Risk & Controls Manager (Financial Crime)

About the role

We are looking for a Risk & Controls Manager to lead our Line 1 Risk & Controls team within Santander’s UK Consumer Banking division. Reporting to the Head of Financial Crime & Controls, you will design, deliver and continuously improve quality‑control frameworks that protect customers and the business from financial crime, fraud and conduct risks.

Key responsibilities

• Design, implement and execute risk‑based quality controls across customer onboarding, due‑diligence, name‑screening, transaction monitoring and fraud prevention journeys.
• Lead gap‑analysis, thematic reviews and model‑calibration activities for transaction‑monitoring, screening and customer‑risk‑assessment models.
• Monitor control performance, team productivity and service‑level agreements, raising dispensations, issues or waivers as required.
• Develop and report management information that evidences QC outcomes, trends and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to embed improvements, minimise financial‑crime risk and meet Consumer Duty expectations.
• Conduct design and operating‑effectiveness testing of controls documented in the Heracles risk system.
• Drive continuous improvement, including the development of AI‑based models to enhance risk mitigation.
• Provide training, guidance and coaching to team members and other business areas.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing a Line 1 Risk & Controls team in a financial‑services environment.
• Strong knowledge of financial‑crime controls, AML, fraud detection (CIFAS/Hunter) and ABC (gifts & hospitality) policies.
• Experience with model calibration, transaction‑monitoring and screening frameworks.
• Ability to work collaboratively across functions and promote an inclusive, customer‑focused culture.

Required skills

• Heracles risk‑management system
• CIFAS/Hunter fraud‑control tools
• AI model development for risk mitigation