Robert Kirkwood

Operational Risk, Compliance & Controls Manager | Trading & Financial Services | Process, System & Control Transformation | ex-Shell Trading & Supply

United Kingdom

About

I’m a Risk & Controls manager with 12+ years’ experience across regulated trading and commercial environments, specialising in shaping and embedding governance frameworks, operating models and controls across both financial and non-financial risks. I bring deep end-to-end trading lifecycle knowledge across front, middle and back office activities, with a track record of leading operations teams and partnering with trading, risk and business stakeholders. This includes new product, system and regulatory (including EMIR, REMIT) change across Gas, Power, LNG, Emissions and Oil trading environments. Over the past 5 years, I have led cross-business process, governance and control transformation from a central risk and controls function. This included supporting the implementation of an integrated non-financial risk framework across 10 Trading & Supply businesses, translating regulatory, policy and control requirements into practical process, system and control enhancements while strengthening first-line ownership and risk management capability. My background spans commodity trading with strong exposure to ETRM platforms (Aligne, Endur) and related trading systems, and a practical understanding of how processes, controls and data operate across the full lifecycle. I take a commercially pragmatic approach, focusing on strengthening risk management and business resilience while supporting effective business outcomes.

Experience

  • Shell (London Area, United Kingdom)
    • Control Lead - Trading & Supply, Commercial Operations
      Aug 2021 - Mar 2026 · 4 yrs 8 mos

      • Led design and enhancement of operational and compliance risk, process and control frameworks across high-risk trading activities, spanning 10 Trading & Supply businesses • Supported implementation of an integrated non-financial risk framework, partnering with Line 2 and strengthening first-line ownership, governance and risk management capability • Drove control and process improvements across front-to-back trading lifecycle, systems and reporting, strengthening governance, consistency and risk mitigation • Led cross-business process, governance and control transformation initiatives, enhancing consistency and scalability across trading and operational environments • Delivered governance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives across risk and control frameworks, reducing duplication and improving control effectiveness

    • Team Lead Confirmations and Regulatory Reporting - Crude & Products Trading
      Sep 2020 - Jul 2021 · 11 mos

      • Led a team of 8 delivering trade confirmations and EMIR regulatory reporting across global Crude, Products and Derivatives trading desks (maternity cover assignment) • Managed confirmation and regulatory reporting processes, ensuring accurate and timely execution, robust controls and effective risk management across complex, high-volume trading activity • Maintained strong operational performance and control through pandemic disruption and major organisational change • Oversaw key financial controls (SOX & KNS), coordinating internal and external audit activity with no significant findings

    • Team Lead Confirmations and Regulatory Reporting - Energy & Emissions Trading
      Aug 2016 - Aug 2020 · 4 yrs 1 mo

      • Led a team of 7 delivering trade confirmations and regulatory reporting across EU Gas, Power, LNG and global Emissions trading desks, supporting high-volume and growing trading activity • Successfully integrated EMIR & REMIT regulatory reporting operations into the team, ensuring compliant and accurate delivery across complex trading environments • Enhanced 4 key financial controls (SOX & KNS), strengthening control design, governance and process effectiveness and achieving zero audit findings throughout tenure • Provided subject matter expertise and support for complex physical and financial deal structures, mitigating operational and contractual risks across diverse and structured products • Delivered continuous improvement initiatives across confirmations, regulatory reporting and control processes, improving efficiency, consistency and risk management

  • Hertfordshire County Council (4 yrs)
    • Corporate Policy and Process Officer
      Nov 2012 - Nov 2013 · 1 yr 1 mo

    • School Admissions and Transport Officer
      Nov 2010 - Nov 2012 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    • Special Educational Needs Support Officer
      Dec 2009 - Nov 2010 · 1 yr

  • Student Information Officer (ICT) at University of Hertfordshire
    Aug 2007 - Aug 2008 · 1 yr 1 mo