Senior Operational Risk Analyst - Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited

Senior Operational Risk Analyst

Place of Work: Liverpool

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

When you join USS, the size and scale of our pension scheme means you will have numerous opportunities to learn and develop your career. Given our size you'll have real autonomy and influence as you collaborate closely with a wide-ranging team of experts.

Our office is a vibrant place to work, and we offer flexibility of office/homeworking due to our hybrid model.

About the role

In your role as Senior Operational Risk Analyst, you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to sit within the second line Enterprise and Operational Risk Management (EORM) team, which is responsible for overseeing risk management and control activities across USS.

The role reports into the Operational Risk Manager, who is responsible for risk oversight and assurance across Group Functions, including HR, Finance, Group General Council (GGC), Group Risk and the corporate insurance programme.

The primary focus of the role is to support the embedding and continuous improvement of the Operational Risk Framework. You will provide analysis, insight, and challenge to help ensure effective risk management, strong controls, and high-quality governance across the business.

This is a 12-month fixed term contract to provide maternity cover.

What you will be doing

As a trusted part of the Group Risk and Funding team you will be responsible for:

Delivering Results

High-quality, insight-led risk reporting to support committees and senior stakeholders

Analysing risk events to identify trends, root causes and emerging risks

Tracking actions and provide challenge to ensure timely and effective resolution

Using the risk system (Protecht) to maintain accurate data and support reporting and analysis

Supporting thematic reviews and deep dives into key risk areas

Framework and Control

Supporting the embedding and ongoing development of the Operational Risk Framework

Contributing to the assessment and improvement of controls, including design and effectiveness

Promoting alignment between risk events, controls and risk profiles across the business

Supporting the management of the corporate insurance framework

Stakeholder Management

Building strong working relationships with colleagues across EORM, Information Security, Compliance, HR and Finance

Supporting and challenge business Risk owners and Risk Champions with the identification, assessment and documentation of their risks and controls

Providing constructive challenge on risk assessments, controls and actions

Supporting a proactive and forward-looking approach to risk management

Process Improvement and Innovation

Identifying opportunities to simplify and improve risk processes

Supporting the use of automation and AI tools (e.g. Copilot) to enhance efficiency and insight

Contributing to ongoing enhancements to risk systems and reporting approaches

About you

We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they don't tick every box, if you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, then please apply, regardless of whether you meet all the requirements outlined in this profile.

To be successful in the role you will have

Experience in operational risk, risk management, audit or a business control function within financial services

Strong understanding of risk and control frameworks, including control assurance

Experience in risk event or incident management and analysis

Ability to analyse data and provide clear, practical insight to stakeholders

Good communication and stakeholder management skills

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools

Experience using generative AI tools (e.g. Copilot) is desirable

Why join us?

At USS, every individual contributes to building a secure financial future for our members and their families. We strive to create a work environment where everyone can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. We're also committed to helping you build your career by providing opportunities for development. We put a focus on recognising and supporting each individual's unique career path, driving this forward with the support of an engaged and proactive management team. Here at USS, we want you to thrive in and out of work with a friendly team, flexible culture and excellent range of benefits!

How we will reward you

Great starting salary

Generous annual leave package

Access to a high quality pension scheme provided through Universities Superannuation Scheme

Supportive people policies (including enhanced occupational sickness pay and family friendly pay)

Financial contributions towards your personal development to help you maintain your physical and mental wellbeing

Access to a range of health and wellbeing services i.e., private healthcare, discounted gym membership

Learning and development opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and talent

Employee Volunteer Day’s to support the communities where you work and live

Cycle to Work Scheme

Our culture and values Our people are what makes us different. We work together to create a diverse and inclusive culture that embraces individuality, where people are welcomed and feel comfortable in the knowledge that they can be themselves. Our purpose firmly states the importance of members, putting them ‘front and centre’ of what we do. This is embedded through our