Controls Manager

AXA UK; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

AXA UK is seeking a Controls and Risk Framework Specialist to lead the design, implementation and embedding of the group’s control environment. You will report to the Head of Governance and Control and drive risk-aware decision making across the Insurance Executive Team.

This role requires building strong stakeholder relationships and delivering compliant, scalable control solutions. The position operates with a hybrid work pattern, balancing time between the office and remote work, and requires

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading controls transformation initiatives in financial services or insurance.
• Deep knowledge of control frameworks and optimization techniques.
• Strong FCA/PRA requirements understanding related to operational and insurance risks.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior levels.
• Proven ability to design and implement effective controls and processes.
• Skilled in data analysis, reporting and dashboard delivery.
• Business-minded, pragmatic, and able to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, refresh and embed controls aligned with AXA Insurance Framework.
• Lead RCSA programmes and control design guidance.
• Develop and maintain risk and control reporting dashboards.
• Support AI initiatives to enhance control efficiency.
• Develop KRIs and tools to monitor risk exposure.
• Facilitate control workshops and issue resolution.
• Build relationships across Risk lines and external partners.
• Deputise for Head of Governance and Control at key meetings.

Skills

Controls transformation

Control frameworks

Automation & AI in controls

FCA/PRA risk knowledge

Stakeholder management

Data analysis & dashboards

Effective communication

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].