Head of Controls Assurance

Broster Buchanan; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Broster Buchanan is supporting a fast-growing global client in Manchester to hire an experienced Head of Controls & Assurance. The role shapes a modern second-line function, delivering governance, risk and compliance oversight across an international operation, and turning assurance into a driver of confident growth.

You will define a risk-based assurance strategy, evaluate controls, challenge senior stakeholders, and embed a culture where compliance is smart, not a brake.

Qualifications

• Qualified professional in a relevant governance/assurance field.
• Strong track record leading assurance, compliance, risk management or internal controls initiatives.
• Experience designing and implementing governance and control frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of the Controls Assurance & Compliance framework.
• Provide independent oversight across a global operation and influence decision-making at the highest level.
• Define a risk-based assurance strategy and identify where to focus improvements.
• Evaluate controls, identify weaknesses and turn evidence into actionable stories.

Skills

Professional qualification & seniority

Assurance & risk leadership

Governance & compliance

Stakeholder influence

IT and business interaction

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CISA/CIIA/CIA

Job description

My Client, a fast‑growing global organisation is strengthening the strategic foundations that allow it to expand responsibly, sustainably and with clarity. To support that evolution, we’re searching for an experienced, commercially‑minded Head of Controls & Assurance to join the Strategy & Governance Leadership Team and shape a modern second‑line function from the inside.

This is a role for someone who sees assurance differently — not as a brake, but as a catalyst. Someone who understands that strong governance doesn’t slow a business down; it gives it the freedom to move faster.

You’ll lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s Controls Assurance & Compliance framework, providing independent oversight across a diverse, international operation. You’ll define a risk‑based assurance strategy that highlights where to focus, what to improve, and how to strengthen the controls that protect customers, partners and people.

Working closely with senior leaders, you’ll bring constructive challenge, clarity and insight. You’ll evaluate controls, identify weaknesses, and turn evidence into stories that influence decision‑making at the highest level. You’ll help embed a culture where compliance is understood, owned and valued — not because it’s required, but because it’s smart.

This is a highly visible leadership role. A chance to build something that matters — a second‑line function that scales with the business, supports innovation, and ensures growth happens with confidence.

You’ll Be a Credible Assurance, Audit Or Compliance Leader With The Ability To Influence Senior Stakeholders And Balance Commercial Objectives With Effective Governance And Risk Management. You’ll Bring

• Professional qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIA, CIIA, CISA or equivalent
• Significant experience in assurance, compliance, audit, risk management or internal controls leadership roles
• Strong commercial, financial, audit or risk management background
• Proven experience designing and implementing governance, compliance and control frameworks
• Strong understanding of compliance standards, regulatory requirements and risk‑based assurance methodologies
• Knowledge of GDPR, PCI DSS, CCPA and broader governance and compliance frameworks
• Experience working with technology‑enabled businesses and understanding the interaction between business processes and IT systems