VP, Head of Operational Risk Management, Financial Services

Head of Operational Risk Management - Leading Global Financial Institution

My client is a leading global financial institution and we are recruiting for a Head of Operational Risk Management mandate to be based in Japan. You will be given the opportunity to lead and enhance the operational risk management framework across the organisation, working closely with senior business leaders and global stakeholders. We are looking for candidates who are interested in driving risk governance, strengthening controls, and influencing risk culture within a highly regulated environment.

Responsibilities for this Head of Operational Risk Management - Leading Global Financial Institution role

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous enhancement of the Operational Risk Management framework, including policies, standards, risk assessments, reporting, governance, and issue management.
• Provide independent second-line oversight and challenge across key operational risk areas, including vendor governance, operational resilience, incident management, and emerging risks.
• Partner with senior business leaders and risk stakeholders to identify, assess, escalate, and mitigate operational risks in line with regulatory requirements and organisational risk appetite.
• Act as the key liaison between local and global risk functions, ensuring alignment of risk management standards, methodologies, and reporting.
• Build and lead a high-performing risk management team while promoting a strong risk culture through training, advisory support, and governance initiatives.

Requirements for this Head of Operational Risk Management - Leading Global Financial Institution role

• At least 10 years of experience in Operational Risk, Risk Management, Compliance, Internal Audit, Controls, or related functions within a regulated financial services environment.
• Strong understanding of operational risk frameworks, governance, risk and control assessments, issue remediation, and incident management.
• Deep knowledge of Japanese financial services regulatory expectations and the ability to implement global standards at a local level.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to influence senior stakeholders across local, regional, and global teams.
• Native/fluent Japanese and business-level English communication skills preferred.
• Experience working within multinational organisations and collaborating with global stakeholders.