At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk, compliance, and assurance initiatives at a world-renowned university.
- Company: Join the University of Oxford, a leader in global education and research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, flexible working, and a generous family leave scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community committed to your wellbeing and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of risk management in an inspiring and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Senior management experience in risk, compliance, and assurance is essential.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Location: University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD. Hybrid working, with attendance on University sites subject to business needs (2–3 days a week on average).
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
About Us
Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires", the University of Oxford has been ranked the world's leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you'll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations.
What We Offer
- 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
- One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
- A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
- An excellent contributory pension scheme.
- Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
- Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
About the Role
As the University's senior professional lead for risk, compliance and assurance, you will shape and continuously develop the institutional framework through which material risks are managed, regulatory and funder requirements are addressed, internal controls are strengthened and robust assurance is provided. You will have accountability for the University's multi-year Risk, Compliance and Assurance Programme, setting its strategic direction and ensuring resources and interventions are focused where they can have the greatest institutional impact.
Operating across a complex, federated organisation, you will advise senior leaders and Committees on significant risk, compliance, control and assurance matters. You will establish clear University-wide standards while recognising appropriate devolved accountability, translating changing external requirements into proportionate institutional responses. As Secretary to the Audit and Scrutiny Committee, and with senior responsibility for the relationship with the outsourced internal audit provider, you will help ensure that decision-makers receive coherent, authoritative and decision-useful assurance.
This is a senior leadership role with substantial scope to improve how risk, compliance and assurance operate across the University. You will lead a multidisciplinary function, strengthen professional capability and use evidence, insight and influence to secure sustainable change across organisational boundaries. Successful delivery will support the University's "freedom within a framework" approach: protecting academic autonomy while providing clarity and confidence around the institutional requirements that safeguard the University and its mission.
About You
- Significant senior management experience with institutional responsibility for enterprise risk, compliance, assurance and/or internal control.
- A substantial track record of designing, owning and implementing organisation-wide frameworks, standards or governance arrangements within a complex, devolved or federated organisation.
- Significant experience of leading organisation-wide transformation and change, including securing outcomes through influence beyond your formal span of control.
- Demonstrable experience of exercising professional judgement and delegated authority on complex, material and potentially contentious institutional issues.
- Strong understanding of legal, regulatory, funder and governance requirements relevant to a complex public institution.
- Extensive experience of advising executive leaders and Board or Council-level committees on significant institutional risk, compliance and assurance matters.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex and potentially contentious issues clearly and persuasively to senior non-specialist audiences.
- Demonstrable ability to challenge established practice, influence institutional decisions and secure action across organisational boundaries.
- The judgement, integrity, resilience and political awareness required to operate effectively at senior institutional level.
- Experience of establishing and maintaining effective enterprise frameworks for risk, compliance, internal control and assurance.
Head of Risk, Compliance and Assurance in Oxford employer: Corehr
As a leading research institution, we offer an exceptional environment for postdoctoral researchers to thrive, particularly in the vibrant city of Liverpool. Our commitment to collaboration across prestigious universities fosters a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and inclusivity, while our hybrid working model supports a healthy work-life balance. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a focus on diversity, we are dedicated to creating a meaningful and rewarding experience for all employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Risk, Compliance and Assurance in Oxford
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Corehr looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk, Compliance and Assurance in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Corehr. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Corehr
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Corehr’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
