Job Description At AJ Bell, we're committed to delivering straightforward, high quality services that help customers invest with confidence. As we continue to grow, we're looking for a Head of Customer Controls to play a key leadership role in strengthening control oversight, customer outcomes and operational governance across our Customer Services function. This is a senior leadership role reporting to the Customer Services Director, with responsibility for building and leading a robust customer controls framework that supports operational efficiency, regulatory compliance and fair customer outcomes. You'll combine strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, working closely with senior stakeholders across Customer Services, Risk, Compliance, Finance and Change to ensure our controls environment remains effective, proportionate and fit for the future. What you'll be doing: You'll lead the development and ongoing enhancement of our Customer Controls function, ensuring strong governance, meaningful reporting and effective control oversight across Customer Services activity. Key responsibilities include Leading and developing the Customer Controls framework, ensuring key risks, controls, ownership and assurance activity are clearly defined and maintained Providing oversight of customer related regulatory obligations, including complaint handling, Consumer Duty, vulnerable customer processes and customer communications Managing the Operational Fraud Team, providing leadership across fraud prevention, detection, case oversight and escalation Designing and delivering a proportionate assurance programme, including control testing, quality checks and remediation tracking Developing clear, insightful MI to support senior management, committees and board reporting Ensuring risks, incidents and control weaknesses are identified early, escalated appropriately and addressed effectively Partnering with Finance to monitor budgets, efficiency measures and operational performance across Customer Services Supporting operational change by embedding controls into new processes, systems and customer journeys Leading continuous improvement activity to strengthen controls, reduce risk and improve customer outcomes What we're looking for Strong operational controls leadership experience in a regulated financial services environment, ideally within investments, pensions, wealth or platform services. Proven experience leading risk, controls, quality assurance or operational oversight teams Strong understanding of FCA expectations relevant to customer operations, including Consumer Duty and complaint handling Experience building governance frameworks, assurance plans and control reporting Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and challenge constructively at senior level Excellent analytical and reporting capability, with strong MI and data interpretation skills Confidence translating complex control issues into clear actions and decisions Strong written communication skills, including production of governance papers and senior reporting Experience managing teams and developing capability within a control environment Relevant professional qualifications such as ICA, CISI or CII would be beneficial, although equivalent practical experience is equally valued. About AJ Bell AJ Bell is one of the UK's fastest-growing investment platform businesses, providing award-winning solutions for everyone, from professional financial advisers to first-time investors. Today, over 723,000 customers trust us to manage more than £108.7 billion of assets. By continually striving to make investing simpler and more accessible, we're helping more people take control of their financial futures. We're proud to be recognised as one of the UK's Best 100 Companies to Work For for six consecutive years, and a Great Place to Work in 2025 and 2026 a reflection of our supportive and collaborative culture. What we offer 28 days holiday, increasing with service + buy/sell scheme + bank holidays 8% Pension with matched contributions Discretionary bonus scheme Share schemes (including free shares and BAYE) Health Cash Plan and discounted private healthcare Free onsite gym Enhanced family leave (subject to qualifying criteria) Travel and bike loan schemes Employee Assistance Programme Life at AJ Bell Regular social events including summer and Christmas parties Learning and development opportunities tailored to you Casual dress code Friendly, supportive team environment Our ways of working We offer hybrid working, with a minimum of 50% of your working time per month spent in the office. For new starters, there's an initial period of full-time office working to help you settle in and build relationships. Inclusion & diversity We're committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and able to be themselves at work. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and make hiring decisions based on skills, experience and potential.
