Operational Risk - Principal
athene · London 1 Soho Place ·
- Seniority
- Principal
- Experience
- 15+ years
- Company size
- 1000+
Position Overview
The ideal candidate for this role will be responsible for leading the Operational Risk Management (ORM) program in London, whilst supporting EMEA and global initiatives. They work collaboratively to deliver strategic, innovative and insightful solutions by leveraging emerging and standardized risk frameworks, data analytics (including AI) and their risk management experience. The Principal, Operational Risk will provide support to the function’s leadership in driving the execution of the team’s target operating model as the organization enhances its strategic remit to be more focused on alignment with the company’s key growth priorities. In this role, the candidate will be heavily involved in developing and managing a broad range of risk initiatives (e.g., Risk and Control Inventory Governance, Risk Assessment Planning and Prioritization, etc.) and training alongside key stakeholders across the firm and will regularly have exposure to senior management.
Primary Responsibilities
The Principal, Operational Risk will be a critical risk adviser within ORM and to the firm, who will assist in embedding risk management practices into day-to-day business processes primarily focused on London, but also supporting ORM activities within EMEA and globally. Responsibilities include:
Risk Program Oversight
Oversee adherence to Apollo operational risk management framework within London and supporting efforts across the EMEA region, including the governance of the Risk and Control Inventory (RCI), Incident Management, Issue Management, Risk Assessment and Key Risk Indicator Management. Ensure regular reviews of risk procedures and standards aligned with firm objectives, regulatory standards and client expectations. Reporting to the Head of ORM, with a dotted line to the Regional COO, help the team prioritise and deliver against a planned book of work, representing key messages and themes to Risk Forums/ Committees and other key internal stakeholders.
Risk Management Activity Support
The role will include basic aspects of leading the administrative and governance activities of the ORM team, including the coordination of local or regional risk forum(s), other meeting agendas, regular Policy/ Procedure reviews, contribution to risk related client/prospect due diligence meetings and/or questionnaires, etc.)
Risk Strategy & Execution
Support the Head of Operational Risk in all aspects of execution of their Target Operating Model (TOM). This includes contributing to the definition of strategic objectives and measures of success, risk assessment pipeline development, management and prioritization of work, risk reporting and governance. Key to this is developing and driving core risk analytics, in conjunction with business partners and the COO community, that prove the impact of strong and consistent risk management practices aligned to firms’ strategic priorities. Collaboration within control functions and business COO’s is key to success.
Develop & Maintain Risk Training Program
Assist with enhancing existing risk training program to ensure alignment with any regulatory requirements and industry standards.
Qualifications & Experience
15 + years’ experience in financial services (preference for asset management/ credit/ private equity), risk management, internal controls, or organizational transformation initiatives.
Outstanding leadership skills, proven ability to engage and influence senior business leaders, earning trust as a strategic partner and advisor.
A proactive and organized self-starter with a positive attitude, great work ethic, strong attention to detail and advanced knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint, GRC tools (e.g., Archer).
Critical thinker with strong quantitative and analytical skills who expresses their thoughts and ideas clearly both in oral and written communications.
A change cultivator, with a strong risk and technology background with a focus on automation and process improvements.
Experience implementing internal capital and risk assessment (ICARA) processes for an asset management firm a plus.
Confident in using technology, including AI, to analyze big data and drive quick insights an advantage.
Experience in Enterprise Risk or working in other risk areas e.g. market or credit risk a positive.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required.
About Apollo
Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of March 31, 2026, Apollo had approximately $1.0 trillion of assets under management.