At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT governance and controls, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement across technology.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on IT excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and best practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing IT governance and controls in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT governance, risk, and audit with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
The IT Governance and Controls Lead is responsible for the operation and continuous improvement of IT governance and control activities across the Technology function. Reporting into the IT Governance & Quality Manager, the role ensures that IT controls are clearly defined, effectively embedded, and operating as intended in line with regulatory, risk, and organisational requirements. The role provides subject‑matter expertise on IT governance and controls, supports audit and assurance activities, and works closely with Technology, Risk, Compliance, and Audit stakeholders to maintain a strong and sustainable IT control environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the implementation and ongoing operation of the IT governance framework, policies, standards, and procedures.
- Own and maintain IT control documentation, including control descriptions, evidence requirements, and operating procedures.
- Monitor the effectiveness of IT controls, identifying gaps, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.
- Support the identification, assessment, and mitigation of IT‑related risks.
- Provide guidance and advice to Technology teams on governance and control requirements.
- Support internal and external IT audits, acting as a key contributor to audit planning, evidence collation, and walkthroughs.
- Coordinate responses to audit queries and track audit actions through to remediation and closure.
- Ensure audit findings and control issues are clearly documented, prioritised, and followed up.
- Contribute to audit reporting and management information for senior stakeholders.
- Support the annual IT attestation and compliance processes across the organisation.
- Ensure timely completion of governance and control activities by relevant stakeholders.
- Produce and maintain governance, control, and KPI reporting at operational, management, and executive levels.
- Provide insights and analysis on control performance, risks, and trends.
- Work closely with Technology teams, Risk, Compliance, and Audit to embed effective governance and controls.
- Act as a trusted point of contact for governance and control‑related queries.
- Support the Head of IT Governance with analysis, reporting, and governance insights.
- Identify opportunities to simplify, streamline, and improve governance and control processes.
- Support the adoption of best practice frameworks and standards (e.g. ITIL, COBIT, ISO).
- Contribute to initiatives that strengthen control maturity and reduce operational risk across IT.
Qualifications:
- Experience in IT governance, IT controls, IT risk, audit, or assurance roles.
- Strong understanding of IT control environments, particularly within regulated organisations.
- Experience supporting internal and external audits.
- Strong analytical, documentation, and reporting skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge of governance frameworks and standards (e.g. ISO 27001, ISO 20000, COBIT, ITIL).
- Experience supporting attestation or compliance processes.
- Experience in financial services or similarly regulated environments.
Governance and Controls Lead in Manchester employer: Canopius
As a leading employer in the financial services sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel in their roles. The Governance and Controls Lead position offers exceptional opportunities for professional growth, with access to ongoing training and development programmes, all while working in a dynamic environment that values compliance and risk management. Located in a vibrant city, our office provides a supportive atmosphere where teamwork and continuous improvement are at the forefront of our mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance and Controls Lead in Manchester
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Canopius looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Governance and Controls Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Canopius. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canopius
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Canopius’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
