Manager, Control Design & Optimisation – Consumer Lending Chief Controls Office

This review provides an overview of the Manager, Control Design & Optimisation – Consumer Lending Chief Controls Office role, highlighting its advantages and key considerations for prospective candidates to inform their career path.

About the Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Consumer Lending (CL) Chief Controls Office team, playing a pivotal role in shaping the non-financial control environment. The organization is undergoing a significant transformation with "Resetting Risk" as a core focus for 2025, aiming to empower individuals with end-to-end accountability for managing risks. This initiative is creating a specialized team of control and data experts to support risk and control owners in delivering exceptional customer outcomes.

The role is situated within the Control Design & Optimisation team, a crucial component of the CL Chief Controls Office. This team is dedicated to simplifying, optimising, and automating controls, leveraging new technologies to enhance efficiency and accelerate customer service. A data-led approach to control effectiveness insights is central to continuously improving the CL control environment. Success in this role will require a proactive mindset, a desire for continuous learning, and a focus on driving positive change.

Key Advantages for Candidates

• Impactful Role in Transformation: You will be at the forefront of a significant strategic initiative ("Resetting Risk") that is reshaping risk management across a major financial institution. This offers a chance to contribute to tangible, large-scale change.
• Career Growth and Expertise Development: The organization is committed to fostering an environment where colleagues are valued, supported, and encouraged to become experts in their fields. This role provides a platform for significant professional development and career advancement.
• Innovation and Technology Adoption: The role emphasizes the use of cutting-edge technologies, including AI/Co-Pilot and advanced data analytics tools like PowerBI. This offers a forward-thinking environment for those interested in leveraging technology to drive improvements.
• Process Excellence and Automation: You will be instrumental in designing and implementing process automation solutions, leading to increased efficiency and reduced manual effort. This focus on optimisation is highly valuable in today's business landscape.
• Strategic Alignment: The position allows you to connect your work directly to the Group's strategy and objectives, ensuring that risk management efforts support Consumer Lending's goals and contribute to safe, positive customer outcomes.
• Flexible Working: The role offers a hybrid working model (40% or two days in office) and the potential for job sharing, providing valuable flexibility for work-life balance.
• Competitive Compensation and Benefits: A competitive salary range of £65,385 - £72,650, coupled with a generous benefits package including pension contributions, annual bonus, share schemes, and various well-being initiatives, makes this an attractive proposition.

Key Considerations for Candidates

• Data-Driven Approach: A strong proficiency in data analytics and visualization tools (e.g., PowerBI) is essential, as the role relies heavily on generating actionable insights from data to inform control improvements.
• Stakeholder Management and Communication: The ability to build strong relationships, collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and communicate findings persuasively through storytelling and visualization is critical for driving adoption and engagement.
• Process Understanding and Mapping: Candidates should possess the skills to conduct thorough process mapping, identify inefficiencies, and design robust control mechanisms.
• Risk Management Acumen: A solid understanding of risk strategy and its practical application within operational environments is a prerequisite for aligning control activities with the broader Group strategy.
• Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with control lifecycle tools such as ARIS and Jira, alongside experience with process automation technologies, will be highly beneficial.
• Adaptability to Change: Given the transformational nature of the role and the organization's focus on continuous improvement, a candidate who thrives in a dynamic environment and embraces change will be most successful.

This Manager, Control Design & Optimisation role presents a compelling opportunity for ambitious professionals seeking to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking financial institution. By leveraging data, technology, and strong collaboration skills, candidates can drive meaningful improvements in risk management and contribute to the success of Consumer Lending.