Associate Director, Operational Risk

Associate Director, Operational Risk

About Us

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.

For more information, visit ifminvestors.com.

The Opportunity

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.

Business Overview

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.

The Role

The Associate Director, Operational Risk is a second line of defense role within IFM’s Global Operational Risk Team. This position supports the first line in assessing, identifying, managing, and monitoring operational risks across multiple levels, including enterprise-wide, business unit, business processes and projects.

Additionally, the role will involve providing advice and assessment of new products and their associated launch and implementation approach from an operational risk management perspective.

Operational Risk Management:

• 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.

Operational Risk Advisory - New Products: 

• 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.

Strategic Planning

• 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.

• Constructively challenge risk management practices and influence business priorities and outcomes. 

• Drive continuous improvement and implement practical, commercially balanced solutions to mitigate risks. 

• Advise and support the execution of Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs).

• Conduct risk reviews 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 IFM Board. 

• Design, develop, and deliver operational risk training materials.

• Stay informed on global industry and regulatory developments, assess impacts, and lead improvements.

Business Performance

• 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.

Policy and Process Management

• Comply with all policies and delegations applicable to the activities and decisions required in this role.

Your Background and Experience

• 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, 
• May have post-graduate qualifications.
• 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.

The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Exact compensation amount may vary and will be determined by several components including but not limited to the individual’s experience, skills and qualifications. Total compensation for this role includes eligibility for a discretionary performance-based bonus.

$200,000 – $240,000

IFM also offers robust benefits offerings which include but is not limited to Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision plans (significant employer subsidy), 401(k) program with company match; Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA), Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Commuter Benefits and Headspace subscription.

Ready to invest in what matters?

With IFM, that includes your own career. Visit ifminvestors.com/careers to find out more.

IFM Investors is committed to promoting an inclusive culture where all employees are valued and recognised for their unique qualities, backgrounds, and perspectives. We champion all groups regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or family status. We are committed to providing individuals with disabilities reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process. Please contact us if you require specific support at any stage of the recruitment process at [email protected]