Head Of Risk And Assurance - FTC

• Head of Risk & Assurance
• Southampton - Onsite 2/3 days a week
• 12 month contract - FTC
• Salary £77,235 - £90,108

We're seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Risk & Assurance to lead our Assurance & Risk Management function. This pivotal role ensures robust internal control, governance, and compliance systems are in place to support the client's strategic objectives and long-term success.

This is a fixed-term contract role, and we are ideally looking for someone to start in January 2026, though there may be some flexibility for the right candidate.

What you'll be doing

Strategic Risk Leadership

• Set the direction for the client's risk management policy, ensuring best practice is Embedded and continuously improved.
• Establish and maintain organisational arrangements to manage, control, and mitigate risk, safeguarding the client information assets.

Internal Audit

• Define and deliver the annual internal audit programme, approved through the client ARC, based on key business risks.
• Lead a blended internal audit team (internal and third-party), ensuring high-quality delivery and actionable insights.
• Own the relationship with external auditors, steering their work and reviewing outputs.
• Ensure timely follow-up and implementation of audit recommendations the client s the organisation.

Governance & Compliance

• Provide objective challenge and support to ensure the client adheres to principles of good corporate governance.
• Represent the client on key external bodies, enhancing our reputation and influence.
• Lead the Audit and Risk Committee, ensuring independent oversight of business operations.
• Drive corporate governance initiatives, including the Annual Governance Statement.
• Lead and manage the client's whistle blowing framework and support the development of compliance approaches.

Team Leadership

• Lead and inspire the Risk & Assurance team, a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What we're looking for

• Proven leadership experience in risk management, internal audit and governance.
• Experience using OSARC
• Strong understanding of corporate governance frameworks and compliance standards.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Experience managing third-party audit relationships and delivering strategic risk programmes.
• Ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.

Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group STEM Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.