May 12, 2026
Full time
Job Description At AJ Bell, we're committed to delivering straightforward, high quality services that help customers invest with confidence. As we continue to grow, we're looking for a Head of Customer Controls to play a key leadership role in strengthening control oversight, customer outcomes and operational governance across our Customer Services function. This is a senior leadership role reporting to the Customer Services Director, with responsibility for building and leading a robust customer controls framework that supports operational efficiency, regulatory compliance and fair customer outcomes. You'll combine strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, working closely with senior stakeholders across Customer Services, Risk, Compliance, Finance and Change to ensure our controls environment remains effective, proportionate and fit for the future. What you'll be doing: You'll lead the development and ongoing enhancement of our Customer Controls function, ensuring strong governance, meaningful reporting and effective control oversight across Customer Services activity. Key responsibilities include Leading and developing the Customer Controls framework, ensuring key risks, controls, ownership and assurance activity are clearly defined and maintained Providing oversight of customer related regulatory obligations, including complaint handling, Consumer Duty, vulnerable customer processes and customer communications Managing the Operational Fraud Team, providing leadership across fraud prevention, detection, case oversight and escalation Designing and delivering a proportionate assurance programme, including control testing, quality checks and remediation tracking Developing clear, insightful MI to support senior management, committees and board reporting Ensuring risks, incidents and control weaknesses are identified early, escalated appropriately and addressed effectively Partnering with Finance to monitor budgets, efficiency measures and operational performance across Customer Services Supporting operational change by embedding controls into new processes, systems and customer journeys Leading continuous improvement activity to strengthen controls, reduce risk and improve customer outcomes What we're looking for Strong operational controls leadership experience in a regulated financial services environment, ideally within investments, pensions, wealth or platform services. Proven experience leading risk, controls, quality assurance or operational oversight teams Strong understanding of FCA expectations relevant to customer operations, including Consumer Duty and complaint handling Experience building governance frameworks, assurance plans and control reporting Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and challenge constructively at senior level Excellent analytical and reporting capability, with strong MI and data interpretation skills Confidence translating complex control issues into clear actions and decisions Strong written communication skills, including production of governance papers and senior reporting Experience managing teams and developing capability within a control environment Relevant professional qualifications such as ICA, CISI or CII would be beneficial, although equivalent practical experience is equally valued. About AJ Bell AJ Bell is one of the UK's fastest-growing investment platform businesses, providing award-winning solutions for everyone, from professional financial advisers to first-time investors. Today, over 723,000 customers trust us to manage more than £108.7 billion of assets. By continually striving to make investing simpler and more accessible, we're helping more people take control of their financial futures. We're proud to be recognised as one of the UK's Best 100 Companies to Work For for six consecutive years, and a Great Place to Work in 2025 and 2026 a reflection of our supportive and collaborative culture. What we offer 28 days holiday, increasing with service + buy/sell scheme + bank holidays 8% Pension with matched contributions Discretionary bonus scheme Share schemes (including free shares and BAYE) Health Cash Plan and discounted private healthcare Free onsite gym Enhanced family leave (subject to qualifying criteria) Travel and bike loan schemes Employee Assistance Programme Life at AJ Bell Regular social events including summer and Christmas parties Learning and development opportunities tailored to you Casual dress code Friendly, supportive team environment Our ways of working We offer hybrid working, with a minimum of 50% of your working time per month spent in the office. For new starters, there's an initial period of full-time office working to help you settle in and build relationships. Inclusion & diversity We're committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and able to be themselves at work. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and make hiring decisions based on skills, experience and potential.
Job Description Ready to lead the next evolution of one of the UK's leading investment platforms? AJ Bell is seeking a Director of Engineering to set engineering direction and build high performing, product aligned teams delivering secure, reliable and innovative digital experiences that help our customers feel good investing. This is a high impact, hands on leadership role. You'll partner with senior leaders, Product and Design to define the engineering strategy, strengthen delivery and operational excellence, and evolve an Agile, outcome focused, backlog led model. Through our Heads of Department, you'll create clarity and consistency in standards, security and regulatory compliance, while building a culture of ownership, learning and continuous improvement across our services. Why this role at AJ Bell Lead a modern engineering organisation at scale, with clear executive sponsorship and the ability to influence platform wide direction. Work on products that directly impact how hundreds of thousands of customers invest, balancing pace with resilience, security and regulatory expectations. Invest in ways of working: data led performance, engineering excellence, developer experience, AI enabled tooling and automation. Join a people first culture that values inclusion, development and long-term career growth. What you'll do Set the engineering vision, translating AJ Bell's strategy into a clear, measurable roadmap and operating plan. Build and sustain high performing teams by coaching engineering leaders, strengthening structure, and creating the conditions for speed, ownership and quality. Partner across Product, Design and senior stakeholders to align priorities, manage trade-offs and accelerate outcomes. Own delivery outcomes across multiple teams, setting goals, removing blockers, improving predictability and ensuring consistent execution. Evolve modern engineering practices, using AI, automation and DevOps to streamline delivery and shorten cycle times. Ensure services are reliable, secure and compliant, driving performance, resilience, observability and regulatory adherence. Lead key external integrations, partnering with vendors to deliver high quality, well governed capabilities. What we're looking for We're looking for a strategic, technically credible leader with a track record of building great engineering organisations and delivering complex change. Proven experience leading software engineering teams in complex environments; experience within FCA regulated financial services is a plus. Strong knowledge of modern platforms and delivery practices (cloud native architectures, DevOps, CI/CD and automated testing). Experience shaping technology strategy, running multiple teams, and delivering high quality outcomes through clear prioritisation and governance. