Director - Control Assurance

Empresaria Group plc; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director for Control Assurance to spearhead a critical transformation in a leading financial institution. This role involves transitioning control assurance to a fully operational model while implementing robust risk methodologies and innovative automation processes. The successful candidate will work closely with compliance and audit teams to enhance assurance frameworks aligned with global banking standards. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking, data-driven risk strategy and potentially secure a permanent leadership position. If you are a strategic leader with a strong background in risk governance, this role is for you.

Qualifications

• Extensive financial services experience across multiple institutions.
• Expertise in control assurance and risk methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the transition of control assurance to a structured BAU function.
• Define and implement risk methodologies and automation solutions.

Skills

Control Assurance

Risk Methodologies

Automation Tools

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Job description

Direct message the job poster from Empresaria Group plc

Account Manager @ LMA Recruitment | Freelance Recruiter, Interview Coach

Director – Control Assurance

• Location: London (City)
• Contract: 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract (FTC), with potential for permanency

About the Role

Our client, a leading financial institution, is transitioning its control assurance function from a project-based setup to a fully operational Business-as-Usual (BAU) model. They are seeking a Director – Control Assurance to lead this transition, ensuring the implementation of robust risk methodologies, control testing strategies, and automation processes.

This role offers the opportunity to establish a scalable assurance framework, align with global banking standards, and enhance non-financial risk management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the transition of control assurance to a structured BAU function.
• Define and implement risk methodologies, control testing strategies, and automation solutions.
• Collaborate with compliance, risk, and audit teams to strengthen assurance processes.
• Establish a sustainable governance framework aligned with industry best practices.
• Support the development of a high-performing first line of defence (1LoD) control office.

Challenges & Considerations

• Global Standards: Aligning the control assurance strategy with Tier 1 banking frameworks.
• Automation & Innovation: Implementing advanced testing and assurance automation.
• Talent Acquisition: Building a strong team, particularly in Dublin.
• Regulatory Complexity: Managing compliance across multiple EMEA jurisdictions.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the contract, the successful candidate will have:

• Established a clear control assurance framework with defined methodologies.
• Implemented an automated testing strategy with proven effectiveness.
• Developed governance structures supporting sustainable BAU operations.
• Identified key skill sets and training needs for assurance teams.
• Integrated control validation and continuous monitoring into risk management.

Candidate Profile

To be successful in this role, candidates should have:

• Extensive financial services experience, preferably across multiple institutions.
• Expertise in control assurance, risk methodologies, and automation tools.
• Strong commercial or investment banking background, with an understanding of financial products and risk frameworks.
• Proven ability to establish governance structures that drive continuous improvement in risk assurance.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Backgrounds

• Head of Control Assurance
• Director of Risk & Control Testing
• Head of Risk Assurance & Frameworks
• Risk Methodology & Assurance Lead
• Control Office Director

Why Apply?

• Lead a critical transformation in control assurance for a major financial institution.
• Work on a high-profile initiative with exposure to senior leadership.
• Opportunity to transition into a permanent leadership role.
• Contribute to a forward-thinking, data-driven risk and control strategy.

This is a strategic leadership role suited for candidates with experience in high-level control assurance, risk governance, and automation within the financial sector.

Interested? Apply today to be part of this transformation.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Contract

Job function

• Quality Assurance, Analyst, and Strategy/Planning
• Industries: Banking and Investment Banking