At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead automation of control testing and monitoring across IT and business environments.
- Company: Join Thames Water, the UK's largest water and wastewater company.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on risk management and compliance while modernising processes.
- Qualifications: Experience in control testing automation and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 80000 € per year.
As a Control Testing Automation & Monitoring Lead, you will be responsible for designing and delivering automated control testing and monitoring solutions across IT, OT, and business environments at Thames Water. Working closely with the Control Testing & Assurance Manager, digital teams, and a wide range of business stakeholders, you will identify opportunities to automate control testing and implement continuous monitoring solutions that support the organisation’s risk and compliance objectives.
This role plays a key part in modernising the control testing programme by introducing automation, improving data collection processes, and enabling more efficient monitoring of control effectiveness. Combining strong automation expertise with a structured, risk-based approach, you will help build a streamlined and scalable automated control testing environment that strengthens Thames Water’s security and assurance capabilities.
What you’ll be doing as a Control Testing Automation & Monitoring Lead:
- Identify and assess opportunities to automate control testing across IT, OT, and business functions.
- Design, develop, and implement automation plans and workflows to support continuous monitoring of controls.
- Evaluate and recommend appropriate tooling and technologies for control testing automation.
- Collaborate with digital teams to establish reliable data acquisition and integration processes.
- Conduct regular reviews of automated testing outputs to identify and report control deficiencies.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation for automation workflows, processes, and exception handling.
- Engage with project teams, control owners, and key stakeholders to gather requirements and support automation initiatives.
- Ensure automation initiatives are delivered within expected timelines and aligned with programme objectives.
- Escalate issues, risks, or delays to the Control Testing & Assurance Manager and contribute to resolving challenges.
- Support the continuous improvement of the control testing programme through automation and innovation.
- Stay informed on relevant frameworks and best practices, including NIST CSF and CIS Controls, to enhance automation and monitoring capabilities.
What you should bring to the role:
- Experience in control testing automation, process automation, or related assurance activities within an enterprise environment.
- Strong understanding of risk management practices and control frameworks.
- Ability to measure, monitor, and report on control effectiveness using relevant metrics and data.
- Experience collaborating with both technical and business teams to deliver automation solutions.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
- Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs in a structured manner.
Technical experience and skills:
- Expertise in automation tools and scripting technologies such as Python, PowerShell, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) platforms, or audit automation tools.
- Experience developing and implementing automation workflows related to control testing or assurance processes.
- Familiarity with IT environments, including IT infrastructure, operational technology (OT), and cloud platforms.
- Ability to implement monitoring mechanisms and analyse automated testing outputs to identify control weaknesses.
- Experience documenting automation processes, workflows, and exception management procedures.
Desirable qualifications and experience:
- Experience working in a regulated environment, the water utility sector, or large complex critical national infrastructure organisations.
- Familiarity with governance and control frameworks such as COBIT or COSO.
- Exposure to cybersecurity principles and domains such as vulnerability management and identity and access management.
- Experience using data analytics or dashboarding tools such as Power BI or Tableau to visualise and report automation outcomes.
Desirable technical skills and qualifications:
- Professional certifications such as CISA, CISSP, CRISC, or ISO 27001 Lead Auditor.
What’s in it for you?
- Competitive salary between £65,000 and £80,000 per annum, depending on experience.
- Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
- Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
- Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
- Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits. If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.
Control Testing Automation & Monitoring Lead - Reading, Berkshire in Lower Earley employer: Thames Water
Thames Water is an exceptional employer, offering a unique and rewarding work environment where you can make a tangible difference in the lives of millions. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we foster a culture of inclusivity and support, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Join us in Reading, where your expertise in control testing automation will contribute to our mission of building a sustainable future for our communities and the planet.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Control Testing Automation & Monitoring Lead - Reading, Berkshire in Lower Earley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand Thames Water’s mission and values, and think about how your skills align with their needs. We want you to shine when it comes to showcasing your expertise!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. We believe that being well-prepared will boost your confidence and help you tackle those tricky questions with ease.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. We recommend expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your enthusiasm for the role. It shows you’re genuinely interested!
We think you need these skills to ace Control Testing Automation & Monitoring Lead - Reading, Berkshire in Lower Earley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Control Testing Automation & Monitoring Lead role. Highlight your experience in automation and risk management, and show how your skills align with what Thames Water is looking for.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your expertise in automation tools and scripting technologies like Python or PowerShell. We want to see how you can bring your technical know-how to the table and help modernise the control testing programme.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your experiences and achievements, especially when discussing complex technical concepts. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water
✨Know Your Automation Tools
Familiarise yourself with the automation tools and scripting technologies mentioned in the job description, like Python and PowerShell. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tools and how you've used them to improve control testing processes.
✨Understand Risk Management
Brush up on risk management practices and control frameworks such as NIST CSF and CIS Controls. Being able to articulate how these frameworks apply to the role will show that you’re not just technically savvy but also understand the bigger picture.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve explained complex concepts in simpler terms.
✨Show Continuous Improvement Mindset
Be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to continuous improvement in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've identified inefficiencies and implemented solutions, especially in control testing or automation.
