Risk Strategy and Portfolio Manager

Main Responsibilities

We are an important and continuously expanding part of the UK financial services sector, with an established head office functional structure and a nationwide branch presence.

The independent risk control function acts as the second line of defence (2LOD), providing oversight and risk management across key risk areas, including credit, financial, and operational risk.

The credit risk control team is responsible for independent credit risk oversight, governance, portfolio management, delivery of the IRB programme, and contributing subject matter expertise to a variety of organisation-wide initiatives. Key strategic activities include ICAAP, IRB, and embedding of the risk framework.

Given the breadth of deliverables and the continuous development of processes and analytical capabilities, this role requires a flexible and collaborative approach to ensure strong team performance across the risk function.

This position will lead the transition of credit risk portfolio management capability to its strategic state, aligning with regulatory expectations.

Key Responsibilities

The successful applicant will play a leading role in enhancing credit portfolio management capabilities, working across the risk control function to develop portfolio oversight and analytics, and collaborating with data and model development teams. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the strategic development of credit portfolio management capability, including data analysis and insights, scenario analysis, oversight reporting, and insight sharing.

  • Conduct data-led thematic reviews on identified or emerging risks, embedding improved data governance into daily work.

  • Contribute to credit risk requirements during the development of new systems and databases, and embed newly launched systems into credit risk monitoring capabilities.

• Embed IRB and IFRS 9 model outputs into portfolio MI.

• Provide portfolio oversight and communicate insights to management at various levels across the organisation.

• Support strategic objectives through integration of IRB models.

• Promote and ensure adherence to the risk management framework (including sub-frameworks), policies, and procedures, ensuring timely escalation of concerns where appropriate.

Relevant Experience

• Solid experience in financial services, with a strong understanding of credit lending processes, IRB models, and relevant regulations (CRR, EBA, PRA).

• Strong analytical background and numerical skills.

• Hands-on experience with one or more statistical data programmes such as SAS or SQL.

• Proven leadership skills and ability to build cross-functional teams.

• Passion for supporting people's development.

• Comfortable challenging and influencing stakeholders, including senior management.

• Strong decision-making capability, balancing risk and reward.

• Proactive and able to act on own initiative.

• Track record of delivering high-quality outcomes.

• Excellent communication skills - able to analyse, articulate, and present complex issues clearly both verbally and in writing.

• Exceptional attention to detail.

• Ability to work in an organised yet flexible manner and prioritise tasks effectively.

McGregor Boyall is an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on any grounds.