Senior Non-Financial Risk Manager, Artificial Intelligence & Change Transformation

This is a high-level strategic appointment within the financial services sector, specifically designed to bridge the gap between rapid technological innovation and robust institutional oversight. As the organisation continues to integrate artificial intelligence into its core service offerings, the need for a dedicated second-line risk capability has become paramount. This role is not merely about identifying threats; it is about enabling responsible innovation by creating the frameworks that allow complex AI systems to operate safely within a regulated banking environment.

About the role

The successful candidate will function as the architect of the Group’s AI and change transformation risk oversight. Your primary mandate involves translating high-level corporate strategies and regulatory policies into tangible, operational standards. This is a role that sits at the intersection of technology, governance, and business transformation. You will be responsible for building the digital enablement tools and risk intelligence dashboards that allow the broader business to innovate without compromising the stability or compliance requirements of the Standard Bank Group.

This position demands a sophisticated understanding of how AI lifecycle management interacts with traditional operational risk management. You will serve as an advisor, a builder of governance processes, and a bridge-maker between technical engineering teams and the risk management division.

Your daily contributions will focus on embedding risk management into the very fabric of the organisation’s digital evolution. Key responsibilities include:

• **Framework Implementation:** Developing and operationalising second-line frameworks that specifically address AI, machine learning, and enterprise transformation risks.
• **Governance Oversight:** Creating and maintaining the standards that guide how AI models are developed, deployed, and monitored across the group.
• **Strategic Enablement:** Designing digital tools and risk management information systems that provide real-time visibility into AI-related risk exposures.
• **Cross-Functional Collaboration:** Partnering with stakeholders across technology, data, and information security to ensure that Generative AI and other emerging technologies align with internal risk appetite.
• **Intelligence & Reporting:** Producing actionable risk intelligence that informs senior leadership, enabling them to make data-driven decisions regarding technological investments and deployments.

What they're looking for

The organisation is seeking a seasoned professional with a deep background in both risk management and modern digital architecture. Given the seniority of the role, a postgraduate degree in IT or Risk Management is a baseline requirement, paired with 8 to 10 years of intensive industry experience.

You should bring a comprehensive technical background, including:

• **Deep AI Expertise:** Practical experience in managing the AI lifecycle, including Generative AI and machine learning models, within an enterprise environment.
• **Platform Knowledge:** Proficiency with hyperscaler platforms (such as AWS or Microsoft Azure), specifically regarding their architecture, deployment, and built-in governance capabilities.
• **Risk Maturity:** A proven track record in developing policy frameworks and conducting complex risk assessments within large-scale financial institutions.
• **Soft Skills:** A strong emphasis on behavioural competencies such as clear communication, confidence in navigating high-stakes environments, and the ability to articulate complex technical risks to non-technical stakeholders.

For experienced risk professionals in Johannesburg, this role represents a top-tier position in the financial services sector. Roles of this calibre—specifically those bridging AI governance and enterprise risk—often command premium remuneration packages, typically falling within the upper quartiles for senior management in banking. This career path is ideal for those who have spent time in Big Four consulting, internal audit, or dedicated IT risk departments, and are now looking to specialise in the rapidly expanding field of algorithmic and AI-driven compliance. Candidates who successfully navigate this trajectory often find themselves in high demand, as the intersection of AI and financial regulation is currently one of the most critical growth areas for South Africa’s largest employers.

Type of Qualification: Post Graduate Degree
Field of Study: Information Technology, Risk Management

Experience Required
Operational Risk Management
Risk & Corporate Affairs

• 8-10 years Experience in financial services, risk management, technology, AI, data and analytics, information security, model risk, operational risk, enterprise transformation or related disciplines. Experience developing or implementing policies, frameworks, standards, governance processes, risk assessments and management information.
• 8-10 years Practical experience with AI governance, AI lifecycle management, Generative AI, machine learning, AI platforms or technology risk. Experience working with one or more hyperscaler or enterprise AI platforms, such as AWS, Microsoft Azure or equivalent, including a sound understanding of platform architecture, deployment and governance capabilities.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Adopting Practical Approaches
• Articulating Information
• Checking Things
• Conveying Self-Confidence
• Developing Expertise
• Establishing Rapport
• Interpreting Data
• Producing Output
• Seizing Opportunities
• Taking Action
• Thinking Positively
• Upholding Standards

Technical Competencies:

• AI Foundations
• AI Lifecycle Management
• AI Optimisation
• AI Platforms
• API Design, Development and Frameworks
• API Engineering
• Change Enablement
• Compliance
• Continuous Process Improvement
• Emerging Technology Monitoring
• Information Security Management
• Information Technology Architecture
• IT Risk Management
• Risk Acceptance
• Risk Identification
• Risk Management
• Risk Measurement
• Risk Reporting
• Risk Response Strategy
• Risk/ Reward Thinking