1st Line Security Controls Testing Manager
1st Line Security Controls Testing Manager

1st Line Security Controls Testing Manager

City of London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Mastercard, Inc.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead control testing activities to enhance security and risk management practices.
  • Company: Join Mastercard, a global leader in secure digital payments.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on security controls in a critical national infrastructure company.
  • Qualifications: Experience in control testing and risk management; strong analytical skills required.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

1st Line Security Controls Testing Manager

Our Purpose
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we\’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

Title and Summary
1st Line Security Controls Testing Manager
Main Purpose of role:
The newly created Vocalink Control Office function is seeking Manager within the 1st Line Control Testing team to support the delivery of control testing activities across Security control domains, within Vocalink Limited (VLL). VLL is a Bank of England regulated, Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) company that enables the payments of 90% of salaries, 70% of utility bills, most ATM transactions and every cheque cleared in the UK.

This role plays a key part in embedding a strong control environment by executing control testing, identifying control gaps, and supporting continuous improvement in risk management practices.

Key Responsibilities

  • Control Testing Execution
  • Conduct periodic testing of key and non-key controls in line with the Control Testing Methodology.
  • Evaluate compliance with internal policies, standards, regulatory requirements, and customer obligations.
  • Prepare and review control testing documentation, including test procedures, results, and identified gaps.
  • Ensure timely escalation of control deficiencies and support remediation tracking.
  • Team Leadership, Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Supervise and mentor junior team members (Senior Analysts), providing guidance on testing execution and quality assurance.
  • Support the Director of Control Testing in delivering the annual testing plan and contributing to team development.
  • Engage with 1st Line teams while coordinating closely with 2nd Line Security partners and maintaining effective liaison with Internal Audit.
  • Contribute to reporting for governance forums, including dashboards, thematic reviews, and trend analysis.
  • Partner with control owners, providing guidance on control effectiveness and remediation.
  • Governance & Continuous Improvement
  • Support the development and refinement of control testing standards, tools, and methodologies.
  • Contribute to the maturity of the 3 Lines of Defence model and promote a culture of proactive risk management.
  • Stay informed on emerging risks, regulatory changes, and industry best practices with a focus on cybersecurity risks.

Experience & Qualifications

  • Experience in control testing, or assurance, and risk management within security in a regulated environment.
  • Strong investigative and analytical experience (e.g. enquiry, scanning, analysis, interviewing, testing), problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Strong understanding of control frameworks and standards (e.g., NIST, CRI, ISO and PCI-DSS).
  • Ability to assess control design and operating effectiveness in complex environments and to identify control gaps and improvement opportunities.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Professional certifications such as CISA, CISM, CISSP, CRISC, ISO 27001 or equivalent is desirable.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

  • Bachelor\’s degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Technology, or related field.
  • Good Knowledge of security controls and IT general controls across platforms such as UNIX, HP Nonstop, and Windows.
  • Understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC), DevOps, and cloud technologies.
  • Proficiency in data analytics tools such as ACL or similar control testing tools.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access and MS PowerPoint)
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks.
  • Self-starter with a continuous improvement mindset and a collaborative approach.

Corporate Security Responsibility
All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:

  • Abide by Mastercard\’s security policies and practices;
  • Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;
  • Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and
  • Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard\’s guidelines.

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1st Line Security Controls Testing Manager employer: Mastercard, Inc.

Mastercard is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities and support for professional certifications, ensuring our team members thrive in their careers. Located in the heart of a critical national infrastructure, employees benefit from a culture that prioritises security, teamwork, and continuous improvement, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful projects that empower economies worldwide.
Mastercard, Inc.

Contact Detail:

Mastercard, Inc. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land 1st Line Security Controls Testing Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to security controls and risk management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your skills effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace 1st Line Security Controls Testing Manager

Control Testing Execution
Risk Management
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Decision-Making Skills
Control Frameworks Knowledge (NIST, CRI, ISO, PCI-DSS)
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Cybersecurity Awareness
Data Analytics Tools Proficiency (ACL or similar)
Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency
Team Leadership
Continuous Improvement Mindset
Understanding of Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
Knowledge of Security Controls across Platforms (UNIX, HP Nonstop, Windows)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of 1st Line Security Controls Testing Manager. Highlight your experience in control testing and risk management, and don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications like CISA or CISSP.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about security controls and how your skills align with our mission at Mastercard. Keep it concise but impactful!

Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong investigative and analytical skills, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully identified control gaps or improved risk management practices in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status directly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Mastercard, Inc.

✨Know Your Controls Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the control frameworks and standards mentioned in the job description, like NIST and ISO. Brush up on your knowledge of security controls and how they apply to different environments, as this will show your expertise during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've used your investigative and analytical skills in past roles. Think about situations where you identified control gaps or improved risk management practices, as these experiences will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Since stakeholder engagement is key for this role, be ready to talk about how you've collaborated with different teams in the past. Highlight any experience mentoring junior team members or working closely with internal audit teams to demonstrate your leadership capabilities.

✨Stay Updated on Industry Trends

Familiarise yourself with emerging risks and regulatory changes in cybersecurity. Being able to discuss current trends and how they might impact the role will show that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the field.

1st Line Security Controls Testing Manager
Mastercard, Inc.
Location: City of London
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