Deputy Operational Risk Manager

About the Role / About the Job
As Deputy Operational Risk Manager, you will support the Operational Risk Manager in implementing and coordinating operational risk, security, resilience, business continuity, crisis management, personnel accountability, emergency communication, and travel risk programs across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. You will step in as the Operational Risk Manager during their absence, carrying out responsibilities within formally delegated authority. Practical security experience will be applied to assessments, inspections, incident coordination, and preparedness activities while translating verified information into timely reporting and recommended actions. You will maintain plans, records, and dashboards; coordinate with projects and corporate functions; and follow up on agreed actions. Responsibilities include day-to-day leadership of operational risk and security functions during the Operational Risk Manager’s absence, ensuring adherence to security policies and escalation of significant matters through the management chain.

Project Overview
The company supports a diverse portfolio of projects and business operations throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. The Regional Operational Risk function collaborates with project leadership and functional organizations to maintain situational awareness, support informed decisions, and coordinate preparedness and response efforts across projects and offices.

Major Responsibilities

• Support implementation of operational risk, physical security, and resilience programs across company projects and offices, maintaining procedures and coordinating activities under the Operational Risk Manager’s direction.
• Assist corporate and project physical security threat and vulnerability assessments, site surveys, and inspections. Document gaps and recommended mitigations for management review and track agreed corrective actions.
• Coordinate checks of access control, visitor processes, CCTV, and alarm arrangements with designated system owners. Liaise with guard-force providers on post instructions and service issues, addressing deficiencies within approved policies.
• Monitor security, geopolitical, travel, infrastructure, environmental, and operational developments using reputable reporting and internal channels. Assess impacts to personnel and operations.
• Support travel and journey risk assessments and coordinate with travelers regarding movement tracking and check-in arrangements.
• Record timelines and gather information for security incident reporting and investigations. Maintain sensitive records according to approved procedures.
• Assist Incident Management Teams during disruptions by supporting emergency notifications, crisis communications, and personnel accountability.
• Maintain emergency response plans and supporting documentation to ensure they are current and accessible.
• Coordinate crisis management exercises, security drills, and awareness briefings, capturing lessons learned and action completion.
• Collaborate with project leadership and corporate security; engage with clients and authorities only when authorized.
• Prepare analytical summaries, reports, and dashboards using Microsoft 365 tools for reliable data collection and action tracking.
• Act up as Operational Risk Manager as needed, coordinating personnel and operational priorities and overseeing incident response activities.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Requires a bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) and 6–8 years of relevant experience, or 10–12 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience must include corporate or project physical security coordination and operational risk support, particularly regarding assessments, incident reporting, travel risk, and emergency preparedness.

Required Knowledge and Skills
Security Operations and Risk Assessment

• Knowledge of physical security principles and experience with assessments. Practical understanding of access control and guard-force coordination.
• Ability to evaluate security information and prepare evidence-based summaries.

Resilience and Emergency Coordination

• Understanding of business continuity and crisis management principles. Ability to support evacuation planning and maintain accurate records during emergencies.

Reporting and Digital Tools

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 collaboration tools, including Teams, SharePoint, Power Platform, and Power BI for data handling.

Communication, Judgment, and Organization

• Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills. Ability to manage concurrent priorities and work independently within assigned responsibilities.
• Sound judgment and discretion, particularly during emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in construction or complex project environments.
• Knowledge of the Saudi Arabia and GCC regions, particularly regarding local security and business continuity requirements.
• Experience with personnel accountability systems and incident management.
• Security qualifications such as CPP or PSP are desirable, as is Arabic language capability.

Working Conditions
The position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Flexibility is required for operations outside normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and public holidays. Participation in on-call arrangements and the ability to respond rapidly to incidents is necessary. Occasional travel within Saudi Arabia and the GCC region may also be required.

Reporting Relationship
The Deputy Operational Risk Manager reports directly to the Operational Risk Manager and coordinates with various teams. They assume the role of Operational Risk Manager during their absence.

Total Rewards / Benefits
The company provides robust benefits to ensure employee wellbeing and sustainable growth, supporting career advancement and a positive organizational culture.

Diverse Teams Build the Extraordinary
The company values diversity among its employees, aiming to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and are respected, supported, and fairly treated.