Deputy Head of Risk

Our client is seeking a Deputy Head of Risk to enhance the second line of defence and drive the continued evolution of a robust, enterprise-wide risk and control framework within a growing European investment business.

This role works closely with stakeholders across Ireland, the UK, and continental Europe to strengthen governance, support informed decision-making, and deliver clear, commercially relevant risk insight. The position combines advisory, oversight, and assurance responsibilities, culminating in high-quality reporting for senior management and Boards.

The role is Dublin-based with a hybrid working model.

The role 

• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing development of the enterprise risk management (ERM) framework, covering risk identification, assessment, monitoring, reporting, and escalation across the region.
• Embed risk management practices into governance structures, business processes, and decision-making forums, providing clear dashboards, thematic insights, and forward-looking risk analysis for senior committees and Boards.
• Provide independent second-line oversight, offering constructive challenge on key operational and enterprise risks across Irish and broader European entities.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across all three lines of defence, influencing outcomes through expertise, sound judgement, and pragmatic challenge, while driving strategic risk initiatives and continuous improvement.
• Maintain and enhance risk and control frameworks within GRC systems, supporting compliance with regulatory requirements including UCITS, MiFID, DORA, and relevant Central Bank expectations.

The candidate 

• Significant experience in financial services risk management, with strong expertise in operational and enterprise risk in MiFID, Manco or Investment Management firm 
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and oversee ERM frameworks, with a strong track record of producing high-quality risk reporting, dashboards, and management information.
• Ability to operate at a Head-of-Risk level, with well-developed judgement, credibility in providing second-line challenge, and experience dealing with regulators.
• Proven experience delivering large-scale risk or control transformation programmes, including managing change and embedding sustainable improvements in complex environments.
• Strong analytical capability, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders, combined with a high degree of autonomy, professionalism, and attention to detail.