Technology External Assurance Manager

Audit & Risk Recruitment; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Technology External Assurance Manager for a prominent financial services organization in Southampton. This role involves managing third-party IT assurance and supplier risk management while leading a growing team. Candidates should have strong IT audit experience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a regulated environment. The position offers a competitive salary and flexible working options, with a supportive and inclusive culture.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Private healthcare

Annual performance-based bonus

Life assurance

Gym access or fitness discounts

Qualifications

• Strong background in supplier or third-party assurance.
• Prior experience in a regulated financial services environment is a plus.
• Understanding of IT controls and information security frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver end-to-end supplier assurance.
• Conduct supplier IT audits and risk assessments.
• Review supplier contracts for compliance with policies.
• Prepare risk assessment papers for stakeholders.
• Manage remediation of findings and issues.

Skills

IT control reviews

Supplier assurance

Auditing

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

CISA

CISM

CISSP

IIA

Job description

Audit & Risk Recruitment are delighted to be partnering with one of the UK's leading financial services organisations in their search for a Technology External Assurance Manager.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly respected and forward-thinking business that places technology and innovation at the heart of its strategy. The successful candidate will play a key role in managing third-party IT assurance, IT supplier risk management, and information security oversight, ensuring compliance within a complex and regulated environment. You will also lead a growing team, developing their IT Risk and control capabilities across the business.

• Based in London, Staines and Leeds.
• Flexible hybrid working policy looking for as little as 1-2 times per month in office!
• Salary: £65,000-£80,000 DOE and location

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver end-to-end supplier assurance across onboarding and ongoing monitoring activities.
• Conduct and oversee supplier IT audits, IT risk assessments, and IT due diligence reviews.
• Review supplier contracts to ensure alignment with internal policies and regulatory standards.
• Prepare and present risk assessment papers and assurance reports to senior stakeholders.
• Track and manage the remediation of findings, ensuring effective and timely closure of issues.
• Oversee metrics, reporting, and quality assurance across the Technology External Assurance function.
• Identify and drive process improvements, including digitisation and automation of assurance processes.
• Support ad-hoc customer assurance and technology risk projects as required.

Candidate Profile

• Experienced assurance, IT audit, IT Internal Audit or IT Risk professional with a strong background in supplier or third-party assurance.
• Prior experience in a regulated financial services environment (FCA, UK GDPR, or similar). (not essential)
• Professional certifications such as CISA, CISM, CISSP, or IIA desirable.
• Strong understanding of IT controls and information security and IT risk frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST, CIS Controls).
• Proven experience in conducting and managing control reviews, audits, and risk assessments.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits & Culture

This financial services organisation offers a supportive, flexible, and inclusive working culture, with a strong focus on employee wellbeing and professional growth. Benefits include :

• 25 days annual leave (with the option to buy or sell additional days)
• Private healthcare and enhanced pension contributions
• Annual performance-based bonus
• Life assurance and comprehensive wellbeing initiatives
• Access to gyms or local fitness discounts
• Hybrid and family-friendly working options