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

Santander Group; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent financial institution in Milton Keynes is seeking an experienced IT Risk & Controls Specialist to oversee compliance and risk management for cloud and on-prem solutions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in IT Risk Management, excellent leadership skills, and experience with GRC tools. This role includes a hybrid working pattern, combining on-site presence with flexibility. Permanent contracts offer competitive benefits, including performance bonuses.

Benefits

Discretionary performance-related annual bonus

8% salary pension contribution

30 days holiday plus bank holidays

£6,000 car allowance

Company-funded private medical insurance

Share in success through share plans

Qualifications

• Extensive background in IT Risk and Controls management.
• Experience in regulated industries, particularly in Tier 1 Banks.
• Proven track record in managing relationships across teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the IT Risk & Controls function for cloud and on-prem operations.
• Develop and implement control measures for risk management.
• Prepare reports for management and regulatory bodies.

Skills

Leadership

IT Risk Management

Analytical Skills

Stakeholder Communication

Education

Professional certifications (e.g., CRMP, CIA)

Tools

GRC tools

Data Analytics

Job description

Overview

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 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and promote a solid culture of risk awareness and management across the function.
• Develop, recommend, and implement control measures to maintain risk management practices in technology for financial services, while staying up to date with industry best standards.
• Prepare reports for management and regulatory bodies as needed.
• Act 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.
• Lead by example to foster a culture of control that balances risk reduction with business and customer needs.
• Demonstrate in‑depth knowledge and experience operating at a senior level in risk management with an understanding of current regulatory and IT Risk and Controls Management.
• Maintain excellent communication with stakeholders at all levels, including technical and non‑technical teams.
• Balance risk management with commercial considerations when defining Risk Appetite and influence stakeholders on risk acceptance decisions.
• Apply extensive experience in regulated industries and Tier 1 Banks, leveraging technology standards, frameworks, compliance, and industry‑recognized best practices.
• Manage relationships with internal and external auditors, business and technology stakeholders, and lead large‑scale assessment programmes.

What you’ll bring

• 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 building high performance teams.

Location and working pattern

This role is based in Milton Keynes. We offer site‑based contracts with a hybrid working pattern and an expected level of attendance in an office of at least 12 days per month (pro‑rata for part‑time roles).

About Santander

At Santander we are committed to creating a thriving workplace where all colleagues belong and succeed, celebrating diversity and attracting, retaining and developing talent through our values of Simple, Personal, and Fair. We welcome applications with the understanding that relocation packages may not be available. Santander will pay the employer mandatory government fees required to pay in connection with visa sponsorship. You may be liable for your own personal immigration and relocation costs.

Benefits

• Eligible for a discretionary performance‑related annual bonus
• 8% of salary contributed to pension with additional company contributions up to 12.5% if you contribute; option to take some contributions in cash
• 30 days of holiday plus bank holidays (increases to 31 days after 5 years), with the option to purchase up to 5 contractual days per year
• £6,000 car allowance per year
• Company‑funded private medical insurance
• Voluntary healthcare benefits at discounted rates (family private medical insurance, dental, health assessments)
• Company‑funded death‑in‑service benefit and income protection insurance, with options for additional life assurance and critical illness cover
• Share in Santander's success through share plans
• Access to staff versions of Santander products and other discounts