Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk management and resilience strategies for UCAS in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join UCAS, a key player in the UK’s higher education journey, supporting over one million students annually.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and the chance to make a national impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team shaping the future of higher education during significant change.
- Qualifications: Deep expertise in risk management and resilience is essential; a collaborative mindset is a plus.
- Other info: This is a newly created executive role with high visibility and influence.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Risk and Resilience role at GatenbySanderson
Join to apply for the Head of Risk and Resilience role at GatenbySanderson
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
Location: Hybrid (Cheltenham office and remote working)
This job post will be advertised for a minimum period of two weeks on LinkedIn. After this time please apply directly to : until the closing date of Sunday, 20 July 2025 (9pm).
UCAS is at the heart of the UK’s higher education journey, supporting over one million students each year as they explore their options and take the next step in their academic and professional lives. As we deliver on our ambitious strategy—UCAS’ Next Chapter —we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Risk and Resilience to help shape the future of our national service.
This is a newly created pivotal leadership role within our Finance and Corporate Services team. You will be responsible for ensuring UCAS is equipped to manage risk, respond to disruption, and operate with confidence in a fast-changing environment. Your remit will span corporate risk, business continuity, internal audit, and crisis management—ensuring our systems, people, and processes are resilient and future-ready.
You will work closely with senior leaders across the organisation, providing assurance to the Executive, Board, and Audit Committee, and embedding a culture of proactive risk management and resilience. This is a highly visible and influential role, requiring both strategic insight and operational excellence.
We are looking for a candidate who has deep expertise in risk management, resilience, and assurance functions, combined with a collaborative and forward-thinking mindset. You will be passionate about supporting mission-driven work in a complex and evolving sector.
If you are excited by the opportunity to make a national impact at a time of significant change and opportunity in higher education, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our recruitment advisors at GatenbySanderson Alison Elton or Jacqueline Lau at
Apply now and help shape the future of UCAS.
Closing date for applications: Sunday, 20 July 2025 (9pm)
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Strategy/Planning, Finance, and General Business
-
Industries
Higher Education and Education Administration Programs
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at GatenbySanderson by 2x
Get notified about new Head of Risk jobs in Cheltenham, England, United Kingdom .
Cirencester, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Cirencester, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Senior Associate / Legal Director (ref 1088)
Cambridge, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Gloucester, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Gloucester, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Gloucester, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago
Gloucester, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Gloucester, England, United Kingdom 6 days ago
Gloucester, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Knightsbridge, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Compliance Coordinator – Appointed Representatives
Gloucester, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Abbot\’s Salford, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Cambridge, England, United Kingdom 6 days ago
Gloucester, England, United Kingdom 3 months ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Risk and Resilience employer: GatenbySanderson
Contact Detail:
GatenbySanderson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Risk and Resilience
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the higher education sector, especially those involved in risk management and resilience. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about current trends in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Research UCAS and its strategic goals, particularly the 'Next Chapter' initiative. Understanding their mission and challenges will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed risk and built resilience in previous roles. Highlight your strategic insights and operational excellence to demonstrate your fit for this leadership position.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out for an informal chat with the recruitment advisors at GatenbySanderson. This can provide valuable insights into the role and the company culture, helping you tailor your approach when applying.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk and Resilience
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Risk and Resilience role. Understand the key responsibilities, required skills, and the impact this position has within UCAS.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in risk management, resilience, and assurance functions. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic insight and operational excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for supporting mission-driven work in higher education. Address how your background aligns with the role's requirements and express your enthusiasm for making a national impact.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and professional to make a strong impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at GatenbySanderson
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Head of Risk and Resilience role. Familiarise yourself with UCAS' mission, their current challenges in risk management, and how this position fits into their overall strategy.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Given the nature of the role, expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in risk management and crisis situations. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated similar challenges.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Mindset
This role requires working closely with senior leaders across the organisation. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered collaboration in previous roles and how you plan to build relationships within UCAS to promote a culture of proactive risk management.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Insight
Highlight your ability to think strategically about risk and resilience. Discuss how you would approach embedding a culture of resilience within UCAS and provide insights on future trends in risk management that could impact the higher education sector.
