Change Oversight & Third Party Operations Manager

About the role

Kraken is seeking a Change Oversight and Third Party Operations Manager to bridge the gap between regulatory requirements and business growth. This role owns the end to end oversight of vendor relationships and ensures that all third party engagements meet the highest standards of operational resilience and regulatory compliance. You will serve as the primary liaison between internal business units and external providers to maintain alignment with global standards and best practices. The position requires a proactive mindset focused on identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks across the vendor ecosystem on an ongoing basis. You will drive consistency in how outsourcing arrangements are managed, monitored, and reported across the organization. This role works closely with Compliance, Risk, and Audit to ensure that controls are designed and operating effectively. You will contribute directly to the stability and reliability of Kraken's operations in a heavily regulated environment.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Continuously monitor and review existing outsourcing arrangements and third party engagements to ensure ongoing adherence to controls and service expectations.
• Track vendor performance against established Service Level Agreements and Key Performance Indicators, highlighting trends and exceptions for management review.
• Prepare and deliver detailed assessment reports, trend analysis, and operational data to the Compliance and Risk Committee to support informed decision making.
• Facilitate regulatory submissions and maintain clear, timely communication with supervisory bodies regarding third party arrangements.
• Assist in drafting materials, presentations, and briefing notes for Board and Committee meetings related to vendor performance and oversight.
• Ensure internal policies and procedures remain compliant with changing regulations and coordinate effectively with audit teams during examinations and testing.
• Provide guidance and training to stakeholders on outsourcing procedures, third party management frameworks, and their responsibilities.
• Evaluate new vendor engagements by participating in due diligence, risk assessments, and Request for Proposal processes to ensure appropriate controls are identified.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to strategic suppliers while managing Master Service Agreements, operational risk assessments, and exception tracking.
• Implement process improvements and automation initiatives to increase operational efficiency, reduce manual effort, and improve data accuracy.
• Utilize generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to streamline workflows, accelerate analysis, and improve decision making in vendor management activities.
• Lead cross functional workstreams to manage dependencies, coordinate deliverables, and report progress to leadership in a clear and structured manner.
• Advise product teams on the constraints and opportunities presented by MiCAR and other relevant regulatory frameworks impacting third party relationships.
• Maintain a comprehensive view of the vendor landscape, ensuring that risk exposure is understood, documented, and managed at all times.
• Support the development and maintenance of oversight dashboards that provide leadership with real time visibility into key vendor metrics and issues.

Requirements

• Possess experience in assessing operational control environments, specifically in the areas of technology governance, regulatory compliance, or operational resilience.
• Demonstrate knowledge of EU regulatory frameworks including MiCAR, MiFID II, PSD2, EMRs, DORA, and AMLD5/6 as they relate to third party and outsourcing management.
• Have a proven background in outsourcing oversight, vendor performance management, and regulatory reporting within a financial services context.
• Exhibit strong analytical, problem solving, and executive communication skills when presenting complex information to senior leadership.
• Show the ability to work in a structured, action oriented manner while maintaining a focus on commercial growth and operational excellence.
• Demonstrate the capacity to thrive in ambiguous environments, exercise sound judgment, and execute tasks quickly with limited direct supervision.
• Apply a collaborative approach and build trust with internal teams to influence senior stakeholders and drive alignment on risk and control matters.
• Maintain a high level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive information related to vendors and regulatory matters.
• Bring attention to detail and accuracy to all documentation, reports, and submissions that impact regulatory compliance and oversight.
• Commit to continuous learning and adaptability in response to evolving regulatory expectations, market conditions, and technological advancements.

Skills & tools

• Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Claude for workflow automation and analysis.
• Vendor Management Programs and frameworks for overseeing third party relationships.
• Regulatory framework analysis with a focus on MiCAR, DORA, and related requirements.
• Strong experience with monitoring, reporting, and oversight of outsourced functions and service providers.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements to operational practices and vendor arrangements.

Practical notes

• Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, allowing candidates to apply at a time that aligns with their career planning.
• Candidates may redact personal information such as age, date of birth, or graduation dates from their resumes during the application process.
• The company may require job related skills or work style assessments at any stage of the hiring process to evaluate fit for the role.
• Payward is an equal opportunity employer and ensures that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without discrimination.
• This position is based in Ireland and requires the right to work in that jurisdiction without sponsorship.
• Full time engagement implies a standard working schedule aligned with business needs and team collaboration hours.
• Travel requirements are not specified at this time, and candidates should be prepared to support both remote and in office working models as directed.
• Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position, so candidates must ensure they have the necessary authorization to work in the country of assignment.
• The selection process may include interviews, technical evaluations, and reference checks to determine the best fit for the team.
• Successful candidates are expected to adhere to Kraken's policies, code of conduct, and operational standards in carrying out their duties.
• This role reports to the Regional Operations leadership team and works in close partnership with Compliance, Risk, and Product functions.
• The responsibilities of this position may evolve over time in response to changes in regulation, business strategy, and the operational environment.
• Candidates are encouraged to highlight relevant experience that demonstrates resilience, accountability, and a results driven approach to managing third party risk.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for preparing clear documentation and facilitating productive discussions with both technical and non technical stakeholders.
• Attention to process discipline and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment are critical to success in this role.
• Proficiency in standard office productivity tools and collaboration platforms is required to perform duties efficiently and effectively.
• The use of data and metrics to drive decisions, monitor trends, and report outcomes is a key part of this position and should be demonstrated in prior experience.
• Professional certifications in risk management, compliance, or related fields are considered a plus but are not mandatory for this role.
• The ability to manage confidential information with care and to maintain stakeholder trust is fundamental to this position.
• This role contributes to the integrity and reputation of Kraken by supporting robust third party and change management practices.