IT Risk & Control Specialist | S4 | CIO | Milton Keynes

Santander; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider in Milton Keynes is seeking an experienced IT Risk & Controls Specialist. This role involves leading the IT Risk & Controls function, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and fostering a culture of risk awareness. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in risk management within regulated environments, and strong communication skills to engage with stakeholders across various levels. This position offers a competitive salary and a hybrid working pattern.

Benefits

Discretionary performance-related annual bonus

8% employer pension contribution

30 days' holiday plus bank holidays

£6,000 car allowance

Company funded private medical insurance

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing IT risk & controls at a senior level.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and best practices.
• Ability to balance risk with commercial imperatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the cloud and on-prem IT Risk & Controls function.
• Promote a culture of risk awareness across the function.
• Prepare reports for management and regulatory bodies.

Skills

Risk management

Leadership

Excellent communication

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Professional certifications in Risk Management or Internal Auditing

Tools

GRC tools

Data analytics tools

Job description

Overview

IT Risk & Control Specialist | S4 | CIO | Milton Keynes

Country: United Kingdom

What you’ll do

Join our community. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced IT Risk & Controls Specialist for CIO. The IT Risk & Controls Specialist for CIO will be responsible for leading the cloud and on‑prem IT Risk & Controls function across a range of legal, regulatory and company requirements along with supporting on all cloud and on‑prem audits. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in managing IT risk & controls, leading teams, and driving continuous improvement. This role requires an extensive background within IT Risk and Controls management, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for delivering outstanding customer service.

The difference you’ll make

• Leading and promoting a solid culture of risk awareness and management across the function
• Develop, recommend, implement control measures to maintain risk management practices in technology for financial services while keeping up to date with industry best standards
• Prepare reports for management and regulatory bodies as needed
• Acting as the Risk and Controls specialist for all cloud and on‑prem IT Risk & Controls
• Ensure controls are effective, efficient, and aligned with best practices, regulatory and company requirements
• Leading by example, fosters a culture of control which balances risk reduction through control effectiveness against the needs of the business and its customers

What you’ll bring

• In‑depth knowledge and experience of operating at a senior level in risk management with a demonstrable understanding of current regulatory & IT Risk and Controls Management
• Excellent communication skills with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation, including technical and non‑technical teams
• Proven ability to balance risk management with commercial considerations when defining Risk Appetite, and the skill to influence and negotiate with stakeholders on risk acceptance decisions
• Extensive experience working in regulated industries and Tier 1 Banks, in particular leveraging technology standards, frameworks, compliance, and industry recognised best practice / standards
• Proven experience managing relationships with internal and external auditors, business and technology stakeholders and leading large‑scale assessment programmes

Nice to have

• Experience with GRC tools and data analytics to enhance efficiency and insight
• Professional certifications such as Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or similar are advantageous
• Experience of building high performance teams

What else you need to know

This role is based in Milton Keynes

We want our people to thrive at work and home, and also be able to deliver the best outcomes for our customers and to help each other develop. To support this, we offer site‑based contracts with a hybrid working pattern and our expected level of attendance in an office is at least 12 days per month (pro‑rata for part‑time roles).

If you apply for this role in this location, it’s important you consider your travelling distance, time and cost from your home to the office location.

We’re happy to discuss specific working patterns and arrangement within this hybrid approach during the recruitment process.

Inclusion

At Santander we’re creating a thriving workplace where all colleagues feel they belong and are supported to succeed. We all help to make Santander a workplace that celebrates diversity and attracts, retains and develops the most talented and committed people through living our values of Simple, Personal, and Fair.

How we’ll reward you

As well as a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy a benefits package that you can tailor to your needs.

• Eligible for a discretionary performance‑related annual bonus
• We put 8% of salary into your pension, even if you don’t contribute yourself. We’ll pay in up to 12.5% of salary, if you contribute as well, and you can take some of our contribution in cash if you prefer
• 30 days' holiday plus bank holidays, which increases to 31 days after 5yrs service, with the option to purchase up to 5 contractual days per year
• £6,000 car allowance per year
• Company funded individual private medical insurance
• Voluntary healthcare benefits at discounted rates such as private medical insurance for your family, dental insurance, and health assessments
• Protection for you and your family, with company‑funded death‑in‑service benefit and income protection insurance, and the option to take advantage of discounted rates for additional life assurance and critical illness cover
• Share in Santander’s success by saving or investing in our share plans
• As a Santander UK employee, you are able to request staff versions of our products like our Edge Current Accounts and Credit Cards with no fees, as well as apply to many other deals and discounts in Santander products and services

What to do next

If this sounds like a role you’re interested in, then please apply.

If there’s anything we can do in the recruitment process to help you achieve your best, get in touch. Whether it’s a copy of our application form in another format or additional assistance, we’re available through email. You can contact us at [e-mail].

Additional information

We welcome applications on the understanding that, should you be offered this role, there may be no relocation package available. Santander will pay the employer mandatory government fees that are required to pay in connection with visa sponsorship. You may be liable for your own personal employee immigration and relocation costs.