An outstanding opportunity is available for an experienced Head of Risk Management to lead the risk function for a leading European financial services organisation in Tokyo. In this senior leadership role, you will oversee enterprise-wide financial and non-financial risk with a strong focus on credit risk, supporting wholesale portfolio financing, commercial credit programmes, and asset-backed B2B leasing. This position offers the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making while working closely with executive leadership and global headquarters.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the organisation's financial and non-financial risk management framework, with primary responsibility for credit risk.
- Manage complex credit approvals, financial statement analysis, balance sheet reviews, and commercial credit assessments across a multi-billion JPY portfolio.
- Develop, review, and enhance local risk policies, underwriting standards, governance frameworks, and operational procedures to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Monitor portfolio performance, analyse risk metrics, and prepare executive reports for local leadership and European headquarters.
- Collaborate with business leaders to identify emerging risks, strengthen risk controls, and support sustainable business growth.
- Foster a strong risk management culture by mentoring team members, providing technical guidance, and promoting best practices across the organisation.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Experience:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional qualification.
- At least 6 years of experience in credit risk management within banking, financial services, or commercial finance.
- Strong experience in wholesale lending, commercial credit analysis, portfolio risk management, or asset-backed financing.
- Experience in one or more of the following areas: operational risk, non-credit risk, legal compliance, business continuity management, or internal audit.
- Proven experience developing risk policies, underwriting standards, and governance frameworks.
- Previous leadership or team management experience with the ability to coach and develop professionals.
- Experience working within multinational financial institutions is highly desirable.
Soft Skills:
- Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across local and global teams.
- Strategic thinking with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Relationship-building skills with the ability to influence senior executives and business stakeholders.
- Proactive, hands-on leadership style with a collaborative approach to managing change.
Language Requirements:
- Japanese: Fluent to Native level
- English: Business to Fluent level
About the Company
Our client is a premier European financial services organisation specialising in automotive finance, wholesale lending, commercial credit solutions, and asset-backed financing. Operating multiple internationally recognised brands, the company combines strong financial expertise with a collaborative corporate culture, offering employees the opportunity to contribute strategically while working within a dynamic global organisation.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- Lead the entire Japan risk management function within a highly respected European financial services organisation.
- Enjoy a collaborative, flat organisational structure with a supportive international culture.
- Benefit from flexible working arrangements, including two days of remote work each week and minimal overtime.
- Work closely with senior executives and European headquarters on strategic risk initiatives.
- Gain opportunities to participate in regional and European risk leadership meetings while advancing your executive career.
Don't Miss Out - Apply Now!
