Assessment & Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assessment & Design Manager

Company: Citi

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Controls Governance & Oversight / Control Design

Date Posted: May 19, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (6-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (up to 2 days working from home per week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the development, design, and implementation of comprehensive controls programs within a large financial institution, ensuring adherence to Citi's Policies, Standards, and Frameworks.

• Lead strategic design and process improvement projects across the enterprise, focusing on automation, standardization, and rationalization of controls.

• Partner with first-line activities to identify, measure, and assess key risks and controls, enabling management decisions aligned with the firm's Risk Appetite.

• Proactively identify and implement controls enhancements to increase efficiency, reduce risk, and ensure compliance with evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

• Collaborate extensively with business stakeholders and process owners to assess control effectiveness, identify gaps, and drive impactful risk mitigation activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role title "Assessment & Design Manager" within Citi's "Controls Governance & Oversight" and "Control Design" job families strongly indicates a focus on operational risk and compliance within a regulated financial environment. The responsibilities and qualifications align with a senior-level role requiring deep expertise in risk management frameworks, process optimization, and stakeholder management. The hybrid work arrangement and location in a major financial hub like London suggest a role with significant cross-functional interaction and strategic impact.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and execute a broad range of deliverables for strategic design and process improvement projects across the enterprise, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

• Lead cross-functional project teams, fostering effective communication and collaboration to achieve desired outcomes.

• Support the design and development of Citi's comprehensive controls program, ensuring its robustness and alignment with regulatory expectations.

• Assess the effectiveness of existing controls, identify areas for enhancement, and implement necessary changes to optimize performance and reduce risk.

• Proactively drive and manage controls enhancements, with a focus on increasing operational efficiency and mitigating potential risks.

• Coordinate with key stakeholders and relevant process owners to facilitate management decisions and ensure operations remain within the firm’s defined Risk Appetite.

• Support the assessment of business/function risk appetite in response to changes in the business environment, regulatory landscape, and strategic objectives.

• Collaborate with business and functional units to understand control processes, identify potential weaknesses, and develop effective risk mitigation strategies.

• Ensure the controls program remains current with regulatory changes and industry best practices, driving adherence to relevant standards.

• Provide regular updates and reporting to senior management on the performance and effectiveness of controls assessment and design activities.

• Demonstrate sound ethical judgment and compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and Citi policies in all business decisions and conduct.

• Appropriately assess risk, considering the firm's reputation, safeguarding clients and assets, and escalating control issues with transparency.

• Supervise team activities and foster accountability for maintaining high standards of conduct and control adherence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic project management, detailed process analysis, and proactive risk management. The emphasis on "automation, standardization, and rationalization" suggests a forward-thinking approach to controls, requiring a candidate who can identify opportunities for technological solutions and process streamlining. The need to "drive management decisions" and "assess risk appetite" indicates a role with significant influence and strategic input.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's/University degree is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 6-10 years of experience in operational risk management, compliance, audit, or other control-related functions within the financial services industry.

• Proven experience in implementing sustainable solutions and improving business processes.

Required Skills:

• Strong analytical skills to evaluate complex risk and control activities and processes effectively.

• Proven ability to identify, measure, and manage key risks and controls.

• Solid understanding of the development and execution of robust controls frameworks.

• Comprehensive knowledge of compliance laws, rules, regulations, and industry best practices.

• Familiarity with Citi’s Policies, Standards, and Procedures is advantageous.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to engage and present to senior management.

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Expertise in designing and implementing enterprise-wide controls programs.

• Experience with process automation and standardization initiatives.

• Familiarity with risk appetite frameworks and their application.

• Knowledge of specific financial services regulations relevant to Citi's operations.

• Experience in managing cross-functional projects and driving change initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement aligns with a mid-to-senior level professional, capable of independent management and strategic contribution. The blend of analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills is crucial for navigating complex financial regulations and internal policies. The preference for a Master's degree suggests that candidates with advanced academic credentials may have a competitive edge, particularly in demonstrating strategic thinking and research capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the controls lifecycle, from design and implementation to ongoing assessment and enhancement.

• Showcase experience in developing and executing process improvement initiatives, with a focus on measurable efficiency gains and risk reduction.

• Provide examples of projects where you have successfully identified control gaps, designed remediation plans, and overseen their implementation.

• Highlight experience in leveraging technology or automation to improve control effectiveness and streamline processes.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating clear, concise, and actionable process documentation for controls frameworks, risk assessments, and improvement initiatives.

