VodafoneThree - Risk Business Partner

Job Description

Location: Newbury + Hybrid
Salary: Excellent basic salary plus bonus and Vodafone benefits
Working hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week – Monday to Friday



Hybrid

We believe that through collaboration and connection with our colleagues we can achieve great things. Our hybrid working approach allows our people to work both in the office and at home, providing the flexibility and resources you need to succeed in your role. We don't require you to be in on specific days; instead, we ask people to come into the office 2-3 days each week, for at least 8 days per month. You should work with your line manager to understand what their expectations are for you, your specific role and your team.

Who We Are

We’re here to build a network the UK can count on – one that connects people, places and potential. Because no matter where you live, what your background is, or how you get online – we think everyone deserves the same chance to stay connected, and with VodafoneThree, that future’s being built – today.

We’re creating more than the UK’s best network. We’re helping close the digital divide, empower communities and drive meaningful progress.

We believe that everyone should feel they belong. Whoever you are and whatever your story, there’s space for you here. We’re building a workplace where different perspectives are welcomed, voices are heard, and everyone feels safe to show up as themselves.

You’ll join a team that genuinely cares – about each other, about our customers, and about the future we’re building. From day one, you’ll be welcomed, valued and encouraged to bring your whole self to work.



Why VodafoneThree

Join us and you’ll be at the heart of change. That means building responsibly, investing sustainably and creating opportunities that last.

We’re not just expanding connectivity; we’re reimagining what a connected nation looks like. With £11bn invested in 5G and digital infrastructure, your work will directly power businesses, services, and communities across the country.

You’ll work on real challenges, with real impact, across every corner of the country. Wherever you join us, whatever your role, you’ll be helping to build a future that works better for everyone.

We move at pace, because what we’re building matters – and we’re learning as we go. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we’re just getting started.

Join us at the heart of our business in Corporate, one of the central support functions that underpin our business and keep us moving forward. We provide centralised support, expertise and guidance across our UK and Group operations, continuing to build on our success and trailblazing the way to our next stage of digital growth.

What you’ll do

This role will be pivotal to building strong relationships with First Line teams, providing independent oversight, challenge, education and advisory support to ensure the Enterprise Risk Management Framework (ERMF) is effectively embedded. This role acts as the eyes and ears for the Enterprise Risk team and the role holder must be comfortable challenging senior leaders and dealing with ambiguity. It is paramount that they have excellent communication and storytelling skills and can facilitate workshops, where required, to help identify and assess risks/issues. They are trusted advisors and constructive challengers.

The Risk Business Partner (RBP) will help the business make risk‑informed decisions that lead to good customer outcomes, whilst leading the implementation of second‑line risk initiatives across the organization. It is expected the RBP will sit with First Line teams regularly and become an extension of their leadership team, helping to move risk management into a decision enabling capability. This role will operate within the Three Lines of Defence model with close working relationships across second line such as Enterprise Risk Data Lead, Technical Enterprise Risk Lead, Compliance Monitoring.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Framework oversight & development: Ensure the ERMF is embedded and understand challenges and concerns, which will be relayed as needed. This role will support the rollout of solutions and improved ways of working.
• Business partnering & independent challenge: Partner with First Line leaders to ensure risks are identified, assessed, and managed; provide knowledgeable, impartial advice and escalate material issues to senior management when required. Support with risk trade off discussions using data and expertise.
• Eyes and Ears: Sit with first line teams, becoming an extension of them. Hear and share feedback to enable improvements and/or spreading of best practice.
• Facilitation: Facilitate workshops to ensure risks are relevant and aligned to strategic objectives. Support implementation of Risk Appetite so it is digestible and measurable.
• Risk governance & forums: Support the design and operation of risk governance forums; ensure risk topics are surfaced, debated, and decisions recorded; drive the follow‑through on actions.
• Second‑line initiatives & deep dives: Lead the implementation of second‑line risk initiatives; run targeted deep dives on enterprise risks and control themes to provide data‑led insights.
• Reporting & committees: Produce high‑quality materials for ERCC and other governance bodies, evidence of RMF adherence and enabling risk‑informed decisions with customer outcomes in mind.
• Training, communication & culture: Develop and deliver risk training and tailored communications to build capability among First Line risk representatives and promote an enterprise‑wide risk culture.
• Terminology & methodology alignment: Apply consistent ERM terminology and support directorates in accurate risk/control self‑assessments.

Who you are

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Risk Management within financial services or telecommunications, with a strong track record of delivery.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and comfortable translating complex data into executive insights
• Trusted Advisor mindset with excellent facilitation and storytelling skills
• Strong stakeholder management, with a track record of independent challenge and pragmatic escalation for senior attention when needed.
• Proven experience in enterprise risk management within a second‑line oversight/advisory role, partnering closely with First Line teams.
• Understanding of ERM principles, KRIs, Risk Appetite and risk scoring methodologies.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
• Excellent analytical and written communication skills, combined with strong IT proficiency, including advanced use of MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and SharePoint.
• Familiarity with telecoms risk landscape and emerging technology risks.
• Demonstrable application of innovative thinking to resolve issues efficiently, rather than waiting for crises or external intervention.
• Deep understanding of Three Lines of Defence, controls design/operation, and enterprise risk processes (risk identification, assessment, treatment, monitoring, reporting).
• Ability to lead risk initiatives that scale across a complex organisation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to craft committee‑ready materials and engaging training that drives adoption of the RMF.

Worried that you don’t meet all the desired criteria exactly?

We know that everyone is unique, with multiple aspects to their identity and different experiences behind them. We are passionate about Inclusion for All and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align exactly with every part of the job description, we encourage you to apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another role, and our recruitment team can help you see how your skills fit in.

We believe that everyone has valuable contributions to make. As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage individuals with disabilities to apply for positions within our team. Through the ‘Offer an Interview’ scheme, we aim to offer interviews to a fair and proportionate number of applicants with disabilities who best meet the essential criteria for our vacancies. If you would like to participate in the scheme, you will have the opportunity to indicate this on your application.

What we offer

We care about our people’s success by offering great pay, bonuses, up to 28 days off plus bank holidays, and paid time for charity work. You can personalise our benefits for you and your family, like discounts, vouchers, a pension plan and loads more. We help with your career through our amazing learning tools and top-notch parental leave policies.



Need to Know

We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and all offers of employment for this role are subject to background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks to meet the regulators standards.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request as part of your recruitment journey, for example, extended time or breaks in between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, or assistive technology, please refer to the Accessibility section of our Careers website (https://careers.vodafone.com/uk/applying-to-us/) for guidance.

We use AI in different parts of our business to boost innovation, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities. We know many candidates use AI to fine-tune their CVs or prepare for interviews, but what we really care about is your unique experiences and achievements.

During the interview, we want you to rely on your own knowledge and skills to show us who you really are—your personality, creativity, and abilities. Above all, we’re looking for authenticity and can’t wait to get to know the real you.

#VodafoneThree
#LI-Hybrid