About the job

Risk Manager - Thurrock Council - Grays, Essex

• Responsible to: Head of Internal Audit, Counter Fraud, Risk Management and Insurance
• Employment Type: Permanent, Full-time, Hybrid (2 Days in Office)
• Salary: £53,460 - £61,638
• Closing Date: 23:59, Monday 14 September 2026

About the Role

Thurrock Council is seeking an experienced Risk Manager to develop and implement the Council's strategy on risk management, supporting its wider approach to continuous service improvement and the delivery of its priorities and value to residents. Reporting to the Head of Internal Audit, Counter Fraud, Risk Management and Insurance, you will provide professional leadership and support to senior leadership and departmental management on the Council's risk management arrangements, and will play an integral role within the Financial Assurance, Internal Audit, Risk and Insurance team.

This is a key strategic role for an experienced risk professional who can provide authoritative advice to staff and elected Members on complex risk matters, horizon scan the changing political, statutory, regulatory and economic environment, and lead the ongoing development of a modern, effective risk management service.

Key Service Accountabilities

• Work with the Head of Financial Assurance, Internal Audit, Risk and Insurance to develop and proactively implement the Council's risk management strategy, supporting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Develop and present regular risk management reports to the Senior Leadership Team, Audit Committee and other governance bodies.
• Support the Annual Governance Statement process through the provision of risk management assurance and information.
• Provide a proactive advisory role on operational risk management across the Council, promoting best practice and a consistent approach to risk and reporting.
• Horizon scan the changing political, statutory, regulatory and economic environment, advising senior leaders of risk or business impact as appropriate.
• Identify, assess and analyse risks to which the Council is exposed, and propose action to eliminate, control or transfer them.
• Advise on the application and interpretation of financial regulations, standing orders and the Council's financial procedures and practices as they relate to insurance and risk management.
• Support the strategic management of the Council's insurance arrangements, working with brokers, insurers and internal stakeholders to ensure effective risk financing and insurance protection.
• Support and provide expert advice to Members, Officers and stakeholders on all issues relating to effective risk control, including contributing directly to Council policies and procedures.
• Manage the day-to-day performance of staff within direct control, including recruitment, appraisal and continuing professional development.
• Liaise with internal services, external agencies, auditors and Government Departments on risk management matters, and network with other local authorities and organisations such as the Institute of Risk Management and ALARM to share best practice.

Person Specification:

Essential

• Relevant professional qualification (Institute of Risk Management or equivalent experience).
• Postgraduate qualification or equivalent relevant knowledge and experience, or relevant knowledge and experience in a senior risk management role.
• Substantial experience of working successfully at a strategic level within a risk management environment.
• Knowledge of the issues facing local government, together with the legal, financial and political context of public sector management.
• Confidence and credibility to advise and influence staff, elected Members and senior stakeholders on complex risk matters, up to executive level.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build positive, productive relationships that gain the trust and confidence of the public, staff, leaders, Members, partners and stakeholders.
• Experience of leading change and transformation, and building partnerships within a complex policy and service environment.
• Experience of designing, embedding and operating enterprise-wide risk management frameworks.
• Strong understanding of risk management standards and methodologies, including ISO 31000 or equivalent frameworks.
• Experience of facilitating strategic risk workshops and risk-based decision making.
• Experience of preparing and presenting reports to committees, boards or senior leadership teams.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and identify emerging risks.
• Evidence of active continuing professional development.
• Able to work flexibly, with a minimum of two days per week on-site in Thurrock.

Desirable

• Experience in local government or wider public sector.
• Membership of the Institute of Risk Management (IRM).
• Knowledge of the CIPFA/SOLACE governance framework.
• Experience supporting organisational transformation or improvement programmes.

If you are an experienced risk professional looking to make a significant impact within a forward looking local authority, we would welcome your application.About the job

About Us:

Zenith Bank (UK) Limited (ZBUK) is a subsidiary of Zenith Bank PLC, the most profitable bank in Nigeria with an established trajectory of superlative performance, as well a strong pedigree of innovation, resilience, and market dominance. On an annual basis, Zenith Bank PLC amasses a string of notable awards; one of the most recent being listed as the sole Nigerian brand on the World’s top 100 companies in 2023 by the World Finance Magazine.

Zenith Bank (UK) Limited (ZBUK) was set up with a clear strategy to leverage trade and investment flows between Nigeria and Europe, by providing intermediary banking services and facilities for trade-related working capital and capital expenditure.

Zenith Bank recognizes the importance of leveraging a highly skilled workforce to achieve its strategic and operational goals. The bank is committed to providing an environment that is conducive for effective performance by availing all staff the necessary learning opportunity. We value the well-being of our staff and we encourage them to strike a balance between their work and personal lives, thereby creating a healthy atmosphere for personal development and career success.

With the introduction of new services here in the UK and our unparalleled knowledge of business with Africa, our 5 year strategy ensures “Controlled Growth” as we aim to become the Bank of choice for businesses wishing to transact in the African continent.

