Head of Risk Management - Aegon AM

Job Description Summary

Aegon Asset Management (Aegon AM) is a leading global investor. Our 350 investment professionals manage and advise on assets of US $384 billion for a global client base of pension plans, public funds, insurance companies, banks, wealth managers, family offices and foundations.

We organize our firm around four investment platforms: fixed income, real assets, equities and multi-asset & solutions, which includes a fiduciary and multi-manager business. Each investment platform has dedicated teams with deep asset-class expertise, organized globally and committed to maximizing client benefit from their specialist areas.

We are an international business: Our 1,125 employees work from 14 locations across Europe, the Americas and Asia. We share a common belief in fundamental, research-driven active management, underpinned by effective risk management and a commitment to responsible investment.

Position Overview:

The Head of Risk Management is responsible for ensuring robust risk management practices across both financial and non-financial risk. The position manages portfolio risk, portfolio risk control (mandate compliance) and operational risk. These teams are further supported with subject matter expertise from the global risk functions of information technology risk, model validation and risk control testing.

The position oversees the frameworks, policies, and practices that identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate risks across all US business lines, ensuring that risk considerations are fully understood and addressed. This includes identifying and mitigating high-risk areas that could impact business operations or the achievement of organizational objectives.

This position reports directly to the AAM Global Chief Risk Officer and is a member of the Global Risk Management Senior Leadership Team, with an additional reporting line to the AAM US Board.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure an effective risk management system is in place for identifying and assessing both financial and non-financial risks. Facilitate appropriate risk responses based on thorough analysis.

• Oversee compliance with investment mandates and the effectiveness of the control environment. Supervise breach investigations, ensuring root causes are understood and appropriate remediation actions are completed.

• Manage risk reporting for business leaders and statutory boards, ensuring alignment with centrally maintained standards and templates. Reporting should include both qualitative and quantitative aspects, such as key risk indicators and analytics (e.g., VaR, TE, volatility, liquidity, market stress testing, and scenario analysis).

• Conduct risk reviews of business developments, including product development, annual product reviews, key projects, and business process re-engineering.

• Provide input for and review of prospect pitches and due diligence requests and present to internal and external stakeholders as needed.

• Offer strategic leadership to the US risk function, aligning risk management with business objectives and regulatory requirements.        

• Foster a strong risk culture with effective first-line risk ownership. Encourage open communication about risks and support diverse perspectives across the business.

• Monitor external trends and regulatory developments to evolve risk capabilities and ensure compliance. Serve as a liaison with regulators, auditors and assurance providers on key risk topics.

• Oversee the identification and management of emerging risks. Support the interpretation and implementation of evolving risk management best practices and regulatory expectations.

What We are Looking For:

• At least 10 years of experience in investment risk management or a related field, with a strong understanding of risk management approaches and concepts.

• Degree-level qualification required; professional certifications (such as CFA or FRM) are advantageous.

• Experience in asset management across both public and private investment strategies is preferred.

• Experience in building and maintaining investment risk management platforms.

• Demonstrated ability to engage and influence senior business and functional stakeholders.

• Experience in leading and motivating teams, with a proven ability to attract, develop, and retain diverse talent.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as strong communications skills.

• Effective stakeholder management and the ability to challenge constructively.

The Ideal Candidate Will Also Have:

• Intellect