At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the 1st Line Risk and Control agenda across operations, ensuring a resilient environment.
- Company: Starling Bank is a digital bank focused on fair service and innovative technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous holiday policies.
- Other info: Join a Living Wage employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in banking while being part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in operational risk or control in a regulated UK bank, with strong FCA/PRA knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 € per year.
About Starling Bank
At Starling, we are on a mission to provide people with a fairer, smarter, and more human alternative to traditional banks. We are building a leading digital bank, driven by fast technology, fair service, and honest values. Our vision is to create a banking industry that serves everyone, which we accomplish by developing best-in-class proprietary technology, offering an exceptional customer experience, and establishing a strong, sustainable business.
Our five core values – Listen, Keep It Simple, Do The Right Thing, Own It, and Aim for Greatness – are at the heart of everything we do, guiding our strategy and shaping our culture. We\'re a branchless, largely paperless bank, committed to responsible banking, sustainability, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Hybrid working: All Starling Bank colleagues spend a minimum of 10 days per month in the office with flexibility to work the rest from home.
The Opportunity:
Team: 1LoD Risk and Control
Reporting To: Chief Control Officer
Closing Date: Friday 11th July, 12pm
Location: We\'re open to the successful candidate being based from either Cardiff, Manchester or London.
Role Purpose:
As our Operations continue to scale and evolve, we are looking for an experienced and strategic leader to step into the role of Head of Risk and Control – Operations. This is a critical opportunity to lead the 1st Line control agenda across our internal operations, helping us maintain a resilient, customer-centric, well-governed environment that is ‘Fit for the Future’.
You’ll work closely with teams across Payments, Customer Servicing, Lending, Financial Crime Ops, and Onboarding, helping to identify and manage risk, embed controls, and build operational maturity. This is a chance to shape our control culture from within — and deliver tangible impact as we grow.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Own and embed the 1st Line Risk and Control Framework across Operations (Payment Operations, Customer Servicing and Complaints, Financial Assistance, Business Banking Operations, and Customer Onboarding & KYC, and Financial Crime Operations) aligned with Enterprise Risk Framework and regulatory expectations.
- Own operational RCSAs, KRIs, control design and testing, and incident remediation frameworks.
- Develop risk dashboards and real-time control environment metrics.
- Ensure operational areas are resilient and ready for regulatory scrutiny (Consumer Duty, SM&CR, SS1/21).
- Provide challenge and oversight on operational change, AI adoption, outsourcing and workflow automation.
- Build a high-performing team and coach the wider operations leadership on risk capability and culture.
- Work with Compliance and Legal to interpret and translate regulatory obligations and reporting requirements into operational and actionable working practices
- Support regulatory engagements, s166s, and independent assurance reviews.
Essential Experience
- Proven experience (10+ yrs) leading operational risk or control function in a regulated UK bank, preferably digital or high-growth.
- Deep understanding of FCA/PRA requirements, particularly around Consumer Duty, SM&CR, and Resilience.
- Strong knowledge of core operational areas (payments, servicing, lending, financial crime).
- Proven track record building 1LOD control functions and influencing executive stakeholders.
Skills & Attributes
- Strategic mindset with the ability to translate risk frameworks into practical controls.
- Confident operator at Executive level.
- Analytical and data-driven, able to create forward-looking insights and early warning mechanisms.
- Effective communication and leadership ability to drive results - in particular, candidate should be able to lead and drive results across products and functions absence of reporting line
- Highly resilient, pragmatic, and delivery-focused in fast-paced or ambiguous environments.
Why Join Starling?
- Make an Impact: Work on projects that directly shape the future of banking and improve the financial lives of our customers. Starling is technology-led, and you\'ll have the freedom to accomplish your goals in innovative ways.
- Culture of Excellence: Be part of a collaborative, empowered, and forward-thinking team. We encourage experimentation, ownership, and a relentless focus on \"doing the right thing.”
