Big demand for operational risk managers
Do you have experience in operational risk management? Employers in one of the country’s most lucrative business sectors may just come knocking at your door.
According to the latest Hays Quarterly Report, hiring managers in the banking and financial services sector are on the lookout for operational risk managers.
“Many organisations are reviewing their operational risk procedures and implementing new strategies. As a result, experienced operational risk candidates with specific product knowledge are in high demand,” said Jane McNeill, director of Hays Banking.
Additionally, the banks are offering the top candidates a significant amount of flexibility in order to lure them into their organisation – or simply to keep them from leaving. Incentives that are being offered in order to attract and retain staff include working from home, free parking and bonus incentives.
Jane suggested that candidate trends show skilled and experienced professionals in areas of high demand have become far more selective about the companies and positions they will consider.
“They are taking longer to think about roles and will wait for the perfect role to become available,” she said. “As a result, employers are enhancing their employee value proposition during the interview process.”
But your prospective new employer may well expect you to offer up your own value proposition, added Jane. She noted that, as a general trend, employers are also looking for candidates who can bring value to the business, while at the same time increasing responsibilities in comparison to the role’s predecessor.
If you’re already employed within the financial services sector, then the report’s findings suggest that now may also be the time to start fishing for an internal promotion. Hays’ findings suggest that general employer trends are leaning towards offering career development to their staff and promoting internally.
Staff retention risks
A general trend that will be of interest to risk managers working in the finance sector is that staff retention risks are high on the agenda, and this is leading some employers to change their approach in order to attract long-term candidates.
“While many employers have very strict requirements in terms of skills and experience, others are looking at new hires with long-term potential and will consider less experienced candidates who they can develop into a role,” said Jane.
“The main reason is that they believe this gives the candidate a greater incentive to remain long-term with the organisation. For the same reason, many employers will also invest in new graduates and develop their experience.”