Risk Assurance Manager

As a Risk Assurance Manager you will execute the annual Assurance plan, using expert judgement and a broad understanding of the Lowell business, its activities and its risks. Using professional expertise, including a wide range of Assurance techniques, you'll manage the execution of 2nd line Assurance reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls.
Your role is to make recommendations to Senior Management to increase efficiency and/or effectiveness of the control systems of the functions reviewed, to support the business in achieving its strategic objectives, managing its risks, and complying with regulatory requirements.
You'll support the Head of Risk Assurance with implementation and execution of Risk Assurance across the wider Group whilst having the opportunity to deputise for the Head of Risk Assurance where required.,

• Support the Head of Risk Assurance in the design, roll out and embedding of the Risk Assurance framework and strategy, developing Assurance policy, methodology and supporting tools across all Regions and the Group. Based on professional risk, compliance and assurance knowledge and expertise, provide continuous challenge to the Assurance framework, identifying those areas where coverage and efficiency can be enhanced. Implement proposed improvements.


• Under the leadership of the Head of Risk Assurance, develop and maintain the annual risk-based assurance plan covering the Lowell Risk Universe, incorporating the business strategic objectives within the plan to ensure alignment with the organisation's goals and objectives and coverage of key risks.


• Create and develop the scoping and testing approach for Risk Assurance reviews, keeping up to date with Assurance and Internal Audit best practice. This should include appropriate use of audit sampling techniques and identifying areas where automated data analysis approaches can be used.


• Lead 2nd line Risk Assurance review execution for the UK team in accordance with the Risk Assurance Methodology, through delivery of assurance review work and supporting the Risk Assurance Officers in an oversight / support capacity. Including using expertise to challenge and refine the scoping and testing plan for Risk Assurance reviews based on understanding of the business and its risk and control environment.


• SME for Assurance for UK and Group Risk and Compliance. Provide Assurance SME guidance to other UK Risk and Compliance teams in support of their activity, including process mapping, RCSA risk analysis and testing, and supplier audits. Support other regions with training as needed and act as the centre of excellence for Assurance methodology questions.


• Within the UK, maintain in depth knowledge of evolving regulatory expectations to ensure appropriate coverage of conduct/compliance risk reviews of key business functions and processes. This will include, but not be limited to, providing assurance over the fair delivery of good customer outcomes.


• Maintain targeted specialist knowledge of the business and knowledge of the macroeconomic environment to support execution of thematic Risk Assurance reviews across all areas of the business, considering all elements of the Lowell Risk Library and Risk Framework.


• Co-ordinate reporting of issues, actions and any strategic or regulatory implications arising from Risk Assurance reviews. Assess exceptions identified and identify and articulate common themes or root cause to ensure that the problem, not the symptom, is addressed by the issue. Provide recommendations to Senior Management and agreed clear, specific and time limited action plans to address these.


• Lead by example and demonstrate role model behaviour. Provide coaching and leadership to support development, team engagement and retention, cultivating an open, co-operative, and collaborative culture within the Risk Assurance team.


• Actively engage with wider business priorities and commercial drivers for the business and apply the knowledge gained through this activity to adjust and refine Risk Assurance coverage. As needed, engage with the Client team to understand key Client drivers and objectives. Provide support and input to Client audits in support of wider business objectives. Ensure that commercial drivers are considered within all Risk Assurance work. Create, monitor and manage Key Performance indicators to assess the performance of the team and the effectiveness of the Risk Assurance methodology.


• Develop and nurture trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across the Lowell business to and actively engage with wider business priorities and commercial drivers for the business and apply the knowledge gained through this activity to adjust and refine Risk Assurance coverage, as needed, engage with the Client team to understand key Client drivers and objectives. Provide support and input to Client audits in support of wider business objectives. Ensure that commercial drivers are considered within all Risk Assurance work.
  
  An understanding of assurance and/or audit methodologies.


• Experience of report writing.


• Experience of stakeholder management.


• Regulatory knowledge.


• Experience working within the financial industry is desirable.
  
  At Lowell, we make credit work better for all! Our mission is to help customers on the path to becoming debt free; with a real focus on helping our customers pay off their debts in practical and affordable ways. We do this honestly, ethically and by treating our customers with dignity and respect.


We buy debts from lots of different companies in all kinds of sectors as well as provide collection services for other businesses. Our focus on sustainability, hybrid working, leadership development and career progression makes working at Lowell a rewarding experience., You'll also have lots of opportunities to make an impact on your personal development. At Lowell we have a big focus on helping our colleagues develop their careers and grow with us, together.

So, whatever your culture, gender identity, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, or disability status, if you're ready to help us make credit work better for all, we think you'll fit right in. Our people are our strength, so we build strong teams thriving with diverse voices, and offer benefits that can keep our people strong., Our people are our greatest asset. That means part of our mission is building a workplace where you can grow with us, and help us go on to make a difference, together.

Together, we go further - and it starts with you. So, if you're interested in adding your voice to our fantastic team of people, take the first step and apply today…


• A competitive salary.


• A discretionary annual bonus for a job well done.


• 3% flexible benefits; pick additional benefits or take as cash each month. Whether this is extra holiday or dental cover there will be something for you.


• We are committed to a hybrid working environment, where we will ask you to work in our Leeds office, which will be based in Thorpe Park. Our new purpose-built office to support collaborative working and those meaningful moments you'll only get from being in the office.


• Free parking when you are in the office and when working from home, you'll be fully equipped with everything you'll need to be successful.


• 28 days holiday plus public holidays with the option to purchase up to an additional 5 days.


• Life assurance.


• A fantastic culture with more little perks along the way including, self-development opportunities, recognition awards and on-site facilities to support the varying needs of our colleagues.


• Wellbeing support and a programme of webinars and classes geared towards mindfulness.


• Job security