Head of Operational Risk & Resilience

Tasks

• Responsibility for and ongoing development of the operational risk management framework, policies, RCSA methodology, incident and loss data management, issue management, scenario analysis, and integration into the bank’s risk appetite framework
• Management of the Operational Resilience Program in accordance with FINMA Circular 2023/1: Analysis of critical functions, definition of impact tolerances, scenario testing, and second-line oversight of business continuity management
• Second-line oversight and challenges related to outsourcing and third-party risk management in accordance with FINMA requirements, including the bank’s critical technology providers
• Responsibility for operational risk reporting, the design and preparation of KRIs, integrated risk reports, and materials for the Group Executive Board, the Board Risk Committee, and regulatory authorities
• Representing operational risk to regulatory authorities: external and internal audits, including responsibility for corrective actions and regulatory filings
• Leading, developing, and prioritizing a small (lean) team, as well as coordinating operational risk issues across the group companies (not limited to Sygnum AG)
• Oversee the modernization of the risk function's tooling, including AI-driven approaches to reporting, KRI development, and risk assessment documentation

Requirements

• More than 6 years of experience in operational or non-financial risk management at a regulated bank or financial institution, including several years in a leadership or senior second-line role; experience in the Swiss regulatory environment is strongly preferred
• In-depth working knowledge of FINMA Circular 2023/1 (operational risks and resilience) and Swiss outsourcing requirements, with a proven track record in establishing or significantly expanding an operational risk management or resilience framework
• Hands-on "player-coach" profile: Ability to personally take responsibility for methodology and committee documents within a lean team, not just to lead others
• A strong affinity for technology and a genuine interest in digital assets: Ability to speak knowledgeably about custody infrastructure, key management, the cloud, and 24/7 market operations—curious about crypto, with banking discipline
• A credible challenger with the experience and judgment to engage constructively with first-line leaders and to stand alone before the Group Executive Board and the regulator—self-confidence without an attitude
• Excellent written and spoken English skills; German is a strong advantage in the Swiss regulatory context

We offer

• Competitive compensation package with market-rate salaries and a performance incentive scheme
• Flexible / Work-from-Home Policies
• Professional development through mentoring and buddy programs
• A one-month, fully paid sabbatical after five years of continuous employment