A world-leading global energy trading company is seeking an experienced Internal Controls & Governance Lead to strengthen its operational risk management, internal control, and corporate governance frameworks in Tokyo.
In this senior leadership position, you will design, implement, and oversee end-to-end internal control frameworks, Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs), and J-SOX compliance processes across commercial energy trading and support functions.
Working closely with front-office trading teams, operational stakeholders, regional risk teams, and senior management, you will identify operational risks, enhance governance processes, and establish effective controls to support the company's expanding Japanese business.
You will also lead incident investigations, conduct root cause analyses, manage control remediation initiatives, and oversee Risk and Control Matrices (RCMs), process documentation, and audit coordination.
Reporting directly to the Head of Risk, this VP-level position offers significant ownership of Japan's internal control environment and the opportunity to build and develop a local governance team.
This opportunity is ideal for professionals with strong experience in Operational Risk Management, Internal Controls, Risk Governance, J-SOX, or Internal Audit, including candidates transitioning from financial services or capital markets into the energy and commodities trading sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and implement end-to-end internal control frameworks across commercial energy trading and supporting business functions.
- Lead initiatives to improve operational processes, strengthen governance standards, and enhance control effectiveness.
- Manage Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs) to identify, evaluate, and mitigate operational risks.
- Conduct incident reviews, root cause analyses, and control deficiency assessments to identify weaknesses and prevent recurring issues.
- Develop and implement mitigating controls, ensuring remediation actions are tracked through to completion.
- Maintain and update Risk and Control Matrices (RCMs) and related internal control documentation.
- Coordinate annual reviews and updates of business process narratives and control procedures.
- Manage local J-SOX compliance requirements, including control documentation, testing coordination, and reporting.
- Oversee the Operational Sign-Off process for new business activities, trading products, and system changes.
- Act as the primary local contact for internal and external audit engagements.
- Collaborate with regional risk, compliance, audit, and operational teams to ensure consistent governance practices.
- Partner with front-office trading desks and functional leaders to embed practical controls into daily business operations.
- Manage, coach, and develop local internal control team members.
- Report key operational risks, governance issues, and control improvement initiatives directly to the Head of Risk.
- Support the continued development of Japan's operational risk and internal governance framework as the business expands.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Experience:
- Significant professional experience in Operational Risk Management, Internal Controls, Risk Governance, or Internal Audit.
- Hands-on experience personally designing, documenting, implementing, and improving internal control frameworks.
- Practical knowledge of Risk and Control Matrices (RCMs), process controls, and corporate governance frameworks.
- Experience identifying operational risks, assessing control effectiveness, and implementing remediation measures.
- Understanding of risk assessment, incident management, and root cause analysis methodologies.
- Ability to manage internal control documentation and support audit or regulatory compliance processes.
- Experience collaborating with business stakeholders to implement operational controls and process improvements.
- Bachelor's degree.
Soft Skills:
- Strong analytical thinking, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to influence senior management, commercial trading teams, and functional leaders.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building capabilities across local and international teams.
- Strong ownership mindset with a practical and solution-oriented approach to problem-solving.
- Ability to balance governance requirements with commercial business priorities.
- Proven leadership and team management or mentoring capabilities.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple control initiatives and priorities.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with regional risk and governance teams.
- High level of professional judgment, accountability, and attention to detail.
Language Requirements:
- Japanese: Fluent
- English: Intermediate-Business
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
- Background in Energy Trading, Commodities Trading, or Physical and Financial Energy Markets.
- Experience in Operational Risk, Internal Controls, or Internal Audit within financial services, investment banking, or capital markets.
- Familiarity with IT controls, technology risk management, or system-related governance frameworks.
- Experience implementing automated risk monitoring or control testing solutions.
- Knowledge of J-SOX compliance, Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs), and operational risk reporting.
- Experience supporting governance frameworks for trading desks or other complex commercial operations.
- Exposure to new product approval, operational sign-off, or change management governance processes.
- Experience coordinating with regional or global risk management and internal audit teams.
About the Company
Our client is a world-leading global energy trading organization operating as a joint venture backed by major utility businesses.
The company specializes in seaborne energy trading and manages both physical and financial risks across major international energy markets.
With a strong global trading presence, the organization combines sophisticated commodities trading capabilities, risk management expertise, and commercial market knowledge to support its international operations.
As the company continues to expand its business in Japan, it is investing in stronger operational risk management, internal controls, and governance frameworks to support sustainable business growth.
The Tokyo team works closely with global trading, risk, and operational functions, providing an opportunity to contribute directly to the development of the company's local governance environment.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- Join a world-leading global energy trading company with a strong presence in international commodities markets.
- Take ownership of building and strengthening the internal control and governance framework for the Japan business.
- Work directly with front-office trading desks, senior commercial leaders, and executive risk management teams.
- Take on a VP-level leadership position with significant strategic influence and responsibility.
- Play an important role in supporting the company's rapid expansion in Japan.
- Gain exposure to physical energy trading, financial risk management, and global commodities markets.
- Benefit from competitive compensation aligned with foreign financial institution standards.
- Enjoy hybrid working flexibility, remote work opportunities, and flexible working hours.
- Lead and develop a local internal controls team while collaborating with regional and global stakeholders.
- Build expertise across Operational Risk, J-SOX, RCSA, Internal Controls, and Corporate Governance.
- Transition your experience from financial services, banking, or capital markets into the dynamic energy trading industry.
- Influence the design of practical governance processes within a globally connected commercial trading organization.
Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!
