Interim Head of Risk and Controls

Cedar Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cedar Recruitment is looking for an Interim Head of Risk, Controls & Governance for an industrial manufacturing and engineering group. This high-impact role requires leading risk management initiatives and enhancing internal controls within a global environment. The position, based in Surrey, offers a competitive day rate and presents a unique opportunity to shape governance and compliance strategies while collaborating with senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in risk, controls, and governance.
• Deep knowledge of the UK Corporate Governance Code.
• Experience in a listed or plc environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of risk management framework.
• Enhance the internal controls framework.
• Support senior finance leadership with risk updates.

Skills

Stakeholder Management

Governance Knowledge

Risk Management

Education

Formal accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA or equivalent)

Job description

Intro

Cedar is currently partnered with an industrial manufacturing and engineering group to secure an Interim Head of Risk, Controls & Governance. This is a high-impact role on an initial contract, paying a competitive day rate, and based in Surrey 2-3 days per week.

The Role

As Interim Head of Risk, Controls & Governance, you will:

• Lead the design and delivery of the group-wide risk management framework, including enterprise risk registers, risk appetite, and mitigation plans.
• Own and continuously enhance the internal controls framework, focusing on financial reporting, compliance, and operational risk.
• Support the Audit Committee and senior finance leadership with regular updates on key risk indicators, control gaps, and remediation activity.
• Develop and implement internal policies and procedures related to governance, compliance, and delegated authorities.
• Work closely with Internal Audit to align assurance strategy and testing scope.
• Partner with Finance, Legal, Operations, and IT to embed controls into strategic initiatives and transformation programmes.
• Manage external auditor and regulatory relationships regarding controls, risk, and compliance.
• Provide strategic input on ESG governance and emerging regulatory risks.

Your Profile

You will ideally have:

• A formal accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA or equivalent).
• Significant experience in risk, controls, and governance within a listed or plc environment.
• Deep knowledge of the UK Corporate Governance Code and regulatory standards, including SOX-style frameworks.
• Experience across global or manufacturing-heavy operations.
• A confident and strategic mindset, with strong stakeholder management - particularly with Audit Committees and senior leadership.

Compensation & Benefits

This interim contract offers a competitive day rate, alongside the opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the governance and control environment of a global listed business. Based in Surrey 2-3 days a week (with flexibility), you will work alongside a collaborative and high-performing team, and contribute directly to enterprise value protection through effective risk and assurance leadership.