Head of Governance, Assurance and Risk
Leeds – hybrid
Permanent
Summary
We’re seeking a strategic leader to drive continuous improvement of our robust governance, risk management and assurance frameworks across the NG Bailey Group.
In this pivotal role, you’ll ensure our controls and practices effectively support an agile, complex and growing organisation whilst strengthening internal controls, enhancing risk maturity and enabling informed, confident decision making across the business.
This is a high-profile role with regular engagement at Audit & Risk Committee and Executive level. You’ll lead on promoting a culture of strong risk awareness and control excellence, whilst providing leadership to the internal audit function.
Key Deliverables
Design, deliver and maintain the group’s Assurance Framework, ensuring coordinated assurance from first, second and third lines of defence
Transform and facilitate the operation of the group’s Risk Management Framework, including risk appetite, risk registers, emerging risks and escalation processes
Oversee continuous improvement of fraud prevention and detection policies and procedures
Oversee the development and delivery of the internal audit plan for approval by the Audit & Risk Committee, aligned to strategic objectives and principal risks
Delivery of internal audit activity ensuring timely, high‑quality outputs, including oversight of the third‑party co‑source arrangement
Monitoring and reporting on agreed management actions to satisfactory closure, using a central actions database
Guide the group’s governance frameworks across various areas (e.g. modern slavery working group), ensuring clear accountability, effective decision‑making structures and alignment with regulatory, statutory and best‑practice requirements
Oversee the security & resilience team, bringing business continuity and data protection within the group’s overall governance, risk & assurance framework
Attend Audit & Risk Committee, Board and GLT meetings to provide concise, informative updates
Produce high‑quality reports and papers for the Audit & Risk Committee, Board, GLT, CEO, CFO and senior management, providing clear insight, challenge and assurance
Manage, supervise and develop the Risk and Assurance teams ensuring capability, capacity and quality
Act as Deputy Whistleblowing Officer, triaging and overseeing whistleblowing cases to ensure independent, thorough and confidential investigation and resolution
Provide pragmatic governance, risk and control advice to the business, including support for projects, change initiatives, investigations and management reviews
Embed a continuous assessment and monitoring approach across key risk and control areas
Meet with other third‑party bodies when required to demonstrate our audit and assurance processes
Promote a strong risk‑aware and ethical culture, improving understanding of governance, risk, control and assurance across the group
Manage the Governance, Risk and Assurance budget within agreed parameters
Lead or undertake ad hoc governance, risk and assurance work as required
Qualifications
Extensive experience in governance, risk management and internal audit / assurance roles covering a range of audit tools and techniques, ideally acquired in both industry and professional practice
Previously been in a senior leadership team management role, having led and managed teams of 5+ people
Ideally proven experience in a similar industry (e.g. engineering, utilities, construction, energy)
Proven understanding of corporate governance, internal control and risk management frameworks.
Experience of working with Executive teams, Boards and Audit & Risk Committees
Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills
Strong report‑writing and presentation skills
High levels of commercial and strategic awareness
Strong analytical capability with a focus on root cause and practical solutions
Benefits
25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays with an option to Buy/Sell additional days
Pension with a leading provider and up to 8% employer contribution
Personal Wellbeing and Volunteer Days
Private Medical Insurance
Life Assurance
Free 24/7 365 Employee Assistance Program to support mental health and well‑being (including counselling sessions and legal advice)
Flexible benefits to choose from inc: Dental Insurance, Gym Membership, Give As You Earn, Travel Insurance, Tax Free Bikes
Next Steps
As a business, we’re on a journey to build on our culture where everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. This starts with recruitment and how we bring people into the organisation.
We’ll do our best to outline the recruitment process to you ahead of time with plenty of notice. If you require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met.
About Us
We are one of the leading independent engineering and services businesses in the UK. Founded in 1921, with a turnover of £500m and 3000 employees, we are proud of our history of developing great people through our investment in training.
Working across a variety of sectors within the building and infrastructure industry, our innovative, responsible and forward-thinking approach allows us to work on fantastic ground‑breaking projects, providing solutions using the latest tools and technologies.
Progression is something we value, and we will make sure that when you join us you have a clearly defined development path, supported by regular reviews, training and ongoing support to enable you to be the best you can be.
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