- Growth and Development: We are committed to your professional growth, offering opportunities to learn new technologies, take on new challenges, and own interesting things from day one.
- A Bank That Cares: We\'re a Living Wage employer, committed to flexible working, and dedicated to creating a fair, open, and safe working environment with compassion and inclusion at its core.
- Comprehensive Benefits: We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Company-enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme (7% employer contribution)
- Private Medical Insurance with Vitality including mental health support and cancer care. Partner benefits include discounts with Waitrose, Mr&Mrs Smith and Peloton.
- 25 days holiday (plus take your public holiday allowance whenever works best for you)
- An extra day’s holiday for your birthday
- Life Insurance at 4x your salary.
- 16 hours of paid volunteering time a year.
- Ability to buy or sell annual leave.
- Generous family-friendly policies.
- Annual leave is increased with length of service, and you can choose to buy or sell up to five extra days off
- Incentivised refer a friend scheme
- Perkbox membership giving access to retail discounts, a wellness platform for physical and mental health, and weekly free and boosted perks
- Access to initiatives like Cycle to Work, Salary Sacrificed Gym partnerships and Electric Vehicle (EV) leasingOur Commitment to Equality
Starling Bank is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to foster diversity & inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment at Starling Bank are considered without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. When you provide us with this information, you are doing so at your own consent, with full knowledge that we will process this personal data in accordance with our Privacy Notice. By submitting your application, you agree that Starling Bank will collect your personal data for recruiting and related purposes. Our Privacy Notice explains what personal information we will process, where we will process your personal information, its purposes for processing your personal information, and the rights you can exercise over our use of your personal information.
#J-18808-LjbffrHead of Risk and Control (1LoD Operations) in Cardiff employer: Starling Bank
Starling Bank is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being. With a commitment to professional growth, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that values integrity and excellence, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the banking industry. Located in vibrant cities like Cardiff, Manchester, or London, team members enjoy a supportive environment with comprehensive benefits, including a competitive salary, generous holiday allowances, and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Risk and Control (1LoD Operations) in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Starling Bank's core values: Listen, Keep It Simple, Do The Right Thing, Own It, and Aim for Greatness. Demonstrating how your personal values align with these during interviews can set you apart as a candidate who truly fits the company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest FCA/PRA regulations, especially around Consumer Duty and SM&CR. Being able to discuss these topics knowledgeably will show that you're not only experienced but also proactive about staying updated in the ever-evolving banking landscape.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Starling Bank on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which you can leverage during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully built 1LOD control functions or influenced executive stakeholders. Tailoring your stories to highlight your strategic mindset and analytical skills will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk and Control (1LoD Operations) in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Risk and Control position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in operational risk and control functions.
Align with Company Values:Starling Bank has five core values: Listen, Keep It Simple, Do The Right Thing, Own It, and Aim for Greatness. Reflect these values in your application by providing examples of how you've embodied them in your previous roles.
Showcase Relevant Experience:Emphasise your proven experience in leading operational risk or control functions within a regulated UK bank. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that not only summarises your CV but also explains why you're passionate about the role and how you can contribute to Starling Bank's mission. Make it personal and engaging to stand out from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Starling Bank
✨Understand Starling's Core Values
Before your interview, make sure you are familiar with Starling Bank's core values: Listen, Keep It Simple, Do The Right Thing, Own It, and Aim for Greatness. Be prepared to discuss how these values resonate with your own experiences and how you can embody them in the role.
✨Showcase Your Regulatory Knowledge
Given the importance of FCA/PRA requirements in this role, brush up on your knowledge of regulations like Consumer Duty and SM&CR. Be ready to provide examples of how you've navigated regulatory challenges in previous positions.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
As a Head of Risk and Control, you'll need to think strategically. Prepare to discuss how you've previously translated risk frameworks into practical controls and how you can apply that experience at Starling Bank.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage risk in fast-paced environments. Think of specific examples from your past where you successfully identified and mitigated risks, and be ready to share those stories.
