Risk & Governance Manager

Ellison Institute of Technology; Oxford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology research institute in Oxford is seeking a Risk and Governance Manager to enhance governance, risk, and compliance capabilities. The role focuses on achieving compliance with ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 while providing assurance to leadership. The successful candidate will have strong expertise in risk management, incident management, and compliance reporting. A commitment to responsible and ethical research is essential. Benefits include a salary range of £65,000 - £75,000, enhanced holiday pay, and various insurance plans.

Benefits

Enhanced holiday pay

Pension

Private Medical Insurance

Electric Car Scheme

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with ISO 27001 implementation and certification.
• Proven expertise in governance, risk management, incident management, and change control.
• Experience working with external auditors, regulators, and certification bodies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage governance frameworks aligned with ISO 27001 and ISO 42001.
• Ensure consistent risk identification, assessment, and management across research and operations.
• Develop and oversee incident management processes for security, IT, and AI-related events.

Skills

ISO 27001 implementation

Governance and risk management

Incident management

Change control

Communication skills

Education

Relevant degree in a related field

Job description

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) purpose is to have a global impact by fundamentally reimagining the way science and technology translate into end-to-end solutions and delivering these solutions in programmes and platforms that respond to humanity’s most challenging problems.

EIT will ensure scientific discoveries and pioneering science are turned into products for the benefit of society that can have high-impact worldwide and, over time, be commercialised to ensure long-term sustainability.

Led by a faculty of world experts, EIT seeks to solve the world’s most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: Health, Medical Science and Generative Biology; Food security and Sustainable agriculture; Clean Energy Generation and Storage; and Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

EIT is investing significant resources in a new world-class research and development facility in the Oxford Science Park. Set for completion in 2027, the state-of-the-art campus includes 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and educational and meeting spaces. Together, they create the perfect environment for EIT experts to take ground-breaking ideas from research to broad implementation. The new facility will further EIT’s current partnership with the University of Oxford and become the new home for Ellison Scholars.

EIT is committed to cultivating a community where excellence is achieved through collaboration, trust, innovation and tenacity. We foster an environment where everyone’s experience and expertise are valued. We are curious and resilient in our efforts to drive long-term, sustainable innovation to meet humanity’s most enduring challenges.

EIT is seeking A seeking a highly capable Risk and Governance Manager to strengthen our governance, risk, and compliance capability across the institute. This role sits within the Quality team and reports directly to the Head of Quality.

The role will centre on ensuring EIT maintains compliance with ISO 27001 (Information Security Management Systems) and achieves ISO 42001 (Artificial Intelligence Management Systems), while also focussing on risk management, incident management, and change control processes across research and operational activities. The postholder will provide assurance to leadership, protect sensitive data and intellectual property, and enable the responsible use of AI within a research and development environment that includes commercialisation pathways.

Key Responsibilities:

Standards Implementation

• Develop and manage governance frameworks aligned with ISO 27001 and ISO 42001.
• Ensure readiness for certification and maintain ongoing compliance.
• Monitor and advise on evolving legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements for information security and AI.

Risk & Governance Leadership

• Support an institute-wide risk management framework.
• Ensure consistent risk identification, assessment, and management across research and operations.
• Provide regular risk and compliance reports to senior leadership and governance boards.
• Liaise with external auditors, regulators, and certification bodies.

Incident & Change Management

• Develop and oversee incident management processes for security, IT, and AI-related events.
• Support change management processes to balance innovation with risk control.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with AI and IT leaders to embed compliance and governance into daily operations.
• Work with research programmes and Quality Department managers to ensure consistent practices.

Culture & Awareness

• Promote a culture of risk awareness, accountability, and resilience.
• Deliver training, workshops, and communications to enhance understanding of governance frameworks.

Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with ISO 27001 implementation and certification.
• Proven expertise in governance, risk management, incident management, and change control.
• Experience working with external auditors, regulators, and certification bodies.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and influencing skills.
• Commitment to responsible, secure, and ethical research and innovation.

Desirable Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

• Knowledge and experience with ISO 42001 framework.
• Background in risk or quality management training.
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks in life sciences (e.g., MHRA, CQC, HTA).
• Experience working in a start-up environment.
• Project management qualifications or relevant experience.

We offer the following salary and benefits:

• Salary: £65,000 - £75,000 (dependent on experience), plus travel allowance and bonus
• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electric Car Scheme

Why work for EIT:

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!

Terms of Appointment:

You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.

You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.

During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.