At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee technology risk and influence strategic growth in a digital-first banking environment.
- Company: Join Atom, a forward-thinking bank revolutionising finance for customers.
- Benefits: Up to £100,000 salary, flexible hybrid working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Enjoy a 4-day work week and personal development funding.
- Why this job: Shape the future of banking while ensuring safety and sustainability in tech.
- Qualifications: Degree in a tech-related field and experience in managing technology risk frameworks.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
We're Atom… The bank that's on a mission to make finance faster, simpler and way more human. We've ditched the stuffy banking model to build something that actually works for our customers, whenever and wherever they need us. To make this happen, we're looking for like-minded people who can help us reach our goals and think differently. If you're ready to build the future of banking, we'd love to meet you.
What will your typical day look like? Different that's for sure… As our Technology Risk Specialist, you'll act as a key 2nd Line of Defence partner to the Head of Operational Risk, providing real-time oversight and objective challenge across our digital-first profile. You won't just be rubber-stamping compliance—you will directly influence our technology stack, risk posture, and strategic growth. You'll act as a trusted advisor and critical friend to tech leaders (including our CISO, Head of Tech, and ExCo), translating complex technical concepts into strategic insights and ensuring our rapid speed to market aligns with our stability of service. From deep diving into AI integrations to assessing technical debt and cloud resilience, your goal is to keep Atom safe, scalable, and sustainable.
So, what will you be doing…
- Root Cause Validation of Risk Events: Review and challenge technology Risk Event Reports (RERs) to ensure 1st line teams address underlying technical debt and architectural flaws rather than surface-level symptoms.
- 2nd Line Opinions on Strategic Change: Deliver formal risk opinions on major technology deployments, evaluating the risk-to-reward ratio for new AI integrations, automation shifts, and cloud developments.
- Thematic Technology Risk Reviews: Lead targeted, deep-dive reviews into high-risk technical areas like CI/CD pipeline security, responsible AI governance, and automated controls.
- Independent KRI Oversight & Monitoring: Monitor trends in system resilience, patch management, and automated control failures, providing early-warning alerts through risk governance.
- Regulatory Alignment & DORA Oversight: Act as the 2nd line subject matter expert on evolving digital regulations (e.g., DORA, SS2/21).
- Governance & Board Insight: Translate complex 2nd line technical findings into clear, actionable strategic insights for ExCo and the Board Risk Committee.
What do we need from you…
- Technical Foundation: A degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Engineering, AI, or a related quantitative field.
- Relevant Experience: Proven track record managing technology risk frameworks within a digital-first environment (banking, financial services, energy, or Big 4 consulting).
- Modern Tech Knowledge: Hands-on understanding of cloud environments (GCP), microservices, API-led architectures, and Agile/DevOps delivery cycles.
- Curiosity & Adaptability: A genuine passion for tech, AI, and continuous self-study to stay ahead of fast-changing technologies and emerging threats.
- Influence & Gravitas: Strong interpersonal skills with the confidence to have constructive, high-tension conversations with senior engineering leaders and hold them accountable.
- Regulatory Context: Practical knowledge of UK operational resilience expectations (e.g., DORA, SS2/21).
- Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Engineering, AI, or a related quantitative field.
- Certifications: Industry certifications such as CISA, CRISC, or CISM, or practitioner knowledge in Cloud or AI Ethics/Governance.
What will you get from us?
- Salary of up to £100,000.
- Flexible hybrid working in Newcastle.
- 4-day work week.
- Discretionary Cash Bonus – Individual and Company Performance based.
- Incredibly generous company pension scheme (maximum of 13% of Atom input – you can put in more).
- ‘All About Me’ fund: £200 per year to spend on personal development.
- 22.5 days annual leave plus public holidays.
- Private Medical Insurance, Health Cash Plan & Life Insurance.
- Electric Vehicle Scheme.
PLEASE NOTE: You must have the legal right to work in the UK to apply for this role as Atom is unable to support Visa Applications/Sponsorship. Atom is an equal opportunities employer. We value you as an individual and therefore disregard race, religion/belief, gender, sexual orientation, maternity/pregnancy, age, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership and disability in any hiring decisions we make. Atom will always adhere to the Equality Act 2010. All roles within Atom must adhere to the Conduct Rules as set out by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). As part of Atom bank's commitment to the FCA's Consumer Duty, Atom will take all reasonable steps to avoid causing foreseeable harm to customers, take all reasonable steps to enable customers to pursue their financial objectives and act in good faith.
Technology Risk Specialist in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Atom Bank
At Atom, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking bank that champions innovation and a human-centric approach to finance. Our flexible hybrid working model in Newcastle, combined with a generous benefits package including a 4-day work week and a robust pension scheme, fosters a supportive and dynamic work culture. We are committed to employee growth, offering personal development funds and opportunities to influence the future of banking through technology risk management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technology Risk Specialist in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Atom Bank. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Technology Risk Specialist in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Atom Bank.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Atom Bank's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Atom Bank
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Atom Bank.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Atom Bank will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Atom Bank employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
