Senior Controls Analyst

Ford Motor Company; Basildon; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive company in the UK seeks a Senior Controls Analyst to design and implement controls testing across various operational risk types. Candidates must have over 5 years of experience in operational risk roles within the UK banking sector. This role offers an opportunity to lead control testing initiatives and engage with senior management while maintaining robust risk oversight.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a UK Bank in a second line operational risk role.
• Experience presenting at Executive level committees.
• Hands-on experience with risk management systems for reporting outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of Second Line controls testing.
• Provide guidance to the First Line of Defence on control design.
• Monitor external environment for controls testing best practices.

Skills

Controls testing

Risk management

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Advisory skills

Job description

The Senior Controls Analyst will be responsible for the design, execution, and reporting of second line controls testing activities across the Operational Risk Taxonomy, ensuring the effectiveness of controls designed to mitigate operational risks. This role will provide critical insights into control performance and support continuous improvement of the control environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ demonstrable experience working in a UK Bank in a second line operational risk role with a strong focus on controls testing.
• Proven exposure to conducting controls testing across various operational risk types.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and executing controls testing within an FCA or PRA regulatory environment.
• Significant experience with controls testing methodologies, including the development of test scripts, sampling techniques, and reporting on control effectiveness.
• Strong experience presenting at Executive level committees, including Executive Committee and Board.
• Practical experience in implementing automated controls processes, minimising the need for manual human intervention.
• Experience of developing and providing training or guidance on controls and controls testing to the First Line of Defence, at all levels.
• Hands on experience with risk management systems, for documenting, tracking, and reporting controls testing outcomes.

Our preferred requirements

• Resilient and adaptable, able to manage multiple testing engagements, handle high‑pressure situations, and provide accurate controls insights within short timescales.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a meticulous attention to detail in reviewing control evidence and identifying control weaknesses.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal, capable of articulating complex controls testing findings and recommendations clearly to Senior Management and Non‑Exec Director Level.

Additional Information

The Company is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity for all and is opposed to any form of less favourable treatment or harassment on the grounds of race, religion or belief, sex, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability.

This position is based in Dunton, and it is expected the successful candidate will be able to attend the Dunton office for typically 4 days a week and remain flexible on the days they are required to attend the office according to business requirements.

As part of our pre‑employment checks process, successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal record check. This will be conducted in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and applied only to unspent convictions.

Responsibilities

Controls Testing & Advisory

• Lead the planning, execution, and reporting of Second Line controls testing across FCE, validating the effectiveness of controls implemented by the First Line of Defence to mitigate operational risks.
• Develop and refine controls testing methodologies, test scripts, and sampling strategies to ensure robust and comprehensive coverage of key operational risks, including conduct, compliance, cyber, and IT risks.
• Provide expert guidance and support to the First Line of Defence on control design, implementation, and self‑assessment, aiding their understanding of control effectiveness.
• Report findings from controls testing to senior management and relevant risk committees, providing clear, actionable insights into control deficiencies, emerging control risks, and recommendations for remediation and enhancement.
• Monitor the external environment and regulatory landscape (e.g., FCA/PRA) to identify best practices in controls testing and integrate these into FCE's testing methodologies and control assessments.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for controls testing, offering guidance and support to FCE locations and functions on control effectiveness and testing requirements.
• Validate that controls within change initiatives are appropriately designed, implemented, and monitored post‑implementation through dedicated testing efforts.
• Support strategic change initiatives within the team, by assessing their impact on the control environment and developing appropriate testing strategies.
• Develop effective working relationships with other Second Line Risk Teams (e.g., Operational Resilience, IT Security & Cyber, Compliance) to ensure integrated controls testing and holistic risk assessment.

Governance & Framework

• Contribute controls testing insights and findings to the Executive Operational Risk & Resilience Committee, Compliance Committees, and other relevant governance forums, supporting informed decision‑making.
• Support the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of Second Line controls testing policies, procedures, and methodologies, ensuring alignment with industry standards and regulatory expectations.
• Assist with the continuous improvement of governance structures and processes related to controls testing, ensuring they remain effective and efficient.
• Engage in the strategic planning of controls testing oversight, contributing to the long‑term resilience and stability of FCE’s operations.
• Support the maintenance and development of the Operational Risk Management System (GRC) for controls testing documentation, tracking, and reporting.