Role Purpose
Wickes are looking for a successful candidate to lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive risk management framework and provide objective oversight and challenge on the adequacy and effectiveness of the business’s management of operational risk, giving consideration to recent Corporate Governance Code changes and new reporting requirements.
The successful candidate will enjoy working in a friendly, dynamic and agile environment, contributing to all aspects of the risk function.
The role will be based in Watford and will require occasional travel between other business locations.
What you’ll be doing
- Support the Director, Internal Audit and Risk in the design and delivery of an effective operational risk management and reporting capability and in the design, maintenance, oversight and reporting of an operational risk management framework.
- Deliver insightful risk analysis on the performance of operational risk management relative to Board agreed risk appetite, escalating issues and trends to senior management and appropriate governance committees.
- As subject matter expert, oversight and challenge the outputs from the business assessment and management of operational risks and controls through the company’s RCSA process.
- Provide professional and pragmatic risk and control advice and support to the business areas and support functions, including advising business teams on risk-adjusted returns and assisting with major change initiatives or new product launches.
- Promote and embed a positive risk management and compliance culture throughout the organisation by training and mentoring staff on risk mitigation.
- Identifying and assessing risks – run workshops, interviews and data reviews to surface risks, then score them for likelihood and impact using agreed frameworks or risk matrices.
- Maintaining the risk register and framework – own or coordinate the risk register, keeping risks up to date, tracking actions, closing items and improving how risks are categorised and assessed over time.
- Designing and reviewing controls – work with process owners (finance, operations, IT, HR, H&S, legal) to agree practical controls – policies, approvals, system checks, insurance, training – that reduce or transfer risk.
- Reporting to senior stakeholders – prepare regular risk reports and dashboards for directors, committees or the Board, highlighting top risks, trends and any areas where risk is rising beyond appetite.
- Advising projects and change programmes – review business cases, sit on project boards and challenge plans to make sure risk is considered early.
- Championing a risk‑aware culture – coach managers on risk thinking, run training, refine templates and sometimes lead internal campaigns so that risk management doesn’t just live in a spreadsheet.
What we’re looking for
- Experience and/or qualifications in one or more of the following governance related disciplines: risk management, internal audit, compliance.
- Proven experience in an operational risk management role.
- Track record of working with other assurance providers, e.g. Internal Audit, external auditors.
- Designing and implementing enterprise‑wide operational risk management programmes.
- Preparing and presenting risk and compliance papers for senior management, including Board Committees.
What can we offer you?
You’ll be supported with fantastic learning and development and have the opportunity to grow and develop your career with us. We also have an early careers network to support you if you’re in your first few years of your career.
- Competitive bonus
- Save‑as‑you‑earn scheme
- Private Medical and Life Assurance
- Enhanced contributory pension scheme
- Colleague discount
- Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme
Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support.
By giving you the support you need to do well at work, and the flexibility to make life work for you. We are giving you a career that doesn’t put your life on hold. Where you can be yourself, do your best work, and make a positive difference every day.
About Us
Wickes is a multi‑channel retailer operating in the home improvement market. With 50 years in industry, Wickes now generates revenue in excess of £1.6bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues. But it is our culture that is considered our best kept secret; it’s a collaborative, down to earth, fun and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team. All our colleagues come from different backgrounds, but what we all have in common is a determination to succeed and a passion for being the best we can be. If that sounds like you, we’ll make you feel right at home.
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