Head of Risk and Audit

Pantalent; Worsley; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the finance sector seeks a Head of Risk and Audit in Worsley. This role is pivotal in establishing risk management frameworks and overseeing internal audits. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership abilities, a deep understanding of risk management principles, and a proven track record in senior roles.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-10 years experience in compliance/risk management/internal audit.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong understanding of internal control frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead governance, risk management and compliance activities.
• Manage internal audit function and annual internal audit plan.
• Develop risk management framework aligned to board's risk appetite.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Degree level qualification

Risk and controls related qualification

Job description

Head of Risk and Audit

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Worsley

Compensation: GBP 70,000 - GBP 90,000 / year

Description

The Head of Risk & Audit is a critical role, leading governance, risk management and compliance activities across the Group. With responsibility for establishing risk appetite, leading the development and implementation of an effective risk management framework, including development of the internal audit function, risk & control assessments, and risk reporting to the Board and Risk & Audit Committee.

The holder will work closely with the CFO and liaise with the Board and Senior Leadership Team, ensuring an appropriate risk management framework is embedded within the business, with controls testing completed. The Head of Risk and Audit will act as an advisor to Senior Leadership, providing insights and guidance on risk management and good corporate governance.

The role has responsibility for managing the Internal Audit function, optimising the use of internal and external resource, to agree and deliver an annual internal audit plan. Additionally, the role will have oversight responsibilities for key policies covering business continuity and ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory requirements.

The individual will foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement, allowing the business to thrive through future growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and document risk appetite of the Board
• Develop and implement the risk management framework and internal audit strategy, aligned to the risk appetite of the Board.
• Identify and evaluate business risks, ensure appropriate internal controls are in place, and recommend improvements. Maintain and develop the Group Key Risk Register.
• Develop an enhanced compliance strategy aligned to the Group's objectives. Identify potential areas of compliance vulnerability and develop corrective action plans.
• Lead and manage the internal audit function to perform operational, financial, and compliance audits across the organisation, identifying opportunities to improve controls.
• Overseeing periodic testing of key controls across the business, reporting on control deficiencies and making recommendations to management for control enhancements, ensuring the Group is prepared for the introduction of UK Sox requirements. Report internal audit and assurance findings, risk assessments, and recommendations to the executive leadership and the Risk & Audit Committee.
• Provide strategic guidance on enterprise risk management (ERM), helping embed risk-awareness into business processes.
• Stay up-to-date with regulatory changes, industry standards / best practice, and emerging risks relevant to the organisation, ensuring they are incorporated in the risk framework or internal policies.
• Collaborate with external auditors, industry peers, regulatory bodies, and other key stakeholders, including the Head of Legal, as required.
• Oversee development of internal compliance policies, including business continuity plans.
• Develop and deliver internal training or awareness programs on risk management and internal control.

Key Relationships:

• Executive Leadership Team
• Risk & Audit Committee / Board of Directors
• Operational Managers and Department Heads
• External Auditors and Regulators
• Business area risk leads

Experience and Qualifications

Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Risk and controls related professional qualification or Continued Professional Development in a risk or assurance field preferred.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in a compliance, risk management, or internal audit role, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong understanding of internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO, ISO 31000, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 44001, ISO9001, ISO27001, ISO 44001) and risk management principles.
• Proven experience in a leadership role, demonstrating strategic thinking and the ability to influence at all levels of an organisation.
• Extensive experience in reporting to Boards and/or Audit Committees.
• Sector-specific experience (e.g., finance, construction, utilities) or relevant professional accreditations are an advantage.

Skills and Competencies:
• Strategic thinking
• High ethical standards and professional integrity.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities with ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders constructively
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills capable of articulating complex issues to non-experts.
• Pragmatic, proportionate, collaborative and outcome orientated
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with attention to detail.

Salary and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary based on experience along with a full benefits package.

Network Plus is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

We are Armed Forces-friendly. We welcome applications from ex-Armed Forces personnel, reservists, armed forces veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.

We understand that privacy and the security of your personal information is extremely important. By applying for this role, you agree to the terms of our privacy policy.

• Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, UK
• Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, UK