• Examples of documenting control procedures, risk matrices, and remediation plans that are easily understood by both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Showcase experience in developing and maintaining documentation that supports regulatory compliance and internal audit requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an "Assessment & Design Manager" role, a portfolio should showcase practical application of risk management and process improvement methodologies. Candidates should be prepared to present detailed case studies demonstrating their impact on control effectiveness, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation. The ability to articulate complex processes and their outcomes clearly will be paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in London, UK, an Assessment & Design Manager with 6-10 years of experience in financial services typically commands a base salary ranging from £70,000 to £100,000 per annum. This estimate is influenced by the specific responsibilities, the size and complexity of Citi's operations, and the candidate's proven track record. Factors such as performance, market conditions, and specific skill sets can lead to adjustments within this range.

Benefits:

• Generous holiday allowance starting at 27 days plus bank holidays, increasing with tenure.

• A discretionary annual performance-related bonus.

• Comprehensive private medical insurance packages to suit personal circumstances.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Pension Plan with company contributions.

• Paid Parental Leave to support new parents.

• Special discounts for employees, family, and friends on various products and services.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week.

• The role operates on a hybrid model, allowing up to 2 days of remote work per week, offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for similar roles in London's financial services sector. The actual salary will be determined by Citi's internal compensation structure, the candidate's specific qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits package is extensive and competitive, reflecting Citi's commitment to employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking and Financial Services)

Citi operates within the highly regulated and dynamic global financial services industry. This sector demands a strong focus on risk management, compliance, operational efficiency, and customer trust. As a major global financial institution, Citi is dedicated to serving its clients and communities through innovative financial products and services, while navigating complex market conditions and regulatory environments.

Company Size: Citi is a large, multinational corporation with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This scale implies robust infrastructure, established processes, and opportunities for significant impact and career progression. For operations professionals, this means working within a structured environment that values standardization, compliance, and large-scale project execution.

Founded: 1812. Citi has a long and rich history, evolving from its origins as the City Bank of New York. This extensive legacy signifies a deep understanding of financial markets, adaptability through various economic cycles, and a commitment to long-term stability and growth. This history informs its corporate culture, emphasizing resilience, innovation, and a forward-looking approach to financial services.

Team Structure:

• The Assessment & Design Manager will likely be part of a dedicated Controls Governance & Oversight or Control Design team, potentially within a broader Risk Management or Operations division.

• The team size can vary, but in a large organization like Citi, it is expected to be a functional unit with specialized roles focusing on different aspects of controls, risk assessment, and process improvement.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a direct manager overseeing the team's activities, with the Manager expected to manage projects and potentially junior team members or individual contributors.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: Emphasis on leveraging data to identify control weaknesses, assess risk impact, and measure the effectiveness of implemented solutions. This involves quantitative analysis of operational metrics and risk indicators.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Strategic planning and execution of projects aimed at improving operational workflows, automating manual processes, and standardizing control procedures to enhance efficiency and reduce error rates.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: Proactive identification and implementation of automation opportunities within control processes to reduce manual intervention, improve accuracy, and free up resources for higher-value activities.

Company Website: https://www.citi.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Citi's long history and global presence indicate a culture that values stability, compliance, and scale. The "Assessment & Design Manager" role is critical in maintaining these standards while driving modernization through process improvement and automation. The structure implies a need for strong navigational skills within a large corporate environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior management level. It requires a professional who can not only execute but also strategize and lead initiatives. The scope involves managing significant projects, influencing stakeholders across various business units, and contributing to the firm's overall risk management framework. This level implies a transition from individual contribution to leading initiatives and potentially managing teams in the future.

Reporting Structure: The Assessment & Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager within the Controls Governance & Oversight or Control Design function. This structure offers opportunities for mentorship from experienced leaders and exposure to strategic decision-making processes at a higher level. Collaboration will extend to peers in other control functions, business lines, and technology.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on Citi's operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and overall risk posture. By ensuring robust controls and efficient processes, the Assessment & Design Manager contributes to safeguarding the firm's assets, reputation, and client trust. Their work directly influences the firm's ability to operate within its risk appetite and meet its strategic objectives efficiently and compliantly.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of operational risk, control design, regulatory compliance, and process automation through specialized training, certifications, and project assignments.

• Leadership Development: Potential to transition into roles with direct team management responsibilities, leading larger and more complex control initiatives, or moving into broader risk management or operational leadership positions.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Exposure to various business units and functions within Citi can open doors to roles in different areas of the organization, leveraging transferable skills in project management, process improvement, and risk analysis.

• Strategic Influence: As experience grows, opportunities to contribute to the development of enterprise-wide risk management strategies and shape the future of control frameworks within Citi.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a strong stepping stone for professionals aiming for senior leadership in risk, compliance, or operations management within the financial sector. The emphasis on strategic project management and cross-functional collaboration prepares individuals for roles with greater leadership scope and impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in London, UK, and operates under a hybrid working model. This indicates a professional office environment with dedicated workspaces, meeting rooms, and collaborative areas designed to facilitate both focused work and team interaction. The office is located in Canary Wharf, a major financial district known for its modern infrastructure and professional atmosphere.

