Executive Head - Investment and Financial Risk, Johannesburg

THE JOB AT A GLANCE

The Executive Head - Investment & Financial Risk is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the investment risk management framework and financial risk management across the organization’s portfolio. The role will have oversight on the volumes, mix, rate sensitivity, quality and liquidity of the organization’s assets and liabilities as well as general balance sheet optimization to achieve pre-determined/acceptable risk/reward trade off. This senior leadership role will drive the identification, assessment, measurement, monitoring, and reporting of all investment-related and financial risks, ensuring alignment with the organization’s risk appetite and regulatory requirements. The position serves as the primary authority on investment and financial risk matters, providing strategic guidance to Executive Management and the Board of Directors.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Strategic Risk Management

• Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive investment and financial risk management framework, including for corporate finance transactions.
• Establish and evolve investment risk policies, procedures, and limits in line with the overall investment strategy and organizational objectives.
• Provide strategic risk advice to Investment Committees, Portfolio Managers, and Executive Management.
• Develop and monitor key risk indicators (KRIs) and compliance indicators for the investment portfolio.
• Drive innovation in investment risk modelling and measurement techniques, including partial internal models and asset liability modelling.

Risk Analysis & Reporting

• Coordinate, support and supervise the proactive identification of material investment and financial risks on pre-determined intervals.
• Oversee the identification and measurement, analysis, and reporting of market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk.
• Develop comprehensive risk dashboards and reports for various stakeholders.
• Lead stress testing and scenario analysis to assess portfolio resilience.

• Review and challenge, on a monthly basis, all behavioural liquidity assumptions prior to submission to the relevant risk governance and oversight sub-committee(s) of the Board of Directors for review and approval.
• Ensure identification, monitoring and reporting on investment and financial risk issues to the Executive Management, Audit and Risk Committees and the Board of Directors of the organization.
• Provide “Second Opinion” on Asset-Liability Management (Strategic Asset Allocation, etc.).
• Provide an “Expert Opinion” on suitable Investment Strategy for new products and services and related approval process.
• Support the enhancement of and provide second opinion on Capital Management.
• Support the First Line functions in implementing and embedding applicable Risk and Controls within the applicable business unit and applicable operations.
• Provide second opinion on and support continuous the enhancement of the Investment approval process.    
• Develop, monitor, and report on risk appetite framework (RAF) statement and limits for investment and financial risk.
• Monitor action plans to detect delays or incomplete mitigation tasks proposed by business units.
• Provide insightful interpretation of risk metrics and their implications for investment strategy.
• Ensure timely and accurate risk reporting to senior management, investment committee, strategic transaction committee, risk committee, and the board.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with relevant investment risk regulations and industry standards, including GIPS.
• Participate in regulatory engagements concerning investment and financial risk matters.
• Review and challenge investment and corporate finance proposals from a risk perspective.
• Develop and support the implementation of the risk appetite management framework, follow-up, monitor and report breaches management.
• Develop, implement and enhance Liquidity Risk Management Framework, Concentration Risk Framework, and Investment Risk Framework.
• Monitor adherence to the organization’s policies, and procedures on Asset and Liability Management.
• Develop and/or maintain appropriate benchmarks for all investment and financial risks through implementation of established stop loss, hedging and market-to-market disciplines.
• Develop the FRM maturity assessment model and ensure the achievement of the annual targeted maturity model.
• Coordinate with other risk functions to ensure an integrated approach to risk management.

People Management

• Build and develop a high-performing investment risk team, thereby ensuring that high standards are maintained with a positive team culture and morale, and ensuring that team members are trained and developed to meet the needs of their role and career aspirations. 
• Deliver effective performance development for any direct reports.
• Develop and implement succession plans for critical risk management roles.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to risk professionals to enhance their capabilities and performance.
• Foster a strong risk culture within the investment team.
• Collaborate effectively with portfolio managers, analysts, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the risk function in investment strategy discussions.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO THE TABLE?

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or related quantitative field.
• Professional risk management certification.
• CFA designation (preferred).
• FASSA designation (preferred)

Experience

• Minimum 8-10 years of investment risk management experience in an asset management, preferably multi-manager environment
• Minimum 5 years in a financial risk management, preferably corporate finance and/or treasury environment
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in investment risk management.
• At least 5 years in a senior investment or risk management role within asset management or a similar financial institution.
• Strong understanding of risk management, internal control and corporate governance framework(s), financial services, treasury/portfolio management, investment/treasury operations, and process improvement.
• Good knowledge of insurance/investment products offerings (development, dependencies,
• features etc.), South Africa and Global financial markets and instrument valuation, treasury, and portfolio management.
• Good knowledge and practical experience of financial theory, valuation, projection, financial modeling, financial markets and instrument valuation.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing investment and financial risk management frameworks.
• Experience managing teams of investment risk professionals,
• Proven track record of engaging with senior stakeholders, investment committees, and boards,
• Experience with regulatory interactions and compliance requirements for investment portfolios,
• Background in multiple asset classes (equities, fixed income, alternatives)

WHAT WILL YOU GET IN RETURN?

We offer great opportunities for personal and professional development in a stable company that’s 132 years strong. The role comes with a competitive salary package and various benefits. Flexible work arrangements (combination of remote and in the office). Furthermore, you will be a part of a dedicated group of colleagues who value teamwork and collaboration.

Closing Date: 13 May 2025

Turnaround time

The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers. Kindly note that should you not receive a response within 21 days please consider your application unsuccessful.