Business Governance and Risk Advisor

Co-op Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A major retail cooperative in the United Kingdom is seeking a Business Governance and Risk Advisor to support governance and risk activities. This role involves creating reports, advising colleagues, and managing risk effectively. The ideal candidate will have experience in governance-related roles and a strong understanding of risk management. The position offers competitive salary and benefits including an annual bonus, generous holiday, and wellness support.

Benefits

Annual bonus

28 days holiday, rising to 32

Pension with up to 10% employer contributions

30% discount on Co-op products

Virtual healthcare

Training and career support

Cycle‑to‑work scheme

Responsibilities

• Help deliver key governance, risk, and compliance activity.
• Put frameworks and controls in place for risk management.
• Create reports and presentations for senior leaders.
• Offer advice on governance and risk topics.
• Support governance sessions and identify potential risks.

Skills

Experience in a secretariat and/or governance‑related role(s)

Understanding of how to identify, assess, and manage risk

Knowledge of governance, compliance, and business management best practice

Detail‑focussed approach and confidence to ask questions

Strong problem‑solving skills

Good presentation and report‑building skills

Job description

Business Governance and Risk Advisor
£40,000 to £50,000 plus great benefits (Work Level 6A)
Location: Manchester/Scunthorpe (hybrid working - typically two to three days per week spent across our Manchester and Scunthorpe offices, with at least one day each week based in Scunthorpe)

Co-op Wholesale is growing, and we're looking for people who want to help shape what comes next. As a Business Governance and Risk Advisor in our Business Management, Governance and Risk team, you'll support the delivery of business management, governance, and risk activities. You'll make sure we're managing risk in the right way, staying compliant, and putting strong controls in place to support good decision‑making. You'll also play a big part in how we show up to senior audiences; creating reports and presentations that help our leadership team tell the right story.

Why this role matters

We're building something big at Co-op Wholesale. With a refreshed structure and exciting plans ahead, we're creating new opportunities to strengthen our proposition for our independent retailers, key accounts, and a growing corporate client base. To do so, we need to keep a close eye on potential risks and governance requirements. That's where you come in.

This is your chance to help bring new ideas to life and make a real impact. Be part of it.

What you'll do

• Help deliver key governance, risk, and compliance activity across Co-op Wholesale
• Put the right frameworks and controls in place to manage risk and support good decision‑making
• Create clear, engaging reports and presentations for senior leaders
• Offer trusted advice to colleagues on governance and risk‑related topics
• Support the smooth running of governance sessions and help surface potential risks

What you'll bring

• Experience in a secretariat and/or governance‑related role(s)
• A good understanding of how to identify, assess, and manage risk
• Knowledge of governance, compliance, and business management best practice
• A detail‑focussed approach and the confidence to ask the right questions to get to the heart of an issue
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to interpret data to spot trends
• Good presentation and report‑building skills

Why Co‑op?

At Co-op, we're owned by our members. And because we're owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you're not just taking a job, you're joining a movement. We're an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we're powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you'll also receive:

• An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
• 30% discount on Co‑op products and 10% off other brands
• Stream - early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
• Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
• 24/7 colleague support service
• Training and support for your development and career progression
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme

A place you'll belong

We're building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone, and our support centre is an inclusive environment where all our colleagues can thrive.

If you have a disability, we'll make reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process. We're also proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme - if you're disabled and you meet the minimum criteria for this job, we'll guarantee you an interview.

Learn more about our recruitment process at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/apply-process

Explore our commitments to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/diversity-inclusion-wellbeing

As part of your application, you'll need to complete an online assessment. This assessment typically takes up to 50 minutes. If you're a current Co‑op colleague, this does not need to be completed.