Head of Operational Risk, Asia

You desire impactful work.
 

You’re RGA ready

RGA is a purpose-driven organization working to solve today’s challenges through innovation and collaboration. A Fortune 200 Company and listed among its World’s Most Admired Companies, we’re the only global reinsurance company to focus primarily on life- and health-related solutions. Join our multinational team of intelligent, motivated, and collaborative people, and help us make financial protection accessible to all.

A brief overview
Reporting to the Chief Risk Officer (CRO), Asia Pacific, this role leads all aspects of Operational Risk Management oversight across the RGA Asia Pacific segment and is responsible for the development and implementation of related Asia policies, standards, and the operational risk management framework. The successful candidate partners with local and regional operational risk stakeholders, the RGA Asia Pacific Leadership Team, and the Global Risk team to proactively identify and report operational risks, support first line of defense teams in developing and implementing risk mitigation action plans, assess whether adequate risk controls are in place, and promote a strong risk culture to manage operational risk and support the company's sustainable growth. The role also applies expertise and leadership to embed the corporate risk management framework and strengthen risk management capabilities in a fast-evolving environment.

What you will do

• Lead all aspects of operational risk management oversight for Asia segment, working along with Regional Risk Tea and Risk Management colleagues in Australia to provide consistent and holistic guidance and advisory to the Asia business and functional leaders
• Support local business to implement adequate operational risk management controls to prevent risk incidents and meet regulatory requirements on operational risk management standard
• Identify and report material operational risk control gaps and work with key stakeholders to remediate the gaps
• Lead the first line of defense function to perform effective operational risk control assessment and necessary risk control enhancement
• Support and guide the 1st line of defense functions to report risk incidents and perform adequate root cause analysis for developing preventative actions.
• Prepare required operational risk reports for the regional and corporate risk management committees and present the topics where necessary
• Partner with other second line functions and Internal Audit to ensure coordinated risk management oversight and provide inputs to internal audit to support audit activities
• Support CRO Asia Pacific for crisis management and business continuity planning of the region by working with corporate functions and regional stakeholders
• Foster and embed a robust risk culture in line with the Company’s risk philosophy

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Arts/Science (BA/BS) or equivalent related work experience is required
• Minimum 15+ years' relevant experience in operations, process management / improvement, enterprise risk management and/or related fields in financial or advisory companies
• 5+ years' experience in management of IT, IT Security, AI, data risk management is preferred
• Highly advanced influencing and negotiation skills
• Highly advanced risk management technical skills
• Highly advanced investigative, analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as strategic thinking
• Highly collaborative and comfortable working in a matrix structure with many different stakeholders
• Proven ability to successfully lead direct and indirect teams
• Advanced ability of understanding operational risk factors affecting life insurance business and willingness to learn emerging risks
• Advanced oral and written communication skills, including leading meetings with senior management including use of English language
• Understanding of the global reinsurance business would be an advantage
• Advanced ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Advanced ability to liaise with individuals across a variety of operational, functional, and technical disciplines in different countries in the region
• Flexibility and ability to manage time zone scheduling challenges, including ability to work outside of regular business hours due to global team. International business trips may be required in the region

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What you can expect from RGA:

• Gain valuable knowledge from and experience with diverse, caring colleagues around the world.

• Enjoy a respectful, welcoming environment that fosters individuality and encourages pioneering thought.

• Join the bright and creative minds of RGA, and experience vast, endless career potential.

We’re excited to get to know you and connect your unique skills with our global opportunities. To create a modern and seamless experience, we use artificial intelligence (AI) in parts of our preliminary screening process. This technology helps us personalize job recommendations, automate interview scheduling, evaluate candidates based solely on experience—without considering name, gender, or other personal details—and provide real-time answers through our chatbot. AI is used only during early screening and never makes hiring decisions. Your RGA recruiter will work closely with you every step of the way to ensure the process feels personal, thoughtful, and focused on you.