Senior manager_operational resilience.Operational Risk - Operational Risk

Reporting to the Head of Business Continuity and Operational Resilience, this role is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of the Operational Resilience Framework while supporting Crisis Management activities across the Group.

Operational Resilience 

• Support the strategic direction, development, and implementation of the Operational Resilience Framework across Mashreq Group. 
• Liaise with stakeholders across business units to proactively identify, map, document, and assess Critical Business Services. 
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration by engaging representatives from relevant departments, risk teams, and business units to ensure accurate identification and assessment of critical services.
• Define impact tolerances and acceptable levels of disruption for each Critical Business Service.
• Assist in developing recovery capabilities and support initiatives aimed at strengthening resilience across critical business services.
• Conduct periodic reviews of Business Impact Analyses and Threat Assessments, identifying internal and external risks, their likelihood, and potential impacts

• Support business units across the Group in developing, maintaining, and exercising their Business Continuity Plans.

• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) on all aspects related to Operational Resilience and crisis management.

• Coordinate and effectively engage with stakeholders across the Group, including Technology, Third-Party Management, Security and other relevant business units.

• Lead and manage crisis management response during incidents ensuring effective communication and coordination for stakeholders across the group. 

• Develop, facilitate, and execute crisis management simulation exercises for business units and the Crisis Management Team.

Remain flexible and support any additional resilience-related activities required to address emerging challenges.

Operating Environment, Framework & Boundaries and Working Relationship
Regular interaction and working relationship with:

•    Group operational risk management team in Head office, UAE;
•    Unit Heads, BURM, BURAs and business continuity coordinators in Segments, Divisions, Countries, Subsidiaries and Business Units; and
•    Members of staff in second line functions including compliance and Information security and Third parties Risk.
•    Support functions such as third parties Management, Security, Technology, Administration and  Procurement 
Skills, knowledge and experience
•    Minimum of 10 years’ experience in the financial industry, including at least 8 years in Business Continuity, Crisis Management, or Operational Resilience. 
•    Strong knowledge of local and international regulations, including NCEMA, UAE Central Bank Operational Resilience Regulations, ISO 22361:2022, ISO 22301:2019, Basel Principles for Operational Resilience, FCA/PRA regulations, and DORA. 
•    Professional certification from the Business Continuity Institute (e.g., CBCI) or Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) is required. 
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex concepts into clear, concise, and actionable information. 
•    Collaborative team player with strong initiative and the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
•    Strong stakeholder management and problem solving skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive outcomes. 
•    A passion for Operational Resilience, safeguarding our customers, business operations, and strengthening enterprise wide resilience. 
•    Risk mindset, with the ability to proactively identify, understand, discuss, and act on current and emerging risks. 
•    Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and engage diverse audiences.

Decision Making Authority & Responsibility

•    Exercise appropriate decision making authority within the scope of Operational Resilience, Business Continuity, and Crisis Management, ensuring timely and effective actions aligned with Group policies and regulatory expectation