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to engage at Board level and explain complex topics clearly to non-technical audiences. Demonstrable impact improving operational efficiency, engineering standards and team engagement. A passion for outcome driven delivery, continuous improvement and pragmatic innovation. Technical expertise we value: .NET, Angular/React/Vue, AWS (or equivalent cloud platforms), test automation, microservices, APIs and object oriented programming. About AJ Bell AJ Bell is one of the UK's fastest growing investment platforms, serving over 723,000 customers and managing £108.7 billion in assets. Through our award winning platform, we make investing simple, transparent, and enjoyable, helping people feel good investing. With 1,500+ employees across Manchester, London, and Bristol, we've been recognised as one of the UK's Best 100 Companies to Work For six years running, as well as a Great Place to Work in 2025 and 2026. What we offer Competitive starting salary 28 days holiday, increasing to 31 with length of service plus holiday buy/sell scheme Pension scheme with up to 8% matched contributions Discretionary bonus Buy As You Earn (BAYE) share scheme PMI, and health cash plan Free onsite gym, cycle to work scheme, and travel loans Enhanced parental leave (tiered on length of service) Employee Assistance Programme Professional development, ongoing technical training, and qualification support Social calendar including monthly payday drinks, summer party, Christmas party This is a Manchester-based hybrid role, with a minimum of 50% of working time spent in the office each month. Beyond this, we're looking for someone who is genuinely present in the business, building relationships, understanding our teams, and embedding themselves in our culture. This role will suit someone who values visibility, connection and being close to where decisions and collaboration happen. Inclusion & diversity We're committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and able to be themselves at work. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and make hiring decisions based on skills, experience and potential.
May 11, 2026
Full time
Job Description Ready to lead the next evolution of one of the UK's leading investment platforms? AJ Bell is seeking a Director of Engineering to set engineering direction and build high performing, product aligned teams delivering secure, reliable and innovative digital experiences that help our customers feel good investing. This is a high impact, hands on leadership role. You'll partner with senior leaders, Product and Design to define the engineering strategy, strengthen delivery and operational excellence, and evolve an Agile, outcome focused, backlog led model. Through our Heads of Department, you'll create clarity and consistency in standards, security and regulatory compliance, while building a culture of ownership, learning and continuous improvement across our services. Why this role at AJ Bell Lead a modern engineering organisation at scale, with clear executive sponsorship and the ability to influence platform wide direction. Work on products that directly impact how hundreds of thousands of customers invest, balancing pace with resilience, security and regulatory expectations. Invest in ways of working: data led performance, engineering excellence, developer experience, AI enabled tooling and automation. Join a people first culture that values inclusion, development and long-term career growth. What you'll do Set the engineering vision, translating AJ Bell's strategy into a clear, measurable roadmap and operating plan. Build and sustain high performing teams by coaching engineering leaders, strengthening structure, and creating the conditions for speed, ownership and quality. Partner across Product, Design and senior stakeholders to align priorities, manage trade-offs and accelerate outcomes. Own delivery outcomes across multiple teams, setting goals, removing blockers, improving predictability and ensuring consistent execution. Evolve modern engineering practices, using AI, automation and DevOps to streamline delivery and shorten cycle times. Ensure services are reliable, secure and compliant, driving performance, resilience, observability and regulatory adherence. Lead key external integrations, partnering with vendors to deliver high quality, well governed capabilities. What we're looking for We're looking for a strategic, technically credible leader with a track record of building great engineering organisations and delivering complex change. Proven experience leading software engineering teams in complex environments; experience within FCA regulated financial services is a plus. Strong knowledge of modern platforms and delivery practices (cloud native architectures, DevOps, CI/CD and automated testing). Experience shaping technology strategy, running multiple teams, and delivering high quality outcomes through clear prioritisation and governance. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to engage at Board level and explain complex topics clearly to non-technical audiences. Demonstrable impact improving operational efficiency, engineering standards and team engagement. A passion for outcome driven delivery, continuous improvement and pragmatic innovation. Technical expertise we value: .NET, Angular/React/Vue, AWS (or equivalent cloud platforms), test automation, microservices, APIs and object oriented programming. About AJ Bell AJ Bell is one of the UK's fastest growing investment platforms, serving over 723,000 customers and managing £108.7 billion in assets. Through our award winning platform, we make investing simple, transparent, and enjoyable, helping people feel good investing. With 1,500+ employees across Manchester, London, and Bristol, we've been recognised as one of the UK's Best 100 Companies to Work For six years running, as well as a Great Place to Work in 2025 and 2026. What we offer Competitive starting salary 28 days holiday, increasing to 31 with length of service plus holiday buy/sell scheme Pension scheme with up to 8% matched contributions Discretionary bonus Buy As You Earn (BAYE) share scheme PMI, and health cash plan Free onsite gym, cycle to work scheme, and travel loans Enhanced parental leave (tiered on length of service) Employee Assistance Programme Professional development, ongoing technical training, and qualification support Social calendar including monthly payday drinks, summer party, Christmas party This is a Manchester-based hybrid role, with a minimum of 50% of working time spent in the office each month. Beyond this, we're looking for someone who is genuinely present in the business, building relationships, understanding our teams, and embedding themselves in our culture. This role will suit someone who values visibility, connection and being close to where decisions and collaboration happen. Inclusion & diversity We're committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and able to be themselves at work. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and make hiring decisions based on skills, experience and potential.
