Head of Business Management Tokyo-Risk & Control Leadership

A global financial institution is seeking a Head of Business Management to lead its business management and 1st line risk function in Japan. This is a high-impact role where you will oversee operational risk frameworks, promote risk culture, and collaborate with senior leaders to drive operational excellence and governance improvements across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and enhancement of control frameworks and operational risk management in the first line of defence.
• Partner with stakeholders across the business to ensure processes, systems, and governance structures effectively anticipate and mitigate non-financial risks.
• Promote a culture of transparency, risk awareness, and continuous improvement.
• Review and strengthen risk management practices, recommending improvements where necessary.
• Monitor and report on control gaps, efficiency opportunities, and risk areas such as business continuity, third-party risk, and outsourcing.
• Collaborate with second line and internal audit teams to ensure effective risk management activities.
• Lead audit preparation, issue remediation, and tracking of findings.
• Drive regional initiatives in non-financial risk management, including continuity planning and action tracking.
• Support local senior management in Japan to ensure oversight and alignment with governance expectations.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Professional experience in business management, operational risk, first line of defence, or business continuity.
• Strong understanding of the Three Lines of Defence model.
• Background in financial markets services, with clearing experience preferred.
• Solid planning, organizational, and analytical skills, with the ability to see the bigger picture.
• Knowledge of non-financial risk regulatory requirements.

Language Requirements

• Japanese: Fluent proficiency.
• English: Fluent proficiency.

About the Company

Our client is a global financial institution with a small but established presence in Japan, delivering tailored solutions to institutional clients. The firm is committed to operational excellence, strong governance, and driving a risk-aware culture across all levels of the organization.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Opportunity to lead business management and risk culture in a global firm.
• High visibility role working closely with local senior management.
• Influence operational governance at both local and regional levels.
• Collaborative, international environment with strong professional networks.
• A chance to drive meaningful change in risk management practices.

Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!