Head of IT Risk

Handelsbanken; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A relationship-focused bank is seeking a Head of IT Risk to develop and implement risk strategies, oversee complex change initiatives, and lead a team within the Information Security business unit. The ideal candidate should possess deep knowledge in IT risk management and have strong leadership and analytical skills. This role offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including a pension contribution of 15%. The position is based in Greater London, with flexibility for remote work.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Income protection

Life assurance

Market-leading pension contribution of 15%

Qualifications

• Deep understanding and experience of IT risk management frameworks.
• Proven senior level IT leadership skills in a financial services context.
• Ability to analyze complex data and develop effective solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement IT Risk Management Strategy.
• Oversee complex IT Change programmes and their risks.
• Manage a team for recruiting and career development.

Skills

IT risk management frameworks

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Regulatory understanding

Communication skills

Leadership experience

Job description

# Head of IT Risk## Job Introduction**Main Responsibilities*** Forge strong partnerships with Exco, UKTL and senior leadership to ensure IT risk is considered as part of all IT activity with risks identified, assessed and managed.* Develop and implement the IT Risk Management Strategy, aligned to overall IT strategy, business strategy and Risk Management Framework.* Oversee complex IT Change programmes to influence and maintain objective view of the effectiveness of Risk mitigation being delivered by the Change programme and any Operational risks expected to be introduced by the Change programme.* Oversee the implementation of new GRC system within UKT – gathering and prioritising requirements, implementation, training & support* Embed and maintain oversight of the effectiveness of the application of the Operational Risk Management Framework to support the identification, assessment and oversight of ICT related risk across the Bank and support their articulation to risk forums and committees in terms of impact, priority, cause and treatment plans. Ensure strong controls focus* The development and operation of UKT Key Risk Indicator Reporting to cover key Level 2 UKT risk reporting into management forums* Develop materials and represent UKT at Management and Board Risk committees as required.* Own and drive the success of the UKT and UKTL Risk Forums and facilitate strong summary/thematic reporting capability across key risks applicable to UKT* Manage a team of resources and capabilities to deliver the responsibilities of the department, which includes recruitment, people management and career development in line with HR requirements* Take responsibility to identify, diagnose, establish facts and solution complex technical and organisational issues, ensuring documented transparent risk management. Receive and resolve complex technical and organisational escalations.* Receive complex risk escalations, work with stakeholders to ensure robust and workable plans are developed and agreed* Influence at Roadmap steerco and risk committees to achieve good risk outcomes* Maintain and operate a robust community of practice for IT Risk partners embedded into UKT Departments. Ensure headcount and skills demand and supply, training and development of staff.* Take long term strategic ownership of capabilities within area of responsibility defining and agreeing current and target state and multi-year plans to achieve them.**Ideal Candidate**Research (by Harvard University) shows that women are particularly likely to second guess themselves and not apply - so if you are worried you don't meet all the criteria, get in touch anyhow and let us do the worrying…* Deep understanding and experience of IT risk management frameworks and methodologies and experience of Leading risk functions* Deep understanding and experience of IT Risk management within Change* Strong analytical and problem solving skills including the ability to analyse complex data and develop effective solutions* Senior level IT Leadership experience, deep understanding of IT Engineering, Development & Operations in a Financial Services organisation, and an understanding of regulatory requirements* Ability to establish facts, develop & document potential solutions and ensure views are aligned with pragmatic transparent risk management* Ability to build and deploy matrix teams empowered to act autonomously but aligned to core methods and controls* Be able to take responsibility and act autonomously* influence decision making to surface and enable resolution of issues and risks across a wide range of stakeholders, up to and including senior management / executive* be able to interact proactively and confidently with all areas of business, including senior management and product owners* pragmatic, and effectively balances risk and control requirements with commercial drivers and customer outcomes* Ability to prepare senior management and board level briefing papers* Excellent attention to detail, tracking and coordination of actions and plans* Excellent verbal communication skills, with experience presenting at C-Level* Ability to work well within teams both within the UK and internationally* Ability to work on several initiatives at any given time, and prioritise effectively**Company Information**Handelsbanken is a relationship bank with a decentralised way of working, a strong local presence thanks to a nationwide network of branches, and a long-term approach to customer relations. Each Handelsbanken branch operates as a local business enabling it to make decisions at a local level and provide a bespoke service. The focus is always on the need of the individual customer and not on the sale of specific products. We are embarking on an exciting Business Transformation journey. This transformation will significantly enhance our technology system systems, processes and services, bringing evolution to our ways of working. Join us in this transformative journey, where your dedication, adaptability and commitment will play a crucial role in shaping the future of banking for our valued customers. The Bank is deeply committed to embedding good equality and diversity practice into all of our activities. This is so that we are an inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to work that encourages everyone to apply, regardless of socio-economic background, age, disability, pregnancy and/or parental status, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), veteran status, marital and civil partnership status, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment or sexual orientation. Check our for further information At Handelsbanken, we deeply value our unique culture and values including trust in and respect for each individual. We take pride in nurturing a work environment where people flourish, and where they are empowered to take decisions in their areas of expertise. We take a long term perspective in everything we do and want each employee who joins us to build a long terms successful career with the Bank. * We have a wide range of learning and development available, empowering and enabling our colleagues to take ownership of their own development.* Competitive Salary and an extensive range of benefits is provided, including private medical insurance, income protection and life assurance* A market-leading pension contribution of 15% paid by the bank, which can be invested in a wide range of funds (including ESG and Shariah funds)**Application next steps**Your journey with us begins once you have submitted your application. One of our Handelsbanken recruiters will be reviewing your details and will later organise a phone conversation if you match the role requirements. If there is a mutual fit, we will extend an invitation for you to participate in an interview. uk\[e-mail]. *This advert will be live for a minimum of two weeks. However, please note that after the two weeks, the closing date could change at any time depending on the number of responses received.*#LI-BH1 #LI-Hybrid### Head of IT Risk* **Salary** Competitive* **Frequency** Annual* **Job Reference** hbuk/TP/158/2213* **Contract Type** Permanent - Full Time* **Closing Date** 14 February, 2026* **Job Category** Tech, Data and Digital* **Business Unit** Information Security (UKTI)* **Location** London OR Manchester, United Kingdom* **Posted on** 15 January, 2026