Associate Director, Operational Risk

IFM Investors•New York, NY

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

IFM Investors is a global asset manager, founded and owned by pension funds, with capabilities in infrastructure equity and debt, private equity, private credit, real estate and listed equities. Our purpose is to invest, protect and grow the long-term retirement savings of working people. We believe healthy returns depend on healthy economic, environmental and social systems - and these are evolving on a scale never experienced before. To find opportunity, build value and meet the needs of future generations, you need scale, skill and expertise. That’s what IFM Investors has built up over 30 years. With assets under management of approximately $266.1 AUD billion (at 31 December 2025), we prioritise the interests of over 831 institutional investors worldwide. IFM operates from 16 offices across Australia, Europe, North America and Asia. At IFM, you’re not just part of an investment company – but an invested one. We see the work we do as the chance to take sustainable, responsible steps forward for millions of people around the world. So, we have made sure to create a workplace that’s inclusive, accountable and collaborative. Where you’re given the opportunities to make a meaningful contribution and grow your skills. All while feeling valued and supported for who you are and what you bring to the team. Along with the chance to make a meaningful, positive difference from day one, we offer a competitive salary and generous leave entitlements. Our hybrid and flexible approach can vary by team and role, it is built around trust. We encourage our people to manage their work life rhythm in a way that works best for them and their teams. Risk & Compliance works closely with our business to help ensure we meet our risk and compliance obligations, including anti-money laundering, fraud risks, conflicts of interest, and regulatory reporting.

Requirements

A strong background in operational risk management (~15 years).
A strong background in the review and assessment of new products from an operational risk management perspective.
Strong experience in the development of risk methodologies, frameworks, tools and systems.
Strong business writing experience, with particular emphasis on risk management related policies, standards, guidelines and report writing.
A proven track record in demonstrating thought leadership and leading risk management related change.
Experience working in an asset management institution, investment management institution, a regulator, Big 4 or other major consultancy.
Strong academic background in risk management, compliance and/or legal background,
An understanding of operational risk management specifically in financial services and asset management.
Strong understanding of investment management processes.
Practical experience implementing project management and change.
Strong experience with the day-to-day use of a GRC (Governance, Risk and Compliance) system, preferably the use of the ServiceNow platform.
Strong knowledge of private market products that are distributed globally (ideally across Infrastructure Equity and/or Infrastructure Debt).
Solid understanding across different operational risk categories such as technology, data, AI, business disruption, third party suppliers and outsourcing, regulations, people and culture
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a strong attention to detail.
Strong ability to influence senior stakeholders, lead and motivate other staff members and embedding best risk management practices.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well both independently and as part of a global team.
Curious and proactive approach to understanding IFM’s business.
Strong thought leadership and initiative to drive risk management solutions that are appropriate for IFM.
Experience of board-level reporting and producing high quality insights suitable for board consumption.

Nice To Haves

May have post-graduate qualifications.

Responsibilities

Strengthen IFM’s Global Operational Risk Management Framework, policies, and controls, with a focus on embedding across the North America region.
Oversee management of risk events and partner with the Business to agree appropriate rectification and remediation strategies.
Drive ongoing improvements and implement solutions to manage risk whilst adopting a balanced and commercial approach.
Constructively challenge risk management practices and influence business priorities and outcomes.
Advise and support the execution of Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs).
Conduct risk reviews, lesson learned exercises and deep dives, including project-related impact assessments.
Identify key risk indicators and work with business units to operationalize these metrics.
Prepare insights and reporting for stakeholders at all levels, including the Board.
Design, develop, and deliver operational risk training materials.
Driving awareness and deliver training across North America.
Support and advise the North America Operating Committee.
Stay informed on global industry and regulatory developments, assess impacts, and lead improvements.
Provide assessment and advice on operational risks associated with new products and their implementation.
Develop strategies to manage identified risks in line with IFM’s risk appetite, which may include but not limited to the design/implementation of new controls across the product’s lifecycle.
Collaborate with the Business to monitor and track the effectiveness of new product implementation, and facilitate lessons learned to drive continuous improvement.
Strengthen the new product framework to ensure robust identification, assessment, and monitoring of operational risks.
Strengthen and embed IFM’s Global Operational Risk Management Framework, policies, and controls, with a particular focus on the US region.
Oversee risk event management and partner with business units to identify and implement control enhancements.
Drive continuous improvement and implement practical, commercially balanced solutions to mitigate risks.
Conduct risk reviews and deep dives, including project-related impact assessments.
Provide expert advice on operational risks associated with new products and their implementation.
Develop strategies to manage identified risks in line with IFM’s risk appetite, which may include design/implementation of new controls.
Collaborate with the business to monitor and track the effectiveness of new product implementation, and facilitate lessons learned to drive continuous improvement.
Strengthen the new product framework to ensure robust identification, assessment, and monitoring of operational risks.
Comply with all policies and delegations applicable to the activities and decisions required in this role.