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Finastra

Operational Risk Specialist

LisbonPosted Yesterday
Full-timeonsite

Job Description

Who are we?

At Finastra, we’re a global leader in financial services software, dedicated to expanding access to financial services and shaping what’s next for the industry. Our technology powers mission‑critical solutions across Lending, Payments and Universal Banking, supporting over 7,000 customers, including 80% of the world’s top 50 banks, in more than 110 countries.

What will you contribute?

The Operational Risk Specialist supports the organization’s Operational Risk & Resilience agenda, including Business Continuity Management, Health and Safety, and Physical Security. The role plans, coordinates, and executes risk and resilience activities, ensuring robust policies, standards, procedures, and ongoing threat monitoring are in place. The specialist evaluates emerging risks, supports Duty of Care initiatives, contributes to facility oversight, and provides expert analysis to strengthen organizational resilience.

This role requires strong professional judgement, the application of theoretical and technical expertise, and the ability to influence stakeholders across the business. The specialist may lead small projects or cross‑functional initiatives and acts as a trusted advisor to management on complex or sensitive issues.

Responsibilities:

  • Research, monitor, analyze, and report on threats, incidents, and operational risks impacting the organization.

  • Manage the Business Continuity Program for an assigned portfolio, ensuring compliance with internal standards and regulatory expectations.

  • Develop, maintain, and administer operational risk and resilience policies, standards, and procedures.

  • Support the design and delivery of training programs, tabletop exercises, and awareness initiatives.

  • Lead the completion of physical risk assessments for Finastra‑occupied facilities, data centers, and critical environments.

  • Maintain risk‑related systems, datasets, and documentation to ensure accuracy and integrity.

  • Provide on‑call monitoring and timely response to alerts received from the enterprise threat system.

  • Conduct post‑incident reviews and prepare leadership reports, including root-cause analysis and corrective action recommendations.

Required Skills and Experience:

  • Strong experience in Business Continuity, Health and Safety, Physical Security, and/or broader Operational Risk disciplines.

  • Ability to apply advanced analytical thinking to solve complex problems and recommend innovative solutions.

  • Ability to operate independently with minimal guidance, seeking direction only on the most complex or unusual matters.

  • Ability to lead functional or cross‑functional projects with moderate scope, resource needs, or risk implications.

  • Influencing stakeholders internally and externally to align on risk mitigation strategies and program requirements.

  • Provides subject-matter expertise to leadership on a broad range of operational risk and resilience matters.

Functional Knowledge

  • Deep subject matter expertise in Operational Risk, Business Continuity, Health & Safety, and Physical Security.

  • Working knowledge of related disciplines such as Crisis Management, IT Risk, and Facility Operations.

Business Expertise

  • Interprets internal and external business challenges, regulatory requirements, and industry trends.

  • Advises on best practices to improve processes, strengthen resilience, and advance program maturity.

Leadership

  • Leads and influences others within the job discipline; may oversee small teams or project groups.

  • Provides credible, trusted advice to stakeholders and senior leaders.

Problem Solving

  • Uses sophisticated analytical techniques to diagnose complex problems, evaluate trade‑offs, and recommend solutions.

  • Assesses operational and organizational risk to inform priorities and decision-making.

Interpersonal Skills

  • Communicates complex or sensitive concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.

  • Translates technical risk information into meaningful business insights.

  • Negotiates effectively to influence outcomes and gain alignment.

We are proud to offer a range of incentives to our employees worldwide. These benefits are available to everyone, regardless of grade, and reflect the values we stand for:

Flexibility: Enjoy unlimited vacation, subject to local regulations and business priorities. Benefit from hybrid working arrangements and inclusive policies such as paid time off for voting, bereavement, and sick leave.

Well‑being: Access confidential one‑to‑one support through our Employee Assistance Program, connect with our network of Wellbeing Champions and Gather Groups, and take part in monthly events and initiatives designed to help you thrive—inside and outside of work.

Health & Financial Security: Medical, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, lifestyle, and other benefits.*

Sustainability: Paid time off for volunteering and donation‑matching opportunities to support causes that matter to you.

Inclusion: Get involved in our inclusion communities, such as Count Me In, Culture@Finastra, Proud@Finastra, Disabilities@Finastra, and Women@Finastra—open to everyone who wants to participate and contribute.

Career Development: Access online learning and accredited courses through our Skills & Career Navigator tool.

Recognition: Take part in our global recognition program, Finastra Celebrates, and share your voice through regular employee surveys that help shape our culture and ways of working.

*Specific benefits may vary by location.

At Finastra, each individual is unique—bringing their own ideas, perspectives, cultural backgrounds, and experiences. We learn from one another, value what makes us different, and create an environment where everyone feels included, supported, and able to be their authentic selves.

Be unique. Be exceptional. Help us make a difference at Finastra.