Deputy Head of Controls Testing - Manchester or Edinburgh

We are AMS. We are a global total workforce solutions firm; we enable organisations to thrive in an age of constant change by building, re-shaping, and optimising workforces. Our Contingent Workforce Solutions (CWS) is one of our service offerings; we act as an extension of our clients' recruitment team and provide professional interim and temporary resources.

Our client, a major UK retail bank, provides every day banking services to over 17 million retail customers. The banks expertise and services span across Business Services, Corporate banking, Wealth Management, Group Functions, Retail and Investment Banking.

On behalf of this organisation, AMS are looking for a Deputy Head of Controls Testing for a 6-month contract on a hybrid basis just 1-day/week in either Manchester or Edinburgh (per candidate preference). This role is expected to be a single-stage interview for an immediate start.

Purpose of the Role:

This role is for a deputy Head of Controls Testing at one of the UK's best known retail and investment banks. Our client are undergoing significant change in their controls testing function following an extended vacancy in the Head of Controls Testing role. With a new internal Head of Testing joining shortly, the team faces a substantial backlog of testing, outstanding audit actions, and transformation initiatives including automation and methodology redesign. This role will act as a strategic delivery lead, working alongside the new Head to execute remediation activities and support wider change initiatives across the controls landscape.

Responsibilities of the role:

• Support the newly appointed Head of Controls Testing in executing strategic remediation and transformation projects.

• Lead the delivery of control remediation plans stemming from recent audit findings.

• Coordinate with Internal Audit and 2LoD to implement an automated controls testing tool.

• Act as a liaison across multiple internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment and timely delivery of key outcomes.

• Contribute to the development and rollout of new controls testing methodologies.

• Identify and resolve people and process-related issues affecting the effectiveness of the testing function.

• Assist in enhancing shareholder and stakeholder engagement approaches relating to controls assurance.

What we require from the candidate:

• Strong understanding of enterprise controls frameworks and non-financial risk management.

• Proven experience in controls testing leadership or transformation (ideally ex-Head of Testing or similar).

• Familiarity with control environments in large financial institutions, particularly those undergoing change.

• Confident stakeholder manager, able to work across audit, compliance, and risk teams.

• Strategic thinker with hands-on execution ability-comfortable working in a fast-moving, complex environment.

• Self-starter with excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.

• Advanced Excel skills are desirable; data analytics and automation experience a significant advantage though non-essential.

Next steps:

This client will only accept workers operating via an Umbrella or PAYE engagement model.

If you are interested in applying for this position and meet the criteria outlined above, please click the link to apply and we will contact you with an update in due course.

AMS, a Recruitment Process Outsourcing Company, may in the delivery of some of its services be deemed to operate as an Employment Agency or an Employment Business.