Job Description We are seeking a motivated and technically strong Internal Controls Manager to join our growing FTSE 250 business. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Internal Controls, you will play a key role in shaping and enhancing the Group's financial, operational, and compliance control environment. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, ambitious setting and is passionate about driving continuous improvement across the internal control framework. About the role: You will support the development and ongoing monitoring of the Group's internal control framework, with a focus on operational and compliance controls. You will work closely with senior stakeholders and subject matter experts to enhance control design, perform effectiveness testing, and ensure compliance with evolving governance requirements. Key Responsibilities: Support the Senior Manager Internal Controls in the ongoing development and monitoring of the Group's operational and compliance elements of the internal control framework. Conduct design effectiveness reviews of operational and compliance controls, create/review process maps, and work with the business and SMEs to resolve control design failures and monitor remediation plans. Perform operating effectiveness testing of controls, provide outcomes and recommendations, and work with the business to address root causes of control deficiencies and track remediation plans. Provide guidance and best practice advice to operational and compliance control owners on remediation activities and internal control improvements. Advise and educate the business on the impact of new UK Corporate Governance Code requirements. Assist in preparing control assessment findings and recommendations for Executive and Board Committees. Competence, Knowledge & Skills: Competence: Proven experience in a risk, internal control, or audit role, ideally within a regulated industry. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong ability to formulate proposals, provide recommendations, and collaborate with risk and control owners to address control weaknesses. Knowledge & Skills: Strong planning, organisation, and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively. Confidence working to tight reporting deadlines. Solid technical skills with a logical, problem-solving mindset. Methodical and disciplined approach, balancing attention to detail with a clear understanding of the broader context. About us: AJ Bell is one of the fastest-growing investment platform businesses in the UK offering an award-winning range of solutions that caters for everyone, from professional financial advisers to DIY investors with little to no experience. We have over 620,000 customers using our award-winning platform propositions to manage assets totalling more than £96.1 billion. Our customers trust us with their investments, and by continuously striving to make investing easier, we aim to help even more people take control of their financial futures. Having listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in December 2018, AJ Bell is now a FTSE 250 company. Headquartered in Manchester with offices in central London and Bristol, we now have over 1,450 employees and have been named one of the UK's 'Best 100 Companies to Work For' for six consecutive years and in 2024 named a Great Place to Work. At AJ Bell you can expect a friendly working environment with a strong sense of teamwork, we have a great sense of pride in what we do, and this is reflected in our guiding principles. What we offer: Starting salary c.£60,000 (Negotiable DOE) Generous holiday allowance of 27 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service Holiday buy and sell scheme A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 8% Discretionary bonus scheme Annual free share awards scheme Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme Health Cash Plan - provided by SimplyHealth Discounted private healthcare scheme and dental plan Free gym membership Employee Assistance Programme Bike loan scheme Sick pay+ pledge Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave Loans for travel season tickets Death in service scheme Paid time off for volunteer work Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice Calendar of social events, including monthly payday drinks, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more Personal development programmes built around you and your career goals, including access to personal skills workshops Ongoing technical training Professional qualification support Talent development programmes Peer recognition scheme, with rewards including restaurant and shopping vouchers or time off Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches Casual dress code Access to a range of benefits from our sponsorship deals Hybrid working: At AJ Bell, our people are the heart of our culture. We believe in building strong connections by working together. That's why we offer a hybrid working model, where you'll spend a minimum of 50% of your working time per month in the office. For new team members, an initial period will be full-time in the office to help you immerse yourself in our business and build valuable relationships with your colleagues. AJ Bell is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and all employees are empowered to bring their whole self to work. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, religion, physical and mental disability, marital status and any other characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010. All decisions to hire are based on qualifications, merit and business need. If you like the sound of the above, or just want to know more about the company and the role, we'd love to speak to you.
