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David B.

Senior Risk Manager

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Audit, Compliance & Risk
Projects and Programme management
Strategy and Planning

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Top Insider Advice

Only you will truly know yourself and what you do and do not like. When you are deciding on a role you have to weigh up is it appropriate for you, but also what is your 'gut feel'. Not just about the role, but the people and organisation. You will spend many years of your life in the workplace, so it is critical you enjoy what you do. I have been fortunate in that 95% of time I have loved the work, experiences and people I have worked with. There will always be tasks we don't quiet enjoy, but it is my fondness for the role which has kept me here for 22 years
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Career path

Senior Risk Manager

Phoenix Group

Started 02/2020 to Present

Audit supervisor

Deloitte

From 09/1995 to 02/2000

Company

What do you like about your job and the company?

I am naturally an inquisitive person with a keen eye for the detail for both what is and what is not there. These are key attributes for audit work and by being able to delve into the detail whilst retaining the bigger picture overview from my experience gained, I feel I am able to add value. However, finding things is only part of the picture, with how you communicate this equally important. Being able to leverage and build relationships in support of this is a key factor which makes the role so enjoyable.

Greatest achievements

In 2014 I project managed delivery of a fundamental change to our retirement proposition at the time. This entailed the use of a panel of annuity providers rather than writing in house annuities. Delivery entailed coordination of numerous individuals and workstreams including third parties, new website build, tools to aid customers in decision making and contractual negotiations. Whilst incredibly stretching it built out my skillset and provided a huge sense of satisfaction when it delivered and went live. It built my relationships around the business both existing and with new individuals, which continue to endure to this day
Other insiders

Jonathan M

Top Insider Advice

Be open to new opportunities, which make you smile We are in a growth business, and a growth mindset compliments this. I am a big believer in doing things which make you happy and working on your strengths. I feel like I have found this here

Alexis A

Lead Business Analyst

Top Insider Advice

I started as a Pensions Administrator when I first joined the company. Since then, I have worked in Finance, Mortgages, Testing and then onto Analysis where I became a Lead managing others to develop in their role. The company is large, and opportunities are presented regularly to allow you to try out jobs you may have an interest in until you find the right job for you. The company also supports staff in life changing events allowing me to go part time and then when the kids are older to increase my hours to ensure I have the right work life balance.

Jane A

Employer Brand Manager

Top Insider Advice

If you love doing something but don't have the 'typical' experience for the role, try it anyway or find a company who will give you the opportunity to. At Phoenix and in my previous roles I have tried new things either side-of-desk or via trying a new job and I've learned a lot by doing that. I think ultimately trying different things has led me to be really happy in my current job as I've figured out my strengths and what I genuinely enjoy doing. I appreciate that you need the right environment for that and I've been fortunate enough to work for a couple of organisations who have focused on internal talent and development opportunities. This year I'm doing work in areas that I didn't know much about 12 months ago, and learning about more complex topics and processes which may not outwardly be directly associated with my day-to-day job but will help me when I'm considering what's next!
Discussions with David B
what is the best thing about working here and also as senior risk manager ?
in Career Tips·Tuesday, March 21, 2023
1 response
419 views
What's your top tip for doing well at interview?
in Career Tips·Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Picture of Kieran
2 responses
205 views
What advice would you give to someone preparing for a final stage interview?
in Career Tips·Wednesday, January 25, 2023
1 response
478 views
What do you think is unique about working here?
in Career Tips·Tuesday, December 13, 2022
1 response
164 views