First Line Controls Manager

Wesleyan; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

28 days holiday with culture day

Flexible hybrid working

Company pension scheme

Underground Birmingham parking

Salary sacrifice schemes

Enhanced family leave

Volunteering days

Job summary

Wesleyan is seeking a First Line Controls Manager to lead the design and delivery of risk controls within our Risk Management Framework. Based in Birmingham with hybrid working, you will drive annual control assessments and reporting up to Board level.

Reporting to the Head of Resilience & Oversights, you will embed controls across the organisation, analyse incidents to identify root causes, and collaborate with Second and Third Line teams to strengthen remediation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an Operational Risk Management role.
• Strong controls and audit background.
• Experience reshaping and developing control frameworks.
• Knowledge of the financial services sector.
• Familiarity with First/Second/Third Line risk functions.
• Customer focused attitude.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to communicate with senior/executive management.
• Strong report writing abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of the annual strategy for the First Line Controls team and calendar of activity.
• Plan and execute annual controls assessments with Business Partners.
• Deliver the reporting cycle for risk controls up to Board reports.
• Identify root causes of incidents and shape remediation.
• Coordinate with Operational Resilience to remediate vulnerabilities.
• Use Risk Management System insights to prioritise activity and resources.
• Engage with stakeholders across the Wesleyan Group to embed controls in first line areas.
• Lead deep dives and thematic risk analysis with Second and Third Line.

Skills

Operational risk

Controls & audit

Control frameworks

Financial services knowledge

Line functions

Customer focus

Communication

Executive communication

Report writing

Job description

First Line Controls Manager

Salary: Up to £68,000 + benefits

Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract - 35 hours a week

Location: Hybrid working (office based in Birmingham) - typically 2 days in the office per week

Closing Date: Friday 9th October 2026

Shape Brighter Futures with Wesleyan

Established in 1841, Wesleyan help trusted professionals-GPs, hospital doctors, dentists, and teachers-secure their financial future. Today, we're proud to continue that mission with passion and purpose. If you're looking for a role where your expertise makes a real impact, and you want to work in a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and integrity, we'd love to hear from you.

Find out more about who we are: About Wesleyan

Make a Difference in Operational Resilience

The implementation and management of risk controls is a key component of our Risk Management Framework at Wesleyan. Establishing and maintaining a proportionate number of controls, supports in the effective mitigation of risk to our business. Wesleyan has made great progress in this respect to date but there is work to do to mature the framework further.

Reporting to the Head of Resilience & Oversights, you will be responsible for embedding the First Line risk control management framework across the organisation. You will drive enhanced risk control management from identification to assurance, as well as greater awareness of the performance of risk controls through improved MI and reporting.

Your Impact

• Leads the design of the annual strategy for the First Line Controls team including a calendar of activity
• Leads the planning and execution of annual controls assessments with Business Partners
• Designs and delivers the reporting cycle for the performance of risk controls across the organisation up to and including Board reports
• Help business areas understand the root causes of incidents and shape effective remediation.
• Work with Operational Resilience colleagues to assure the remediation of identified vulnerabilities.
• Use insight from the Risk Management System to prioritise activity and focus resources where they will have the greatest impact.
• Work with a range of stakeholders across the Wesleyan Group to support to the embed the management of controls into first line areas
• Working with Second and Third Line colleagues, leads on deep dive and thematic analysis of risks

What You'll Bring

• Proven previous experience of working within a similar Operational Risk Management position
• Proven technical controls experience coupled with a strong background within audit
• Experience of reshaping and developing control frameworks
• Practiced knowledge of the financial services sector
• Practiced knowledge of First, Second or Third Line functions
• Customer focussed
• Good communicator and collaborator
• Ability to communicate with colleagues at all levels up to senior and executive management
• Excellent report writing skills.

Benefits That Work for You

We believe rewards should reflect the life you live. Here’s what you can expect:

• Annual bonus to recognise your contribution.
• 28 days holiday (plus a culture day!) - rising to 30 days with service.
• Flexible hybrid working for better work-life balance.
• Company pension scheme - matched plus 2% (up to 10%).
• Free secure underground Birmingham city centre parking (subject to availability, weekend use included).
• Salary sacrifice schemes that help you provide the things that matter - to include PMI, Electric Vehicle Leasing and cashback on everyday essentials.
• Enhanced family leave and two volunteering days to give back to causes you care about.

Discover the full range of benefits: Wesleyan Careers Rewards

Why Wesleyan?

We're building a culture where everyone belongs. Diversity isn't just a policy-it's part of who we are. Whatever your background, we want you to feel valued and empowered to thrive. We're proud supporters of the ABI Making Flexible Work campaign, which means we're open to discussing flexible working, job shares, and part-time options.

If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know-we're here to support you.

What to Know Before Applying

• Right to Work: We're unable to provide VISA sponsorship, so you'll need the legal right to live and work in the UK.
• Advert Closing: We typically advertise for two weeks but may close early if we receive a high volume of applications-apply early to avoid disappointment.