Oct 08, 2025
Full time
Job Description We are seeking a motivated and technically strong Internal Controls Manager to join our growing FTSE 250 business. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Internal Controls, you will play a key role in shaping and enhancing the Group's financial, operational, and compliance control environment. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, ambitious setting and is passionate about driving continuous improvement across the internal control framework. About the role: You will support the development and ongoing monitoring of the Group's internal control framework, with a focus on operational and compliance controls. You will work closely with senior stakeholders and subject matter experts to enhance control design, perform effectiveness testing, and ensure compliance with evolving governance requirements. Key Responsibilities: Support the Senior Manager Internal Controls in the ongoing development and monitoring of the Group's operational and compliance elements of the internal control framework. Conduct design effectiveness reviews of operational and compliance controls, create/review process maps, and work with the business and SMEs to resolve control design failures and monitor remediation plans. Perform operating effectiveness testing of controls, provide outcomes and recommendations, and work with the business to address root causes of control deficiencies and track remediation plans. Provide guidance and best practice advice to operational and compliance control owners on remediation activities and internal control improvements. Advise and educate the business on the impact of new UK Corporate Governance Code requirements. Assist in preparing control assessment findings and recommendations for Executive and Board Committees. Competence, Knowledge & Skills: Competence: Proven experience in a risk, internal control, or audit role, ideally within a regulated industry. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong ability to formulate proposals, provide recommendations, and collaborate with risk and control owners to address control weaknesses. Knowledge & Skills: Strong planning, organisation, and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively. Confidence working to tight reporting deadlines. Solid technical skills with a logical, problem-solving mindset. Methodical and disciplined approach, balancing attention to detail with a clear understanding of the broader context. About us: AJ Bell is one of the fastest-growing investment platform businesses in the UK offering an award-winning range of solutions that caters for everyone, from professional financial advisers to DIY investors with little to no experience. We have over 620,000 customers using our award-winning platform propositions to manage assets totalling more than £96.1 billion. Our customers trust us with their investments, and by continuously striving to make investing easier, we aim to help even more people take control of their financial futures. Having listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in December 2018, AJ Bell is now a FTSE 250 company. Headquartered in Manchester with offices in central London and Bristol, we now have over 1,450 employees and have been named one of the UK's 'Best 100 Companies to Work For' for six consecutive years and in 2024 named a Great Place to Work. At AJ Bell you can expect a friendly working environment with a strong sense of teamwork, we have a great sense of pride in what we do, and this is reflected in our guiding principles. What we offer: Starting salary c.£60,000 (Negotiable DOE) Generous holiday allowance of 27 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service Holiday buy and sell scheme A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 8% Discretionary bonus scheme Annual free share awards scheme Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme Health Cash Plan - provided by SimplyHealth Discounted private healthcare scheme and dental plan Free gym membership Employee Assistance Programme Bike loan scheme Sick pay+ pledge Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave Loans for travel season tickets Death in service scheme Paid time off for volunteer work Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice Calendar of social events, including monthly payday drinks, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more Personal development programmes built around you and your career goals, including access to personal skills workshops Ongoing technical training Professional qualification support Talent development programmes Peer recognition scheme, with rewards including restaurant and shopping vouchers or time off Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches Casual dress code Access to a range of benefits from our sponsorship deals Hybrid working: At AJ Bell, our people are the heart of our culture. We believe in building strong connections by working together. That's why we offer a hybrid working model, where you'll spend a minimum of 50% of your working time per month in the office. For new team members, an initial period will be full-time in the office to help you immerse yourself in our business and build valuable relationships with your colleagues. AJ Bell is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and all employees are empowered to bring their whole self to work. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, religion, physical and mental disability, marital status and any other characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010. All decisions to hire are based on qualifications, merit and business need. If you like the sound of the above, or just want to know more about the company and the role, we'd love to speak to you.