Role Overview:

KYC Analyst responsible for reviewing, assessing, and remediating customer files, transactions, and risk indicators to ensure compliance with Anti‑Money Laundering (AML), Counter‑Terrorist Financing (CTF), and broader financial crime regulations. The role focuses on identifying gaps in existing customer due diligence (CDD/KYC) files, performing enhanced due diligence (EDD) where required, and ensuring all remediation activities meet regulatory and internal policy standards.

Role Responsibilities:

• Review and update KYC/CDD files to ensure completeness, accuracy, and alignment with regulatory requirements.
• Customer Identification and Verification: Collecting, verifying, and authenticating identification documents for new and existing clients. This includes individuals and corporates (beneficial ownership, source of funds/wealth)
• Conducting transaction analysis as part of the review of remediating customer files
• Conduct relevant screening where applicable to ensure the remediating customer file is complete
• Identify missing documentation, outdated information, or inconsistencies in customer profiles.
• Perform EDD reviews for high‑risk customers, including PEPs, high‑risk jurisdictions, and complex corporate structures.
• Conduct risk assessments on customer accounts using internal risk models and regulatory guidance.
• Investigate unusual activity and escalate potential suspicious behaviour.
• Draft and submit Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) where required (depending on jurisdiction and role seniority).
• Ensure all remediation actions are logged, documented, and auditable.
• Maintain accurate records in case management systems.
• Liaise with CDD team or relationship managers to obtain missing information.
• Apply knowledge of AML/CTF regulations (e.g., UK Money Laundering Regulations, JMLSG, FATF guidance).
• Ensure remediation work aligns with internal policies, risk appetite, and regulatory expectations.
• Work closely with Compliance, Financial Crime, Operations, CDD and Front Office teams.
• Provide clear explanations of remediation requirements to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Participate in project meetings and contribute to process improvements.
• Customer Risk Assessment (CRA): Performing risk profiling on clients to determine their money laundering exposure.
• Alert Investigation: Investigating flagged activity by reviewing customer records and internal/external data.
• Escalation: Escalating AML matters and/or suspicious activity to the MLRO or CCO for potential Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) filing.

Skills and Knowledge Required:

• Strong understanding of AML/CTF regulations and KYC/CDD standards.
• Experience with remediation projects, periodic reviews, or onboarding specifically in Higher risk jurisdictions like West Africa, BVIs
• Familiarity with screening tools (e.g., Accuity, LexisNexis).
• Ability to interpret corporate structures, UBOs, and complex ownership chains.
• Strong investigative mindset with the ability to identify red flags.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to assess customer risk and apply judgement in ambiguous situations.
• Clear written communication for drafting case notes and SAR narratives.
• Ability to explain regulatory requirements to stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Excel and general data handling.

Academic and Professional qualifications

• Educated to a degree level or equivalent
• Compliance or AML related qualification desirable

Language and Numeric skills

• Needs to have an excellent command of the English language with strong written and verbal communication skills and be able to communicate effectively across all levels. A numeric aptitude is desirable.

This is a temporary 6 month Fixed Term Contract position, paying up to £60,000 based on experience.About the job

What We're All About At Kroo

Kroo has a big vision. To be the first bank that is both trusted and loved by its customers. We're helping people take control of their financial future and achieve their goals, whilst making a positive impact on the planet. Here at Kroo, doing what is right is in our DNA. We act with integrity, transparency and honesty. We think big, dream big, and relentlessly pursue our goals. We like to be bold, break new ground, and we never stop learning. But most importantly, we are on this journey together.

About The Team

We are a multi-disciplined team of experienced technology, banking, customer experience, marketing, and legal professionals who share a passion for the company's mission and believe in a collaborative approach to creating the greatest social bank. We are building a diverse team of inquisitive people who want to understand customer needs and behaviour so we can develop innovative products that change people's lives for good. We're searching for a resourceful and enthusiastic Financial Crime Investigator, who will amongst other things, support the day-to-day operations of the First Line Financial Crime Operations function. The Kroo is growing and we'd love to hear from you if you're interested in joining us on our journey!

As a Financial Crime Investigator, your key responsibility is to strengthen our financial crime prevention efforts. This role is pivotal in identifying, investigating, and mitigating potential financial crime risks including money laundering, terrorist financing, and fraud. You will have a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and a thorough understanding of regulatory compliance related to financial crime. Other responsibilities include:

• Alert Investigation: Conduct thorough investigations of transaction monitoring alerts to identify and assess suspicious activity. This includes investigating sanctions, Politically Exposed Persons (PEP), and adverse media alerts
• AML/CTF and Fraud Management: Manage and execute Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF), and fraud investigations from initiation to conclusion. This includes the preparation and submission of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to relevant authorities
• Trend Analysis: Proactively analyse data to identify emerging trends in financial crime, utilising findings to enhance detection and prevention strategies
• Collaboration and Liaison: Collaborate with other financial institutions and law enforcement agencies as necessary. Maintain effective communication with other business departments to support financial crime prevention efforts
• Customer Service Support: Handle escalations from the Customer Service team, providing expert advice on actions required to mitigate risks and resolve issues
• Process Improvement: Support the continuous optimisation of financial crime prevention processes, systems, and procedures, ensuring they remain effective and compliant with regulatory standards
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Requirements

