Head of Operational Risk

Who we are is what we do.

Deel is the all-in-one payroll and HR platform for global teams. Our vision is to unlock global opportunity for every person, team, and business. Built for the way the world works today, Deel combines HRIS, payroll, compliance, benefits, performance, and equipment management into one seamless platform. With AI-powered tools and a fully owned payroll infrastructure, Deel supports every worker type in 150+ countries—helping businesses scale smarter, faster, and more compliantly.

Among the largest globally distributed companies in the world, our team of 6,000 spans more than 100 countries, speaks 74 languages, and brings a connected and dynamic culture that drives continuous learning and innovation for our customers.

Why should you be part of our success story?

As the fastest-growing Software as a Service (SaaS) company in history, Deel is transforming how global talent connects with world-class companies – breaking down borders that have traditionally limited both hiring and career opportunities. We're not just building software; we're creating the infrastructure for the future of work, enabling a more diverse and inclusive global economy. In 2024 alone, we paid $11.2 billion to workers in nearly 100 currencies and provided healthcare and benefits to workers in 109 countries—ensuring people get paid and protected, no matter where they are.

Our momentum is reflected in our achievements and customer satisfaction: CNBC Disruptor 50,  Forbes Cloud 100, Deloitte Fast 500, and repeated recognition on Y Combinator’s top companies list – all while maintaining a 4.83 average rating from 15,000 reviews across G2, Trustpilot, Captera, Apple and Google.

Your experience at Deel will be a career accelerator. At the forefront of the global work revolution, you'll tackle complex challenges that impact millions of people's working lives. With our momentum—backed by a $12 billion valuation and $1 B in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) in just over five years—you'll drive meaningful impact while building expertise that makes you a sought-after leader in the transformation of global work.

About the role

Lead and own Deel’s Operational Risk Management (ORM) function, ensuring operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and a proactive risk-aware culture across the business. This includes full oversight, governance, and continuous improvement of all ORM-related frameworks, policies, procedures, and methodologies—including the design and implementation of ORM programs. The role will also have end-to-end accountability for change governance, ensuring that operational risk considerations are embedded into all change initiatives, including product launches, system implementations, and process transformations. The Head of Operational Risk will be a thought leader, leveraging AI and technology to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and influence the evolution of business practices.

Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and maintain a robust Operational Risk Management framework—including policies, standards, and governance processes—ensuring alignment with business strategy and regulatory expectations.

• Serve as a thought leader and strategic advisor to the CRO and executive leadership on emerging operational risk trends and best practices.

• Champion the use of AI, automation, and advanced analytics to streamline risk processes, promote technology-enabled approaches, and support data-driven decision-making.

• Oversee change governance processes to ensure operational risk is consistently considered and mitigated during business transformation, system upgrades, and product rollouts.

• Develop, track, and analyse Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), thresholds, breach protocols, and remediation timelines across the business.

• Produce real-time, AI-enhanced dashboards and risk reports for senior leadership and the board, ensuring clarity and actionability.

• Own the third-party/vendor risk framework, embedding monitoring processes while safeguarding compliance and operational resilience.

• Partner with product and tech teams to ensure operational risk is embedded in the design and rollout of new HR & Payroll features, especially in AI and data-driven capabilities.

• Implement predictive analytics to anticipate and mitigate potential incident trends before they occur.

• Drive a proactive, risk-aware culture through targeted training, leading initiatives and sharing expertise.

• Embed technology literacy in operational risk training, assisting teams in AI adoption, utilization, and leveraging automation responsibly.

• Maintain current knowledge of evolving global regulations impacting Deel.

• Ensure ORM frameworks and policies are updated in line with regulatory developments and industry standards.

Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership expertise in operational or enterprise risk management, preferably within Financial services, payments, payroll, or HR-focused sectors.

• Proven leadership in designing, owning, and improving ORM frameworks, policies, and governance structures, including change governance oversight.

• Demonstrated track record as a thought leader influencing organisational strategy and operational practices.

• Strong experience applying AI, automation, and technology solutions to risk management, including predictive analytics and GRC platforms.

• Strong analytical, reporting, and stakeholder management skills.

• Relevant certifications (e.g., FRM, CRMP, ISO 31000, COSO ERM) preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Risk Management, Business, or related field; Master’s preferred.

Total Rewards

Our workforce deserves fair and competitive pay that meets them where they are. With scalable benefits, rewards, and perks, our total rewards programs reflect our commitment to inclusivity and access for all. 

Some things you’ll enjoy

• Stock grant opportunities dependent on your role, employment status and location

• Additional perks and benefits based on your employment status and country

• The flexibility of remote work, including optional WeWork access

At Deel, we’re an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity and positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of  race, religion, sex, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy or maternity or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Unless otherwise agreed, we will communicate with job applicants using Deel-specific emails, which include @deel.com and other acquired company emails like @payspace.com and @paygroup.com. You can view the most up-to-date job listings at Deel by visitingour careers page.
Deel is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects different abilities, backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, identities and perspectives.
Deel will provide accommodation on request throughout the recruitment, selection and assessment process for applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation, please inform our Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected] of the nature of the accommodation that you may require, to ensure your equal participation.

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