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Posted August 21, 2026

Operational Risk SME - Data Risk

Barclays
Newark Full Time
Reference: BarclaysJR-0000107853_2

Job Description

Purpose of the role

To provide independent review and challenge of the Operational Risk elements of particular risk categories across the bank. Ensuring they are carried out in accordance with Barclays Operational Risk Framework, Policies, and Standards

Accountabilities

  • Risk identification and proactive risk management, identifying interconnected, horizon and emerging risks to assist the business in understanding, managing and mitigating the right risks in line with their business strategy and objectives.
  • Analysis of operational risk data to identify trends, patterns, and emerging risks.
  • Risk-based analysis of business processes, systems, and controls to assess the likelihood and impact of identified risks.
  • Ongoing research and monitoring of internal and external sources to identify potential Operational Risks.
  • Oversight, review and challenge of 1st Line activities including - Risk Control Self Assessments (RCSAs), Risk Events, Issues and attendance at key Risk and Control meetings (with associated reporting) ensuring they accurately reflect the business risk position,.
  • Stakeholder management, engaging and working effectively with First and Second Line management.
  • Risk based 2nd Line input into 1st Line Projects, Initiatives and Strategic decision making.

Director Expectations

  • To manage a business function, providing significant input to function wide strategic initiatives. Contribute to and influence policy and procedures for the function and plan, manage and consult on multiple complex and critical strategic projects, which may be business wide..
  • They manage the direction of a large team or sub-function, leading other people managers and embedding a performance culture aligned to the values of the business. Or for an individual contributor, they lead organisation wide projects and act as deep technical expert and thought leader, identifying new ways of working and collaborating cross functionally. They will train, guide and coach less experienced specialists and provide information affecting long term profits, organisational risks and strategic decisions..
  • Provide expert advice to senior functional management and committees to influence decisions made outside of own function, offering significant input to function wide strategic initiatives.
  • Manage, coordinate and enable resourcing, budgeting and policy creation for a significant sub-function.
  • Escalates breaches of policies / procedure appropriately.
  • Foster and guide compliance, ensure regulations are observed that relevant processes in place to facilitate adherence.
  • Focus on the external environment, regulators, or advocacy groups to both monitor and influence on behalf of Barclays, when appropriate.
  • Demonstrate extensive knowledge of how the function integrates with the business division / Group to achieve the overall business objectives.
  • Maintain broad and comprehensive knowledge of industry theories and practices within own discipline alongside up-to-date relevant sector / functional knowledge, and insight into external market developments / initiatives.
  • Use interpretative thinking and advanced analytical skills to solve problems and design solutions in often complex/ sensitive situations.
  • Exercise management authority to make significant decisions and certain strategic decisions or recommendations within own area.
  • Negotiate with and influence stakeholders at a senior level both internally and externally.
  • Act as principal contact point for key clients and counterparts in other functions/ businesses divisions.
  • Mandated as a spokesperson for the function and business division.

All Senior Leaders are expected to demonstrate a clear set of leadership behaviours to create an environment for colleagues to thrive and deliver to a consistently excellent standard. The four LEAD behaviours are: L – Listen and be authentic, E – Energise and inspire, A – Align across the enterprise, D – Develop others.

All colleagues will be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship – our moral compass, helping us do what we believe is right. They will also be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Mindset – to Empower, Challenge and Drive – the operating manual for how we behave.

Salary / Rate Minimum: $200,000

Salary / Rate Maximum: $290,000

The minimum and maximum salary/rate information above include only base salary or base hourly rate. It does not include any another type of compensation or benefits that may be available.

Person Specification

The role holder must be highly motivated and able to coordinate or influence multiple activities across various disciplines within the bank. It is also essential that the candidate has a flexible approach to work, able to lead other requirements if needed. A proactive and hands-on approach is essential to demonstrate the value that this role can add to our organisation.

Essential Skills/Basic Qualifications:

  • Excellent and demonstrable leadership skills, including a clear track record providing clear direction, feedback and constructive challenge to colleagues.
  • Strong experience of building and maintaining effective relationships at a senior level.
  • Strong analytical and planning skills.
  • Good understanding of the workings of Data & Records Management Risk.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal - English essential (written & spoken).
  • Strong analytical skillset required with excellent problem solving skills and an ability to understand and identify themes from broad data sets. Strong numerical reasoning skills required.

The candidate must be a credible leader who is highly motivated and able to coordinate or influence multiple activities across various disciplines within the bank. It is also essential that the candidate has a flexible approach to work, able to lead other requirements if needed, while ensuring that the core Operational Risk responsibilities related to Data & Records Risk are maintained. A proactive and hands-on approach is essential to demonstrate the value that this role can add to our organisation.

Desirable skills/Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience of working within Compliance, Operational Risk, audit or internal controls environment, preferably in the financial sector.
  • Experience of delivering transformation in a large bank or financial organization.
  • Strong academic background, educated to degree level or equivalent.
  • MBA and /or professional qualification

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