Payments | 03-6-2025

SIMEX – Operational Resilience Response Manager

Are you a resilient leader with a passion for scenario-based planning, crisis response and operational resilience in the financial sector?

My client is working specifically within the banking and finance industry – is looking for a Manager, Sector Exercising & Response to lead its prestigious cross-sector simulation programmes in partnership with a major UK bank and wider industry stakeholders.

This is a rare opportunity to operate at the heart of financial services crisis preparedness, shaping and executing sector-wide response exercises and helping enhance the UK’s systemic resilience.

As Manager, you will:

• Lead the delivery of SIMEX, the industry’s flagship resilience exercise (next planned for 2026), managing its full lifecycle from planning to reporting.
• Drive two technical exercises annually in non-SIMEX years, guiding scenario development and sector coordination.
• Engage with senior stakeholders from Government, regulators, and the private sector to build realistic and impactful crisis simulations.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the Sector Response Framework (SRF), turning real and simulated incidents into tangible resilience improvements.
• Maintain the sector’s exercising calendar and contribute to the risk register and scenario library development.
• Act as a thought leader and coordination point across operational resilience policy and delivery.

What We’re Looking For

• Demonstrable experience leading exercises in financial services, Government, military or security environments.
• Strong project management skills – from planning to stakeholder governance and reporting.
• Confidence working with senior-level stakeholders and cross-sector committees.
• Excellent communication – written and verbal – and analytical/reporting skills.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to lead or support multi-disciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of operational resilience frameworks and business continuity is highly desirable.
• Degree or equivalent essential; business continuity certifications are a bonus.

Salary Banding: £65,000 to £70,000 absolute max

Location: London – Hybrid working.

Excellent Benefits.

Please share your CV for Immediate consideration.

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