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.
To be considered for this position, candidates must be eligible to obtain security clearance to a minimum of Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) level.
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.
Working pattern
36 hours Monday to Friday.
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 dshboarding 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 up to £70,000 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.
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Control Testing Automation & Monitoring Lead in Reading employer: Thames Water
Thames Water is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on innovation in wastewater operations, employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements, a 36-hour week, and opportunities to mentor colleagues while contributing to impactful projects. The Crossness location provides a unique environment where you can make a meaningful difference in the community and enhance your technical skills in a collaborative setting.