Office Location(s): 33 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, United Kingdom. This prime location provides excellent access to public transportation links within London and is situated in a hub of global financial institutions, fostering a professional and connected work environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages in-office days for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional engagements, fostering a sense of team cohesion and shared purpose.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Employees will have access to Citi's standard suite of productivity tools, communication platforms, and specialized risk and control management systems required for their role.

• Team Interaction: While some work is remote, the office days are structured to maximize opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues, managers, and stakeholders, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard working hours expected to be around 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility, allowing employees to work up to two days from home per week. This schedule is designed to support work-life balance while ensuring operational needs and collaborative requirements are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, suggesting a company culture that balances traditional office collaboration with modern flexibility. The location in Canary Wharf places the role within a premier financial district, offering a professional and well-connected working environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications, focusing on experience alignment with the minimum requirements (6-10 years in risk/control functions, financial services background).

• First Interview (Phone/Video): Typically with the hiring manager or a senior team member. This stage assesses general fit, core competencies (risk management, project leadership), and understanding of controls principles. Be prepared to discuss your experience with controls design, risk assessment, and process improvement.

• Technical/Case Study Interview: This may involve a detailed discussion of a past project or a hypothetical scenario requiring you to outline your approach to assessing control effectiveness, designing improvements, or managing a risk-related project. Focus on your methodology, stakeholder engagement, and anticipated outcomes.

• Panel Interview: A series of interviews with potential team members and cross-functional partners. This assesses cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to articulate your ideas clearly to diverse audiences. Expect behavioral questions and scenario-based questions related to managing stakeholders and driving change.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader in the department to discuss strategic alignment and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Case Studies: Choose 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your experience in controls design, risk assessment, process improvement, and stakeholder management.

Tailor these to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate:

  • The Business Problem/Context
  • Your Role and Responsibilities
  • The Actions You Took (methodology, tools used)
  • The Results Achieved (quantifiable improvements in efficiency, risk reduction, compliance adherence)
  • Lessons Learned

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, "Reduced control incident reporting time by 15%" or "Implemented standardized control procedures across 3 business units, leading to a 10% decrease in control failures."

• Highlight Process Design: Clearly explain your approach to understanding existing processes, identifying bottlenecks or weaknesses, and designing new, more effective controls or workflows.

• Showcase Collaboration: Provide examples of how you successfully engaged with stakeholders, managed expectations, and drove consensus for your proposed solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Mapping & Analysis: Be ready to discuss how you would map out a complex process, identify key risks, and propose control enhancements.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Prepare responses for questions about how you would handle resistance to change from stakeholders, gain buy-in for new controls, or communicate complex risk information.

• Risk Identification & Mitigation: Practice articulating how you would identify potential risks in a given scenario and develop practical, actionable mitigation strategies.

• Citi-Specific Context: Research Citi's known risk management frameworks, recent regulatory challenges in the financial services industry, and their stated values. This will help tailor your responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be multi-stage, typical for a large financial institution. A strong portfolio showcasing tangible results in risk management and process improvement, along with excellent communication skills, will be critical for success. The emphasis on "design" in the title suggests a need for candidates who can not only assess but also actively create and implement solutions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Excel (for data analysis, modeling, reporting), PowerPoint (for presentations, stakeholder updates), and Word (for documentation, policy writing) is essential.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or similar platforms for managing project timelines, tasks, and resources.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with Microsoft Teams, Slack, or other internal communication and collaboration tools for seamless team interaction.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly listed, experience with data visualization tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel functions for data analysis and reporting is highly beneficial for assessing control effectiveness and identifying trends.

• Risk Management Information Systems (RMIS): Citi likely utilizes proprietary or industry-standard RMIS platforms for managing risk events, control assessments, and compliance tracking. Familiarity with such systems is advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While this role is not directly sales-focused, understanding how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce, or Citi's internal equivalents) can inform risk assessments or process improvements is valuable.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Experience with or understanding of workflow automation concepts and tools (e.g., RPA, workflow engines) will be crucial for driving enhancements in control processes.

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: Familiarity with large-scale ERP systems (like SAP, Oracle) may be relevant if controls are integrated within financial or operational processes managed by these systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools mentioned are standard for a corporate environment, but specific proficiency in data analysis and risk management systems will differentiate candidates. The emphasis on "automation" in the role description suggests that familiarity with tools or concepts related to process automation will be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Ethics: Paramount in financial services. Operations professionals are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards, demonstrating honesty, transparency, and sound judgment in all actions. This translates to meticulous control adherence and accurate risk reporting.

