technology and legal services. Our underwriting skills are built on data expertise; it creates the insights we need to give the right cover to the right customers at the right price. But, it’s the people inside and outside our business that power us. They make us stand out, help us succeed. We’re ambitious. We’re growing. We’ve won awards.
Looking for your next challenge? First Central is on the hunt for two Group Risk Managers to help lead our Risk Management Framework across the business.
- Role 1 - Group Risk Manager - will focus on Actuarial, Underwriting and Financial risks
- Role 2 - Group Risk Manager - will focus on Operational, Commercial and Technology risks
As a Group Risk Manager at First Central, you’ll be the go-to expert on Risk Management for your business unit, you’ll work closely with senior leadership to support, challenge, and guide them in identifying, managing, and mitigating risks at every level. Leading the Risk & Control Self-Assessment process, you'll challenge and assess the risk landscape to ensure First Central stays on track.
Keeping an eye on the bigger picture, you’ll ensure risk is managed and mitigated, whilst also leading monthly governance meetings and supporting the preparation of Risk reporting for Audit Committees. You’ll own key aspects of the Risk Management Framework, working to make them best-in-class, and help embed Risk Management into business processes across First Central. It’s a big responsibility – but if you’re passionate about making a real impact in a fast-paced environment, this is your chance to shine.
Must-have skills to be successful in this role:
Extensive Risk Management experience – deep understanding of risk management principles and practices at a high level.
Experienced in building relationships with senior management – strong ability to foster relationships and collaborate with top executives.
Influencing and networking with senior leaders – skilled in guiding and persuading senior stakeholders to reach consensus and drive outcomes.
Solid understanding of FCA and GFSC rules, regulations, and principles – comprehensive knowledge of the regulatory environment within the financial services and insurance sectors.
We're big on working flexibly - you'll spend most of your time working from home, with occasional visits to the office. But of course, it’s your choice - if you prefer to be in the office more - that's good with us too. We have offices located in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, Salford Quays, Manchester, Guernsey and Gibraltar it’s your choice – if you live further afield, we’ll also accept applications for remote workers (you must be based in the UK)!
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 & qualifications:
- Extensive Risk Management and Project management experience.
- Skilled in building relationships and influencing senior management to achieve consensus and collaboration.
- Proven career track record and consistent achievement.
- Solid understanding of FCA and GFSC rules, regulations, principles, and codes of practice.
- Up-to-date knowledge of trends in the insurance industry relevant to Risk Management and Corporate Governance.
- Specialist technical knowledge of risk management techniques and best practices in risk, business continuity, and corporate governance.
- Personal impact in business and technical discussions at all levels.
- Resilient to challenge while maintaining relationships with senior leadership.
- Ability to assess risk MI and recommend decisions, including business continuance or closure.
- Broad commercial and strategic awareness.
- Strong planning skills and the ability to drive high-level initiatives.
- Self-motivated and intellectually strong.
- Negotiation and conflict management skills.
- Appreciates and is sensitive to cultural diversity.
- IT literate.
Behaviours
- Strong networking and influencing skills – Develops and utilises relationships with senior contacts, providing advice on risk and gaining support by clearly explaining facts and issues.
- Effective communication and collaboration – Able to work with colleagues, managers, and business leadership to address concerns, build co-operation, and present a confident, professional image.
- Proactive and results-driven – Actively participates in business initiatives, consistently strives to exceed objectives, and delivers quality outcomes on time and within budget.
- Resilient and adaptable – Demonstrates persistence and resilience under pressure, confidently handles change, and effectively manages obstacles and concerns.
- Ownership and accountability – Takes responsibility for actions, performance, and development, while managing multiple assignments and resources efficiently.
- Problem-solving and process improvement – Generates solutions, challenges current processes, and applies a logical, systematic approach to resolve complex issues and improve business functions.
- Decision-making and strategic thinking – Demonstrates the courage to make decisions, balancing short- and long-term needs, with an in-depth understanding of business factors, UK strategy, and external influences.
- Self-management and organisation – Plans and organises own work effectively, managing time and resources to meet business requests and deadlines.
If you’re a seasoned Risk Management professional looking for an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact, we want to hear from you! This is your chance to work closely with senior leadership, shape the future of risk management, and take on a leadership role in a growing company. If you have the skills, experience, and drive to thrive in a fast-paced, high-impact role, apply now and join us in shaping the future of First Central!
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.
