Technology Risk Specialist

We're Atom...

The bank that’s on a mission to make finance faster, simpler and way more human.

We’ve ditched the stuffy banking model to build something that actually works for our customers, whenever and wherever they need us.

To make this happen, we’re looking for like-minded people who can help us reach our goals and think differently.

If you’re ready to build the future of banking, we’d love to meet you.

What will your typical day look like?

As our Technology Risk Specialist, you'll act as a key 2nd Line of Defence partner to the Head of Operational Risk, providing real-time oversight and objective challenge across our digital-first profile.

You won't just be rubber-stamping compliance—you will directly influence our technology stack, risk posture, and strategic growth. You'll act as a trusted advisor and critical friend to tech leaders (including our CISO, Head of Tech, and ExCo), translating complex technical concepts into strategic insights and ensuring our rapid speed to market aligns with our stability of service. From deep diving into AI integrations to assessing technical debt and cloud resilience, your goal is to keep Atom safe, scalable, and sustainable.

So, what will you be doing?

• Root Cause Validation of Risk Events: Review and challenge technology Risk Event Reports (RERs) to ensure 1st line teams address underlying technical debt and architectural flaws rather than surface-level symptoms.
• 2nd Line Opinions on Strategic Change: Deliver formal risk opinions on major technology deployments, evaluating the risk-to-reward ratio for new AI integrations, automation shifts, and cloud developments.
• Thematic Technology Risk Reviews: Lead targeted, deep-dive reviews into high-risk technical areas like CI/CD pipeline security, responsible AI governance, and automated controls.
• Independent KRI Oversight & Monitoring: Monitor trends in system resilience, patch management, and automated control failures, providing early-warning alerts through risk governance.
• Regulatory Alignment & DORA Oversight: Act as the 2nd line subject matter expert on evolving digital regulations (e.g., DORA, SS2/21).
• Governance & Board Insight: Translate complex 2nd line technical findings into clear, actionable strategic insights for ExCo and the Board Risk Committee.

What do we need from you?

• Technical Foundation: A degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Engineering, AI, or a related quantitative field.
• Relevant Experience: Proven track record managing technology risk frameworks within a digital-first environment (banking, financial services, energy, or Big 4 consulting).
• Modern Tech Knowledge: Hands-on understanding of cloud environments (GCP), microservices, API-led architectures, and Agile/DevOps delivery cycles.
• Curiosity & Adaptability: A genuine passion for tech, AI, and continuous self-study to stay ahead of fast-changing technologies and emerging threats.
• Influence & Gravitas: Strong interpersonal skills with the confidence to have constructive, high-tension conversations with senior engineering leaders and hold them accountable.
• Regulatory Context: Practical knowledge of UK operational resilience expectations (e.g., DORA, SS2/21).
• Certifications (Desirable): Industry certifications such as CISA, CRISC, or CISM, or practitioner knowledge in Cloud or AI Ethics/Governance.

What will you get from us?

• Salary of up to £100k
• Flexible hybrid working in Newcastle
• 4-day work week
• Incredibly generous company pension scheme (maximum of 13% of Atom input – candidate can put in more)
• 22.5 days annual leave plus public holiday
• Private Medical Insurance, Health Cash Plan, Life Insurance & Critical illness cover
• £200 “All about me” fund
• EV Scheme