Risk & Control Lead, VP

About this role

Client Core COO – Risk & Control Lead (Vice President)

Business Unit Overview:

The EMEA Client Business represents ~$2,200bn AUM and generates +$4.4bn of annual revenue which translates to 25% of BlackRock’s total AUM and 27% of BlackRock’s total annual revenue.

The EMEA Client Business consists of ~550 members of staff, covering clients in 19 countries, comprised of Sales & Relationship Management functions, Business Development, Marketing, Country / Regional Management functions. These functions are supported by a central Core COO function.

The Core COO team works with the functions within the EMEA Client Business and other internal partners (including Compliance, Finance, Risk and technology teams) to deliver a robust business governance platform, manage the region’s financials and maximize BlackRock’s commercial impact within the EMEA Region.

Department Overview:

The Core COO team fulfils a crucial role in the effective operation of the EMEA Client Business. The team consists of 21 FTE based in London and Budapest who are accountable for execution in six key pillars:

• Business Management & Oversight: Driving governance, resource & financial management, risk management and oversight of sales conduct to support compliant revenue growth
• Change: Implementation of regulatory, operating model and client projects
• Sales Training: Developing and delivering a comprehensive client business training programme focused on regulatory change, conduct and product/service updates
• Sales Content: Manages internal content distribution and supporting technology platforms across the EII, Wealth and Insti businesses in EMEA
• Reporting & Automation: Delivery of tactical client reporting in support of client teams and automation of sales processes
• Business Intelligence: Centralised management of sales management information

The team has a broad remit and works with teams across the region and globe to help the EMEA client business execute on BlackRock’s mission. Key partners outside of sales include, Regional Exec, BPI, Legal and Compliance, Tech & Ops, EII, Investments, APG, HR, FP&A and Finance.

Job Purpose/Background:

This role will work across all pillars of the Core COO team, with responsibility for supporting the operating framework for EMEA Client Business, including on areas related to risk, legal & compliance, audit and technology. The Risk & Control Lead will report to the Head of Business Management & Oversight.

The role holder will have experience of leading small to medium sized teams and be able to demonstrate a detailed approach to driving continuous service and process improvement and encouraging a robust risk, control and governance environment.

The candidate will know how to navigate a global and highly matrixed organization with an ability to effectively prioritise multiple, sometimes contending priorities without compromising on quality of execution.

In addition, key responsibilities also include:

• Maintain the general operating framework for the EMEA Client Business including its Operating Manual, complete regular certifications, conduct reviews of Aladdin permissions, perform regular folder clean-ups, support onboarding of new joiners, quarterly voice recording reconciliations, etc
• Coordinate business approval / escalation processes including pricing requests, shareclass registrations/launches, non-standard trading & onboarding items, connecting with stakeholders across strategy, global investment teams, GPG and Sales ExCo’s where necessary
• Ownership of operating events & complaints frameworks, escalation protocols and oversight as well as assisting to manage the outcomes, in conjunction with the client business and partner teams
• Coordinate the Risk & Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) and Conflicts of Interest (CoI) processes
• Liaise with L&C where appropriate e.g. resolving Core Compliance queries/issues, responding to novel issues/questions, taking responsibility for appropriate attestations, etc.
• When applicable, respond to Internal Audits and Compliance Testing programs along with executing their remediation plans
• Own and regularly review and refresh the business continuity plans (BCP) for the business
• Building strong rapport with Sales to help resolve sophisticated problems whilst demonstrating commercial awareness
• Engaging with the leaders of the EMEA client business to drive key initiatives and work closely with internal partners including Investment teams, Compliance, Finance, Marketing, Operations, and Platform Innovation
• Ensure controls are appropriately updated in operations process flows and lead process reengineering projects.
• Identifying and leading projects seeking to improve in the team’s efficiency using process improvements and automation
• Owning the delivery of high quality, management information which identifies areas of risk and proposed solutions
• Support communication framework of key cascades

The role represents a significant opportunity to join one of the most successful sales departments in Europe and will offers the successful candidate career growth and leadership opportunities.

Knowledge/Experience:

Process Improvement

• Comfortable in an agile operating environment. Demonstrates persistence and commitment in implementing process and best in class risk and control frameworks
• Ability to think through problems, ask intelligent questions and work towards solutions whilst seeking help at the appropriate time.
• Focus on solution; seeks simplicity and ability to identify solutions, lead the implementation and help team overcome complaints and obstacles.
• Oversee the process mapping, risk assessment and remediation delivery of key operational processes
• Familiar with the roles of Risk Owner/Process Owner/Product Owner and Data Owner.
• Focus on outcomes based on clear performance indicators

Analytic knowledge

• Comfortable in manipulating large set of data to drive insights and take decision based on facts/data
• Must have knowledge of Excel & PowerPoint (an ability to navigate and interpret multiple datasets a bonus)

Candidate experience

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior Sales Operations and/or Business Management/Operations role.
• The role will suit someone who is self-motivated, detail orientated and energetic, with the ability to work to multi-task key activities which support the commercial success of the EMEA Client Business.
• Self-starter with a curious mindset who can work effectively with a team and within a larger organization
• Keen to diplomatically problem-solve especially with novel situations
• Bachelor’s/Masters degree
• A high-energy, self-motivated individual who is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with an inquisitive approach
• Strong interpersonal and organisational skills, with an ability to lead multiple work items simultaneously
• Flexible and proactive with a keen attention to detail
• Discretion when dealing with sensitive information and ability to form judgements on appropriateness of information sharing and dissemination.

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being. Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.