About You

While not essential, the following experience and qualifications are highly desirable in our ideal candidate for this position:

• Experience in Financial Crime Prevention: Proven experience in investigating and mitigating financial crime risks, including money laundering, terrorist financing, and fraud
• Regulatory Knowledge: A strong understanding of Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF), sanctions, and compliance regulations
• Analytical Skills: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify suspicious activity and trends
• Alert Investigation Expertise: Hands-on experience in investigating transaction monitoring alerts, sanctions, Politically Exposed Persons (PEP), and adverse media cases
• Reporting Skills: Proficiency in preparing and submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) to relevant authorities
• Data Analysis: Ability to conduct trend analysis to proactively identify emerging financial crime risks and improve prevention strategies
• Collaboration Skills: Experience working with law enforcement, other financial institutions, and internal departments to support financial crime prevention efforts
• Customer Service Acumen: Ability to handle escalations from the Customer Service team, providing expert advice and practical solutions
• Process Optimisation: A track record of improving processes, systems, and procedures to enhance compliance and efficiency
• Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to investigations and regulatory documentation
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Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications in financial crime prevention, such as CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) or CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner)
• Familiarity with financial crime detection tools and technologies
• Prior experience in a financial institution or a compliance-focused role
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About Our Process:

We can be flexible with the structure of our interview process if someone's circumstances or timescales require it but our general structure is:

• People screen interview - 45 mins
• Technical interview challenge with the hiring manager - 45 mins
• Head of division interview - 45 mins
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Successful candidates after the technical stage will be invited to informally meet the team in person and see our fantastic offices. Please let us know if you have any specific requirements or need assistance so we can be as accommodating as possible for you.

Benefits

What we offer:

At our cutting-edge fintech company, we know that attracting and retaining the best talent means offering top-notch benefits that help our employees thrive both in and outside of work. Check out what we currently offer:

• Generous holiday time: 25 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 1 Kroo bank holiday (June 24th), and 1 day off during the week of your birthday
• Personal days: We know that life can be unpredictable, so we offer 3 personal days to use as needed
• Employer-sponsored volunteer program: We're passionate about giving back to our community, and we support our employees in doing the same with up to 4 hours per month of employer-sponsored volunteer time
• Mental health support: We care about the mental health of our team members and offer access to Spill, our mental health support partner
• Workplace pension: We want you to feel secure about your future, so we offer a workplace pension with a 5% employee contribution and a 3% employer top-up
• Top-notch equipment: We provide top-of-the-line equipment necessary for smooth hybrid work, including a MacBook laptop. Additionally, we also offer support in establishing your home office by contributing towards your setup if required
• Modern office: You'll enjoy access to our modern, bustling workspace in central Manchester
• Cycle to Work scheme: We encourage sustainable transportation with our Cycle to Work scheme
• Electric Car scheme: We're committed to reducing our carbon footprint, and our Electric Car scheme makes it easy for our employees to do the same
• Enhanced parental leave: We know that family comes first, and we offer an enhanced parental leave policy to support our employees in starting and growing their families
• Room for growth: As a fast-paced, high-growth start-up, we're dedicated to providing our employees with room to grow and excel
• You get full healthcare for you and your nuclear family via Vitality
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Hybrid Working:

At Kroo Bank, we have a hybrid policy that gives both individuals and teams a lot of freedom when it comes to using the office space to boost productivity. Our Manchester office is a great resource when used effectively. So, employees who can occasionally come to the office are a good fit for how we work right now. Keep in mind that this job involves working from 7am to 19.30 over 5 days totalling 37.5 hours per week, including one weekend per month. (Shifts provided well in advance) This will be a mix of remote and office work, so you won't need to be on-site all the time and regular commuting expenses to your designated office will not be reimbursed.

Diversity and Inclusion:

We wholeheartedly uphold our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Every employee is highly regarded, respected, and supported without any form of judgement or prejudice. We consider Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion as fundamental pillars guiding our path in all aspects of our bank. We also ensure that reasonable adjustments are made available to all candidates throughout the recruitment process.

To all Recruitment Agencies:

At Kroo Bank, agency resumes are strictly prohibited. Do not submit agency resumes or forward them to our job advertisements or Kroo Bank employees. Be aware that Kroo Bank will not assume any responsibility for fees incurred due to unsolicited resumes.

To ensure a fair and efficient application process, all candidates are kindly requested to submit their applications directly through the advertised platform. We kindly ask that you refrain from reaching out to the company or its employees via email, LinkedIn, or any other communication channels for inquiries or updates. Please note that any attempts to contact us through these channels will not receive a response. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Please note: Kroo values honesty and integrity in all candidates therefore, applications should be accurate and truthful. As part of our hiring process, we conduct employment history and reference checks. Any undisclosed discrepancies, misrepresentations, or false information may result in the withdrawal of your application or job offer.