Description
The Head of Agile Testing leads the Agile Testing function, delivering proactive, risk-based, data-led testing across Financial Crime and Compliance risk areas.
The role provides independent challenge and insight through rapid, sprint-based reviews that identify emerging risks, assess the effectiveness of controls and remediation, and provide senior management with forward-looking intelligence.
The role is accountable for establishing and continually enhancing the Agile Testing methodology, operating model, governance, reporting, and delivery capability.
Accountabilities
- Identification and assessment of compliance risks through thorough reviews of business activities, changes, processes, testing and systems.
- Identification and investigation of potential market abuse, including Insider Dealing, Unlawful Disclosure, Market Manipulation or Anti-Competitive Conduct.
- Conduct investigation of compliance risk events or breaches.
- Implementation of compliance policies and procedures in line with regulatory requirements.
- Collaboration with 1LOD, other relevant Compliance teams and legal, and relevant risk management functions.
Director Expectations
- Manage a business function, providing significant input to function wide strategic initiatives.
- Lead organisation wide projects and act as deep technical expert and thought leader.
- Provide expert advice to senior functional management and committees.
- Manage, coordinate and enable resourcing, budgeting and policy creation for a significant sub-function.
Experience and Skills Essential
- Significant experience in Financial Crime, Compliance, Risk, Assurance, Audit, or Testing functions.
- Proven leadership experience managing senior specialist teams.
- Strong understanding of AML, Sanctions, ABC, Fraud, and broader Compliance risk frameworks.
- Experience designing and implementing testing, assurance, or oversight frameworks.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
Desirable
- Experience establishing new functions or operating models.
- Strong expertise in data analytics and management information.
- Familiarity with agile delivery methodologies.
- Experience with technology-enabled testing tools and data platforms.
Success Measures
- Identification of emerging risks and thematic issues.
- Quality and timeliness of testing outputs.
- Management adoption of recommendations.
- Reduction in repeat control weaknesses and thematic findings.
- Stakeholder satisfaction and credibility of insights provided.
Leadership Expectations
- Sets strategic direction and delivers through others.
- Demonstrates sound judgement and balanced, risk-based decision-making.
- Facilitates constructive challenge while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.
- Drives innovation and continuous improvement.