Bernstein - Operational Risk Officer

Bernstein is looking for a high potential Business Analyst / Risk Manager in our sell-side cash equities execution broker dealer and equity research businesses. This individual will have dual reporting lines to Bernstein Institutional Services’ (BIS) Head of 1LoD Risk Management and BIS Chief Operating Officer. In the context of Risk Management, this role will work closely with senior business leaders to identify, measure, and manage key risks impacting its broker dealer and equity research activities, including related operational processes. In addition, this role will have a set of Business Management (BMO) responsibilities spanning operations, finance, technology, sales, trading and research departments of BIS, the US Broker/Dealer.
The mission of the 1LoD Risk team is to assist the business in the deployment of controls and risk mitigation measures, and monitoring of the operational risk and permanent control framework on non-financial risks, within its scope of responsibility, ensuring that operational risks are identified and qualified, that the operational risk management framework is deployed (e.g., outsourced services, new product committees, operational incidents, key risk indicators (KRI), risk and control self-assessments), that operational incidents are investigated and reported during the committees dedicated to this purpose, with the objective of a continuous improvement of the overall framework. The role also includes responsibilities to the governance and escalation of certain financial risk processes, such as fails monitoring, limit setting and counterparty default management.
The BMO team is responsible for driving business initiatives, acts as the primary liaison between the Front Office and the different support groups, including SG as a service provider, and provides a critical service as the champion of business supervision and control. The BMO team is an important part of LoD1 management.

Operational Risk Management (1LOD)

• Reporting and analysis of operational incidents (i.e., losses, gains, near misses and other incidents without financial impact), including the follow-up of remediation action plans.
• Producing key risk and performance indicators (KRI and KPIs) on operational risk to the Management.
• Collaborating with 2LOD to deploy Written Supervisory Procedures, Controls, and Reporting.
• Coordinating risk and control processes such as Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA).
• Ensuring the owner of the Action Plan and target completion date are documented and followed through.
• Act as liaison to central Third-Party risk team representing BIS needs and reporting updates to BIS management, as needed.
• Coordinating with the Desk and Compliance to assist in resolving any supervisory breach.
• Managing the key documents and tools for FOS (e.g., Sales and Trading Mandates).

• Working with various departments to remediate audit findings.

   

Business Management / COO Support

• Work closely with regional and global COO teams to execute strategic projects and initiatives.
• Manage key pieces of analytical work around cost management – market data, clearing and settlement costs, costs related to SLAs, and other third-party vendor costs.
• Liaise with all aspects of resource groups impacting the business, including Operations, Technology, Accounting, Legal, Compliance, and Risk to ensure the business operations of the firm are running smoothly and in a compliant manner.
• Work independently to review processes and propose solutions to activities requiring attention.
• Act as an ambassador of the business, managing critical interactions between Bernstein and SG. Interface with both internal and external representatives.
• Oversight of certain functions outsourced to SG.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Operations Management, Technology, or a related field

• Demonstrated ability to understand cash equity execution and equity research businesses, and risk processes.

• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and operate effectively with limited supervision.

• Strong proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.

• Ability to maintain independence and objectivity, ensuring that client and firm interests are prioritized.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative and consultative approach to problem‑solving.

• Demonstrated commitment to supporting change, fostering an inclusive workplace, and contributing to a positive and compliant work environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with electronic trading technologies and concepts is a plus, including FIX messaging, market data, and familiarity with applicable regulatory rules.

The role is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and includes a competitive benefits package including 401(k) plan with company match, Medical/Dental/Vision, and other benefits for fertility, wellness, student loans and commuters. Actual base salary offer will vary based on skills and experience.

Bernstein is widely recognized as a premier global equity research and brokerage firm, with a trading platform that spans the US, Europe, and Asia. Our research and trading capabilities are sought out by leading investment managers around the world, and we have a long history of our research receiving #1 rankings for overall quality and industry knowledge.

Research is our legacy and foundation. Our brand is defined by our Blackbooks, renowned for their in-depth quantitative forecasts and unmatched industry expertise. Our Research Analysts are thought leaders who typically have many years of direct experience in the industries they cover. Our reputation is for the very highest caliber of disciplined investment and industry analysis.

In 2019 Bernstein acquired Autonomous Research, a highly regarded global financial services independent research firm. This acquisition further strengthened us as the preeminent provider of the highest-quality research to our clients worldwide.

On April 1, 2024, AllianceBernstein and Societe Generale announced the official launch of Bernstein, a new joint venture expanding our global cash equities and equity research business. Clients now have unparalleled equity liquidity access and a full range of integrated services, leveraging Bernstein’s cash equities and research capabilities and Societe Generale’s equity derivatives, prime services and equity capital markets offering.