Operational Risk Manager – Safeguarding & Health & Safety

About the role

The ISP Operational Risk Manager supports the Group Head of Operational Risk and senior managers to ensure effective safeguarding, health & safety, and broader operational risk management across ISP schools. Based in the Americas, the role provides independent assurance, professional challenge and clear visibility of risk exposure at group level.

Key responsibilities

• Champion ISP’s safeguarding, health & safety and operational risk agenda, providing credible challenge and escalation through governance structures.
• Conduct the annual audit programme for safeguarding, health & safety and operational risk, delivering reports and prioritised action plans.
• Produce regular risk, safeguarding and safety reports using trend analysis and Key Risk Indicators, escalating significant negative trends.
• Advise and challenge school leaders on safeguarding, incident management and regulatory compliance, ensuring timely remediation of high‑risk issues.
• Manage user access, permissions and authorisations for risk and safety systems, troubleshooting issues and maintaining segregation of duties.
• Identify training needs, develop and deliver regional and group training on safeguarding, health & safety and risk management.
• Collaborate with colleagues, partners and consultants across multiple regions while adhering to ISP policies and legislative requirements.

Required profile

• Senior‑level experience in a school, local authority, government or multi‑school business.
• Previous role as a Designated Safeguarding Lead with solid knowledge of health & safety in a school environment.
• International education experience is desirable.
• Fluency in English and Portuguese; additional fluency in Spanish, French or Italian is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, disciplined, target‑focused and able to work independently.
• Willingness to travel and spend periods away from home.