Governance Director – UK - Professional Services - Retained – Confidential

JR United Kingdom; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Governance Director to lead ethical leadership and compliance strategies. This pivotal role involves ensuring best-practice governance, managing risk, and driving a culture of transparency. You will collaborate with a talented leadership team to shape policies and oversee compliance with regulatory bodies. The position offers a competitive package and the opportunity to make a significant impact within the organization. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for governance and risk management, this role is tailored for you.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in governance and compliance.
• Strong expertise in regulatory compliance and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Drive governance and compliance strategies across the organization.
• Lead the Contract Assurance & Compliance team to manage obligations.

Skills

Governance

Risk Management

Compliance

Contract Assurance

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

NEBOSH qualification

ISO Lead Auditor qualification

Job description

Governance Director – UK - Professional Services - Retained – Confidential, England

Are you a seasoned governance professional with a passion for ethical leadership, risk management, and compliance? Do you thrive in a senior leadership role where integrity, transparency, and strategic oversight are at the core of everything you do? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you!

Oliver Sanderson is engaged with a leading Professional Services organisation committed to ethical leadership and excellence in governance. If you’re an experienced governance professional with a passion for integrity, risk management, and compliance, this is an exciting opportunity to shape strategy at a senior level.

As Governance Director, you’ll be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, ensuring governance, compliance, and risk management are embedded throughout the organisation. You’ll drive a culture of transparency, reduce risk exposure, and provide strategic oversight to safeguard the business and its stakeholders.

Key areas of focus:

• Contribute to the company’s vision and strategy, ensuring best-practice governance.
• Lead the Contract Assurance & Compliance team, managing regulatory and contractual obligations.
• Proactively protect the business from fraud and oversee internal investigations.
• Manage the governance portfolio’s budget and financial performance.
• Manage ISO certifications (9001, 14001, 27001, 20000) and external audit processes.
• Ensure compliance with HSE regulations, reporting, and risk management.
• Oversee estates, facilities, and business continuity planning.

About you:

• Significant leadership experience in governance, compliance, or risk management.
• Strong expertise in contract assurance, internal audits, and external regulatory compliance.
• Experience managing compliance with authorities such as the FCA, HSE, and external auditors.
• A strategic thinker who can influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience overseeing property, statutory maintenance, and business continuity planning.
• A champion of ethical leadership with knowledge of UK Government-funded programmes.
• NEBOSH and ISO Lead Auditor qualifications (or equivalent) is desirable.

This is an opportunity to make a real impact, leading governance strategies for a respected organisation. You’ll work with a talented leadership team, shape policy, and drive best-in-class governance practices.

There is a reasonable expectation of national travel within this role.

This role has an exciting package on offer.

If this opportunity resonates with your career aspirations and you have the skillset required, apply today!

Oliver Sanderson is an award-winning executive search firm recognised for path-breaking contributions to ED&I and digital recruitment innovation by the House of Lords, Global Recruiter, APSCo, the Recruiter Awards, and in the 2022 Platinum Jubilee Album for a "transformational contribution" to UK business. We specialise in finding talent at board and senior leadership level for FTSE 100, FTSE 350, Fortune 500, and PE-backed businesses.