Risks and Controls Manager

Risks and Controls Manager

Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Scottish Building Society

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Identify and manage non-financial risks while supporting a strong risk culture.
  • Company: Join a leading financial services organisation committed to excellence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Dynamic team with opportunities for growth and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing risk management and compliance across the business.
  • Qualifications: Degree in finance or related field; experience in risk or compliance roles preferred.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

Reporting to the Head of First Line Risk, the Risk & Controls Manager will support the business (First Line of Defence) to identify, assess, manage and monitor all non‑financial risks across products, processes and operations. This includes operational risk, financial crime, third‑party outsourcing risk, operational resilience, conduct risk and other related disciplines. The role helps embed the Society's risk and control framework, ensuring effective controls, strong risk culture and compliance with regulatory expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Identify, assess and report non-financial risks across the business, using processes such as RCSAs, risk assessments and routine monitoring.
  • Develop, embed and maintain the non-financial risk and control framework, ensuring policies, standards and controls are understood and consistently applied.
  • Monitor the effectiveness of key controls through first line testing, MI, KRIs, thematic reviews and other indicators, escalating where risks move outside appetite.
  • Coordinate timely remediation of control failures, issues, incidents and audit findings, ensuring robust root cause analysis and sustainable fixes.
  • Support first line ownership of all non-financial risk disciplines, including operational risk, financial crime, operational resilience, third party and outsourcing risk, conduct and regulatory compliance within first line processes.
  • Prepare accurate, high quality risk reporting and insights for senior management, committees and governance forums.
  • Drive continuous improvement by simplifying and enhancing controls, improving documentation, and identifying opportunities for automation and efficiency.
  • Support business teams through coaching, training and guidance to embed strong risk awareness and first line accountability.

Measures of Success:

  • High quality, timely delivery of key risk and control activities, including RCSAs, control testing, incident reviews and management reporting.
  • Effective control environment, demonstrated through strong audit/assurance outcomes, reduced repeat issues, and timely, sustainable remediation.
  • Improved first line risk culture, with strong business engagement, clear ownership of non-financial risks and proactive identification/escalation of emerging risks.

About You:

Skills & Capabilities for the role:

  • Qualifications: Degree or equivalent in business, finance, accounting, risk management or related discipline; professional risk/compliance qualifications are often preferred (e.g. FRM, IRM, ICA).
  • Essential Experience required: Experience in a risk, controls, compliance, audit, or operational role within financial services, with a solid understanding of non-financial risk disciplines.
  • Strong familiarity with the Three Lines of Defence model and how first line teams identify, assess and manage risks day to day.
  • Experience using risk and control processes such as RCSAs, incident management, issue tracking, control testing, risk assessments, and MI reporting.
  • Good analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data, identify themes, and translate insights into clear recommendations.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging operational teams and senior stakeholders.
  • Good IT skills, including experience with Excel, risk systems, or operational tools commonly used in risk and control environments.
  • Experience working directly with any of the following risk areas: Financial Crime, Operational Resilience.
  • Experience supporting audits, regulatory reviews, or assurance activities.
  • Exposure to process improvement, automation, workflow tools or documentation enhancement.

Behaviours:

  • Professional and ethical
  • Strong interpersonal relationships
  • Able to work with minimum supervision and to deadlines
  • Willing to take on responsibility and accountability
  • Ability to consider the needs, abilities and personalities of others
  • Willing to work as part of a team and involve others
  • Positive approach

Essential skills:

  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to work independently, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to simplify complex issues, document them clearly and support teams in understanding their risk responsibilities.
  • Confident in challenging constructively, promoting first line ownership and supporting a strong risk culture.
  • Proactive, solutions focused mindset with a willingness to identify control improvements and drive continuous enhancement.

Risks and Controls Manager employer: Scottish Building Society

As a Risks and Controls Manager at our organisation, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee development and fosters a strong risk management ethos. We offer competitive benefits, including professional training opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages innovation and collaboration, all set in a vibrant location that enhances work-life balance. Join us to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in the financial services sector.
Scottish Building Society

Contact Detail:

Scottish Building Society Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Risks and Controls Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they’re advertised.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its risk management practices. Understand their challenges and think about how you can contribute. This will help you stand out and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to risk and controls. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you articulate your experience clearly and confidently.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the position. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job!

We think you need these skills to ace Risks and Controls Manager

Risk Management
Non-Financial Risk Assessment
Operational Risk
Financial Crime Compliance
Operational Resilience
Third Party Risk Management
Conduct Risk
RCSAs (Risk and Control Self-Assessments)
Incident Management
Control Testing
Data Analysis
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Process Improvement
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in non-financial risk management. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role requires strong analytical abilities, include examples of how you've interpreted data and made recommendations in past roles. We love seeing clear, concise insights that demonstrate your problem-solving skills.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention any specific experience you have with risk and control processes like RCSAs or incident management. We’re looking for candidates who can hit the ground running, so make it easy for us to see your relevant background.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Building Society

✨Know Your Risks

Make sure you understand the different types of non-financial risks mentioned in the job description. Brush up on operational risk, financial crime, and third-party outsourcing risk. Being able to discuss these areas confidently will show that you're prepared and knowledgeable.

✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills

Prepare to showcase your analytical skills during the interview. Think of examples where you've interpreted data or identified themes in risk management. Be ready to explain how you translated those insights into actionable recommendations.

✨Familiarise with the Three Lines of Defence

Since the role involves working within the Three Lines of Defence model, ensure you can articulate how first line teams identify, assess, and manage risks. Having a clear understanding of this framework will help you answer questions more effectively.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Highlight your experience in stakeholder management. Prepare examples of how you've engaged with operational teams and senior stakeholders in the past. This will demonstrate your strong communication skills and ability to foster relationships, which are crucial for this role.

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