Non-Financial Risk Manager

Liberty is currently seeking a seasoned Non-Financial Risk (NFR) Manager to join their Johannesburg-based team. This role sits at the intersection of strategic risk governance and operational execution, tasking the successful candidate with the development and maintenance of group-wide non-financial risk frameworks. In an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, this position is critical in ensuring that the organisation effectively manages threats beyond the balance sheet—such as operational, reputational, and regulatory risks—through a sophisticated lens of data, technology, and robust policy adoption.

About the role

As a subject matter expert in the NFR space, you will operate as a strategic business partner. Your mandate is to bridge the gap between abstract risk policies and practical, day-to-day business implementation. You will be expected to drive the adoption of risk tools and frameworks across various business units, segments, and channels. By leveraging data-driven insights and modern risk technologies, you will help the organisation mitigate potential incidents before they escalate.

Key to this role is the ability to navigate a high-stakes stakeholder environment. You will maintain credible relationships not only with internal business unit leaders but also with external auditors and regulatory bodies. The role requires a professional who can influence decision-making processes and ensure that risk management remains a core component of the overarching business strategy rather than a secondary compliance exercise.

• **Framework Development:** Design and evolve the group’s NFR frameworks, ensuring they align with the latest industry standards and technological advancements.
• **Strategic Advisory:** Act as a central point of contact for NFR portfolio heads, providing expert guidance on policy applicability and risk mitigation strategies.
• **Stakeholder Engagement:** Build and sustain robust partnerships with management, non-executive directors, internal and external auditors, and industry peers.
• **Tool and Data Integration:** Champion the use of risk tools and analytics to provide business units with the capability to identify and measure non-financial risks effectively.
• **Performance Monitoring:** Provide insights into risk appetite and risk response, ensuring that control frameworks are not only functional but also aligned with the organisation's strategic goals.

What they're looking for

The successful candidate will demonstrate a deep understanding of operational risk management principles, specifically those rooted in financial services environments. You should have a proven track record of managing risk, control frameworks, and assurance processes.

• **Educational Background:** A primary degree in Business, Commerce, or Risk Management is essential. A postgraduate qualification in these fields will be viewed as a distinct advantage.
• **Experience:** You must have between 3 to 4 years of experience specifically in Operational Risk Management, complemented by a total of 5 to 7 years in risk, control, and assurance frameworks within the financial services sector.
• **Technical Proficiency:** Expertise in risk identification, measurement, reporting, and economic capital management is required.
• **Soft Skills:** The role demands high-level behavioural competencies, including the ability to challenge existing ideas, resolve complex conflicts, and articulate sophisticated information to diverse audiences. You must be comfortable directing change in a fast-paced corporate environment.

For professionals in South Africa, a role of this seniority within a major financial institution typically offers a competitive remuneration package, often ranging between R800,000 and R1.2 million per annum, depending on the candidate's specific level of experience and leadership history. Roles in NFR are highly valued in the local market, and professionals who excel in this capacity often progress into senior risk leadership positions, such as Chief Risk Officers or operational heads within the broader financial services landscape. Working in an organisation like Liberty provides excellent exposure to international risk benchmarks and large-scale corporate governance, serving as a significant career accelerator for those aiming to specialise in systemic institutional risk.

Minimum Qualifications

• First Degree in Business Commerce or Risk Management 
• Preferred: Postgraduate in Business Commerce or Risk Management 

Experience Required
Operational Risk Management

• 3-4 years Practical knowledge and experience under Operational risk which would include an understanding of the Standard Bank Group (SBG) Non-Financial Risk Framework and Policy or Industry exposure to similar standards such as the Basel Sound Principles of Operational Risk Management.
• 5-7 years Practical knowledge of risk, control frameworks, assurance & applications in financial services industry. Fully conversant in risk appetite, risk response & process improvement concepts. Understand both non-financial risk and financial reporting risk characteristics.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Articulating Information
• Challenging Ideas
• Convincing People
• Directing People
• Embracing Change
• Examining Information
• Exploring Possibilities
• Generating Ideas
• Making Decisions
• Providing Insights
• Resolving Conflict
• Upholding Standards

Technical Competencies:

• Analysing Insurable Risk
• Economic Capital Management
• Evaluating Risk Management Effectiveness
• Risk Identification
• Risk Measurement
• Risk Reporting
• Risk Response Strategy
• Risk/ Reward Thinking