Sara Nice: A Leading Operational Risk Manager at Phoenix Group
Sara Nice is a distinguished professional with extensive experience in operational risk management, compliance, sales management, project management, and HR. As an Operational Risk Manager at Phoenix Group, Sara plays a crucial role in ensuring the organization’s stability and strategic growth. Over the years, she has honed her expertise in identifying risks and optimizing performance while excelling in managing key relationships and fostering a positive team environment. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at her career journey, skills, and experience that have made her a trusted leader in her field.
Early Life and Education
Sara’s journey into the world of operational risk management and compliance began in her formative years. She attended Richard Aldworth School in Basingstoke, England, where she built the foundation for her career. Her education, which spanned from 1983 to 1988, set the stage for her growth as a skilled professional capable of managing complex challenges. The lessons learned during this time shaped her ability to thrive in competitive environments and become a dedicated and conscientious individual in her field.
Professional Career Overview
Sara’s career trajectory showcases her remarkable ability to adapt and evolve within the ever-changing financial sector. Her professional journey spans over two decades, during which she has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in various roles. From her early career at Barclays Bank PLC to her more recent position at Phoenix Group, Sara has built a reputation for excelling in managing operational risk, regulatory compliance, and performance management.
Operational Risk Manager at Phoenix Group
In March 2024, Sara joined Phoenix Group, one of the UK’s leading insurance and pension companies, as an Operational Risk Manager. In this pivotal role, she is responsible for overseeing and mitigating operational risks that may impact the company’s business operations. Phoenix Group, which has a large-scale portfolio of insurance and pension products, requires individuals like Sara who can foresee potential risks and devise strategies to ensure smooth operations. Her role is vital in safeguarding the company’s interests and enhancing overall performance.
The Phoenix Group is known for its rigorous risk management framework, and Sara’s expertise in this domain has made her a key contributor to the company’s success. Her responsibilities include conducting risk assessments, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and collaborating with various departments to maintain business continuity. Sara’s adaptability and communication skills have proven essential in building strong relationships at all levels within the organization.
Risk Framework Development Manager at Sun Life Financial of Canada (UK)
Before joining Phoenix Group, Sara held the position of Risk Framework Development Manager at Sun Life Financial of Canada (UK), a global financial services company. From May 2020 to March 2024, she worked extensively on developing risk management frameworks for the organization. In this role, she focused on aligning Sun Life’s risk management strategies with global regulatory standards and best practices.
Sara’s work at Sun Life involved extensive collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders to create frameworks that would mitigate risks while promoting business efficiency. Her ability to handle complex regulatory issues and navigate through challenges made her a trusted leader within the organization.
CSM Team Leader at Barclays
Sara’s career at Barclays began in February 2018 when she joined the company as a CSM Team Leader. For nearly two years, she led a team responsible for managing client relationships and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. During her time at Barclays, Sara played a key role in maintaining compliance with industry regulations and internal policies. Her efforts helped streamline processes, improve customer service, and reduce operational risks.
At Barclays, Sara’s leadership and dedication to performance management were pivotal in driving the success of the customer service management (CSM) team. Her expertise in compliance and risk management was a significant asset to the company during her tenure.
Head of KYC & Account Opening at Barclays Bank PLC
Prior to her role as a CSM Team Leader, Sara served as the Head of KYC (Know Your Customer) & Account Opening at Barclays Bank PLC from July 2013 to September 2016. In this capacity, she was responsible for overseeing the bank’s client onboarding process, ensuring that all new accounts met stringent regulatory and compliance standards.
This role further solidified Sara’s understanding of regulatory frameworks and the importance of adhering to financial industry standards. Her success in this position demonstrated her ability to manage large teams, improve internal processes, and mitigate potential risks associated with customer account management.
Account Manager Support at Handelsbanken in the UK
Before joining Barclays, Sara worked at Handelsbanken in the UK as an Account Manager Support from October 2016 to February 2018. In this role, she provided operational support to the bank’s account management teams, assisting with client relationship management and ensuring smooth operational processes.
Sara’s time at Handelsbanken allowed her to develop a deeper understanding of customer needs and business requirements, which became an essential part of her skillset when moving on to more senior roles in risk management.
Key Skills and Expertise
Sara Nice is known for her exceptional skills in various areas, including:
1. Performance Management
Sara has a proven track record of improving team performance and ensuring operational efficiency. Her focus on monitoring performance and implementing strategies that align with company goals has been a key aspect of her career. By leveraging data and insights, she has helped businesses optimize their operations and achieve sustainable growth.
2. Compliance and Regulatory Issues
Compliance is at the heart of Sara’s work, especially in the financial services industry. She has extensive experience managing compliance processes and navigating regulatory challenges, ensuring that the companies she works for meet industry standards and operate within legal frameworks.
3. Leadership and Relationship Management
Sara thrives in team environments and excels in managing relationships at all levels. Her leadership style is collaborative, focusing on building strong partnerships within the organization and with external stakeholders. Her ability to communicate effectively and foster positive working relationships has made her an influential leader in the companies she has worked for.
4. Project Management
With a background in project management, Sara has successfully led several initiatives aimed at improving operational processes, mitigating risks, and enhancing business outcomes. She is adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring that each one is delivered on time and within budget.
Conclusion
Sara Nice’s career journey is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and ability to excel in high-stakes environments. From her early days at Richard Aldworth School to her current role as Operational Risk Manager at Phoenix Group, Sara has continuously demonstrated her commitment to improving operational risk management and compliance. Her leadership, combined with her deep knowledge of regulatory frameworks and performance management, has made her an asset to every organization she has worked for. As the financial industry continues to evolve, Sara’s skills and experience will undoubtedly continue to contribute to the success of the companies she serves.
In her journey through Phoenix Group, Sun Life Financial of Canada (UK), Barclays, and Handelsbanken, Sara has proven to be a resilient, resourceful, and highly skilled manager who consistently adapts to new challenges and environments. Her career is a true reflection of her passion for risk management and her ability to make a significant impact on the organizations she works with.
