First Line Controls Manager

Wesleyan Group; Hurley; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

28 days holiday + culture day

Flexible hybrid working

Pension scheme matched

Underground parking (Birmingham)

Salary sacrifice schemes

Enhanced family leave & volunteering

Job summary

Wesleyan Group is seeking a Controls Manager to lead the First Line risk controls strategy and embed controls across the business from identification to assurance. You will report to the Head of Resilience & Oversights and work with a broad range of stakeholders to strengthen the risk framework.

The role requires strong experience in operational risk management within financial services, a robust controls background, and excellent reporting and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in an operational risk management role within financial services.
• Strong technical controls experience with an audit background.
• Proven ability to reshape and develop control frameworks.
• Familiarity with First/Second/Third Line risk functions.
• Customer-focused with strong collaboration skills.
• Excellent report writing and stakeholder communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of the annual strategy for the First Line Controls team and create the activity calendar.
• Plan and execute annual controls assessments with Business Partners.
• Design and deliver reporting on risk control performance, including Board-level reporting.
• Identify root causes of incidents and drive effective remediation.
• Coordinate with Operational Resilience to remediate vulnerabilities.
• Use Risk Management System insights to prioritise activity and allocate resources.
• Collaborate with Wesleyan’s First, Second and Third Line teams on deep-dives and thematic risk analysis.

Skills

Operational risk management

Controls experience

Audit background

Financial services knowledge

First/Second/Third Line knowledge

Communication

Report writing

Job description

Controls Manager

Location: Warwickshire, GB, CV9 2HY

Date Posted: 2026-09-26T00:00:00

Closing Date: Friday 9th October 2026

Salary: Up to £68,000 + benefits

Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Hours: 35 hours a week

Work Pattern: Hybrid working (office based in Birmingham) typically 2 days in the office per week

Application Deadline: 2026-12-25T23:01:43.59

About Wesleyan

Established in 1841, Wesleyan helps trusted professionals such as 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.

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 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
• Helps business areas understand the root causes of incidents and shape effective remediation
• Works with Operational Resilience colleagues to assure the remediation of identified vulnerabilities
• Uses insight from the Risk Management System to prioritise activity and focus resources where they will have the greatest impact
• Works with a range of stakeholders across the Wesleyan Group to support the embedding of controls management into first line areas
• Collaborates with Second and Third Line colleagues to lead deep dive and thematic risk analysis

What You'll Bring

• Proven previous experience in a similar Operational Risk Management position
• Proven technical controls experience coupled with a strong background within audit
• Experience in reshaping and developing control frameworks
• Practised knowledge of the financial services sector
• Practised knowledge of First, Second or Third Line functions
• Customer focused
• 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 including PMI, Electric Vehicle Leasing, and cashback on essentials
• Enhanced family leave and two volunteering days

Why Wesleyan?

We're building a culture where everyone belongs. Diversity isn't just a policy; it's part of who we are. We value and empower all backgrounds to thrive. We support flexible working, job shares, and part-time options. If you need reasonable adjustments during recruitment, just let us know.

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 high volume of applications is received. Apply early to avoid disappointment.