• Risk Awareness and Mitigation: A proactive approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks is fundamental. This value drives the continuous improvement of controls and processes to protect the firm, its clients, and its reputation.

• Efficiency and Continuous Improvement: A drive to optimize processes, eliminate inefficiencies, and leverage technology for better outcomes. This involves a mindset of always looking for ways to enhance operational performance and reduce costs.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: The ability to work effectively across diverse teams and functions is crucial. Operations professionals are expected to be team players, sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues, and contributing to collective goals.

• Client Focus: Even in internal-facing roles, understanding the impact of operations on client service and satisfaction is important. Efficient and effective controls ultimately contribute to a stable and reliable client experience.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expected to engage actively with various business units, compliance, technology, and audit teams. This requires strong interpersonal skills, the ability to build rapport, and a collaborative spirit to achieve shared objectives.

• Process Review Culture: An openness to constructive feedback and a willingness to participate in regular reviews of processes and controls to identify areas for enhancement. This fosters a culture of learning and adaptation.

• Knowledge Sharing: A commitment to sharing best practices, lessons learned, and insights with colleagues to elevate the overall expertise and performance of the operations and controls functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Citi's culture, like many large financial institutions, will likely emphasize a strong adherence to compliance, ethics, and a structured approach to problem-solving. The "Assessment & Design Manager" role will need to embody these values while also championing innovation and efficiency through process improvements.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a complex regulatory environment and evolving compliance requirements across different jurisdictions.

• Balancing the need for robust controls with the demand for operational efficiency and speed.

• Gaining buy-in and managing resistance from stakeholders who may be reluctant to adopt new processes or controls.

• Keeping pace with technological advancements and identifying appropriate automation solutions for control processes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Access to Citi's extensive learning platforms for courses on risk management frameworks, regulatory updates, project management methodologies, and emerging technologies.

• Industry Certifications: Opportunities to pursue relevant certifications such as CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control), CGEIT (Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT), or others in risk, compliance, or project management.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in formal or informal mentorship programs to gain insights from experienced leaders within Citi's risk and operations functions.

• Leadership Development: Potential for participation in leadership training programs designed to prepare individuals for more senior management roles, focusing on strategic thinking, team leadership, and change management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are typical of large, regulated financial institutions. These challenges also present significant opportunities for professional growth, as overcoming them requires developing advanced skills in strategic planning, stakeholder management, and technical expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex process you were responsible for assessing and redesigning. What were the key challenges, how did you approach the design, and what were the measurable outcomes?" (Focus on your methodology, problem-solving, and quantifiable results.)

• "How would you approach developing a new controls framework for a nascent business unit within Citi, considering regulatory requirements and operational efficiency?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking, risk assessment, and phased implementation planning.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you understand about Citi's approach to risk management and controls governance?" (Research Citi's risk appetite statement, corporate governance, and any public statements on compliance.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to Citi's mission and values, particularly regarding integrity and client focus?" (Connect your experience and values to Citi's stated principles.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your case studies as compelling narratives. Start with the challenge, detail your strategic approach, highlight your specific contributions, and conclude with the impactful results.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides with minimal text. Incorporate process flow diagrams, charts, and graphs to illustrate complexity, improvements, and data-driven outcomes.

• Quantify Everything Possible: Be ready to articulate the ROI, efficiency gains, or risk reduction achieved in your projects using concrete numbers.

• Focus on "Design": Since it's an "Assessment & Design" role, emphasize your thought process in creating solutions, not just identifying problems. Explain why you designed a particular control or process and how it addressed the root cause.

• Interactive Q&A: Be prepared for follow-up questions and be comfortable engaging in a dialogue about your experience and approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to showcase not just their analytical capabilities but also their leadership potential and ability to drive change within a large, established organization. Demonstrating a deep understanding of financial services risk and compliance, coupled with practical process improvement skills, will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Citi careers portal via the provided job URL.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in operational risk management, control design, process improvement, and project leadership within the financial services industry. Use keywords from the job description, such as "controls program," "risk appetite," "process optimization," "stakeholder management," and "automation."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that demonstrate your ability to assess, design, and implement controls and process improvements. Be ready to present these, focusing on quantifiable results and your specific contributions. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your process design methodology and impact.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common behavioral and situational questions, focusing on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare specific examples related to risk assessment, project management, stakeholder engagement, and driving change.

• Research Citi: Familiarize yourself with Citi's mission, values, recent financial performance, and any known initiatives in risk management or operational efficiency. Understand their global presence and the regulatory landscape they operate within.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.