Controls Manager

AXA UK; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

AXA UK is seeking a Controls and Risk Framework Specialist to lead development and embedding of the group’s control environment. You will report to the Head of Governance and Control and drive design, implementation and ongoing effectiveness of controls aligned with industry best practices.

Working arrangements balance home and office; you’ll be in the office as needed, with at least two days per week away from home and a planned move to three days per week from January 2027.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading controls transformation initiatives within financial services or insurance.
• Deep understanding of control frameworks and automation techniques.
• Strong knowledge of FCA/PRA requirements for operational and insurance risks.
• Excellent stakeholder management and senior-level influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and embed a comprehensive AXA Insurance Control Framework, ensuring effective risk management.
• Lead control-related refreshes, reviews and annual RCSA programmes with expert guidance on design and effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain high-quality risk and control reporting, including dashboards and metrics.
• Act as SME on controls, process optimisation and automation, including AI initiatives.
• Support KRIs and other monitoring tools to track risk exposure and control performance.
• Facilitate control workshops, issue resolution and discussions to promote best practices.
• Build trusted relationships with stakeholders across the business and risk teams to embed standards.
• Deputise for the Head of Governance and Control at key meetings and committees.

Skills

Controls transformation

Control frameworks

Automation & AI

FCA/PRA knowledge

Stakeholder management

Data analysis & dashboards

Clear communication

Prioritisation & pace

Job description

About AXA

AXA is a global leader in insurance and financial services, dedicated to helping customers protect what matters most to them. As the sixth-largest insurance company in the world, we provide a wide range of services, including health, car, home, and business insurance. We support millions of customers worldwide, helping them navigate life's uncertainties with confidence.

About AXA

AXA is a global leader in insurance and financial services, dedicated to helping customers protect what matters most to them. As the sixth-largest insurance company in the world, we provide a wide range of services, including health, car, home, and business insurance. We support millions of customers worldwide, helping them navigate life's uncertainties with confidence.

AXA Insurance UK, formed by uniting our Commercial and Retail teams under a single leadership, strengthens our core capabilities and our commitment to exceptional customer service

Job Overview

We're seeking a Controls and Risk Framework Specialist to lead the development and embedding of AXA Insurance’s control environment. Reporting to the Head of Governance and Control, you'll drive the design, implementation and ongoing effectiveness of controls, ensuring they are well understood, documented and aligned with industry best practices. Your work will support proactive risk management, insightful reporting and continuous improvement of our control frameworks to safeguard the business and support strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, review and embed a comprehensive suite of controls aligned with the AXA Insurance Control Framework, ensuring they effectively manage key risks.
• Lead control-related refreshes, reviews and annual RCSA programmes, providing expert guidance on control design and effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain high-quality risk and control reporting, including dashboards and metrics, supporting the Insurance Executive Team’s decision-making.
• Act as a subject matter expert on controls, process optimisation and automation, including AI initiatives, to enhance control efficiency and effectiveness.
• Support the development of KRIs and other tools to monitor risk exposure and control performance, including out-of-tolerance activities.
• Facilitate control workshops, issue resolution and discussions to promote understanding and continuous improvement across the business.
• Build trusted relationships with stakeholders across the business, Line 1 and Line 2 Risk teams and external partners to embed best practices.
• Deputise for the Head of Governance and Control at key meetings and Committees, providing insightful risk and control updates.

Work Arrangements

At AXA we work smart, empowering our people to balance their time between home and the office in a way that works best for them, their team and our customers. You'll work at least two days a week (40%) away from home, moving to three days a week (60%) from January 2027. Away from home means attending the office, visiting clients or attending industry events.

Your Skills & Experience

• Proven experience leading controls transformation initiatives within a financial services or insurance organisation.
• Deep understanding of control frameworks, best practices and control optimisation techniques, including automation and AI.
• Strong knowledge of FCA/PRA requirements related to operational and insurance risks.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, capable of engaging at senior levels.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret, design and implement effective controls and processes.
• Skilled in developing and analysing large volumes of data, reports and dashboards with strong attention to detail.
• Confident communicator with experience facilitating risk and control discussions and delivering clear reports.
• Business-minded and pragmatic, able to work at pace and manage multiple priorities effectively.

As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom.

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and don’t discriminate against employees or potential employees based on protected characteristics. If you have a long-term condition or disability and require adjustments during the application or interview process, we’re proud to offer access to the AXA Accessibility Concierge. For our support, please send an email to [e-mail].