Operational Risk Manager at HALA

Riyadh, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

12 Jan, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

14 Oct, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Analytical Skills, Problem-Solving Skills, Stakeholder Management, Communication Abilities, Attention to Detail, Risk Management Tools, Data Analysis, Reporting Dashboards

Industry

Financial Services

Description

Who Are We HALA is a leading fintech player in the MENAP region that aims to redefine financial services and build the future bank of SMEs. HALA aims at empowering SMEs to start, run, and grow their businesses by providing them with cutting-edge financial and technological tools. HALA currently holds multiple entities in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt (including HALA Payments, HALA Cashier and HALA Logistics) and offers solutions that enable merchants to digitize their payments as well as manage their sales and operations. Founded in 2017, HALA is currently duly licensed by the Saudi Arabian Central Bank as well as the Financials Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Abu Dhabi Global Market. Role Purpose The Operational Risk Manager will be responsible for identifying, assessing, monitoring, and reporting operational risks across Hala Payments’ business lines, functions, and support units. This role will complement the BCM Manager and IT Risk Manager by ensuring comprehensive risk coverage under the ERM framework, aligned with SAMA regulations, ISO 31000, and Hala’s risk appetite. Key Responsibilities Operational Risk Framework & Governance Implement and maintain the Operational Risk Management Framework (ORMF) in line with SAMA guidelines and best international practices. Support the development of policies, procedures, and risk control standards across business and support units. Collaborate with BCM and IT Risk functions to ensure holistic enterprise-wide risk management. Risk Identification, Assessment & Monitoring Conduct Risk & Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs) with business units to identify inherent and residual risks. Develop and maintain the Operational Risk Register, ensuring timely updates and tracking mitigation actions. Perform scenario analysis, stress testing, and emerging risk identification. Coordinate with first-line departments to assess process-level risks (e.g., payment processing, customer onboarding, fraud management). Incident & Loss Event Management Establish and oversee a process for operational risk incidents reporting and root cause analysis. Track operational loss events, near misses, and develop lessons learned to prevent recurrence. Ensure escalation and reporting to CRO, Risk Committees, and SAMA (where applicable). Control Testing & Assurance Conduct periodic testing of key operational controls and report on effectiveness. Work with Internal Audit, Compliance, and BCM to strengthen risk-based assurance activities. Monitor third-party/vendor operational risks in collaboration with TPRM. Risk Reporting & Committees Prepare and present operational risk dashboards, metrics, and KPIs to ERM leadership and Risk Committees. Ensure alignment of operational risk reporting with enterprise-wide risk appetite and tolerance thresholds. Contribute to Board and Executive Committee packs on risk exposure, incidents, and remediation progress. Regulatory & Standards Alignment Ensure compliance with SAMA Operational Risk and Resilience regulations, ISO 31000, and Basel III operational risk principles. Support readiness for SAMA inspections, audits, and stress tests related to operational risk. Collaborate with BCM and IT Risk Managers to demonstrate operational resilience and business continuity. Key Interfaces Internal: CRO/Head of ERM, BCM Manager, IT Risk Manager, Compliance, Internal Audit, Legal, Finance, Technology, and Operations. External: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), external auditors, and third-party vendors. Qualifications & Experience Bachelor’s degree in risk management, Business Administration, Finance, or related field. Professional certifications (preferred): ISO 31000 Lead Risk Manager, ORM Certification, or equivalent. Minimum 5–7 years of experience in operational risk, ERM, or financial services (preferably payments/fintech/banking). Strong knowledge of SAMA regulations, risk governance, and operational resilience frameworks. Proven experience in developing and maintaining risk registers, RCSAs, and incident management. Key Skills & Competencies Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent stakeholder management and communication abilities (Arabic & English). High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Proficiency in risk management tools, data analysis, and reporting dashboards. Ability to work collaboratively within a three-pillar ERM structure (Operational Risk, BCM, IT Risk). What We Offer You We believe you will love working at HALA! We have an inclusive and diverse culture that encourages innovation and flexibility in remote, in-office, and hybrid work setups. We offer highly competitive compensation packages, including the potential for shares. We prioritize personal development and offer regular training and an annual learning stipend to tackle new challenges and grow your career in a hyper-growth environment. Join a talented team of over 30 nationalities working in 7 countries and gain valuable experience in an exciting industry. We offer autonomy, mentoring, and challenging goals that create incredible opportunities for both you and the company. You will be given a lot of responsibility and trust. We believe that the best results come when the people responsible for a function are given the freedom to do what they think is best. If you think you have what it takes to join a remarkable team #apply_now

Responsibilities

The Operational Risk Manager will identify, assess, monitor, and report operational risks across Hala Payments’ business lines. This role will ensure comprehensive risk coverage under the ERM framework, aligned with SAMA regulations and best practices.