Head of Compliance in Whitstable

Head of Compliance in Whitstable

Whitstable Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead compliance and governance frameworks to ensure operational integrity and investor confidence.
  • Company: Dynamic Private Equity-backed organisation focused on growth and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, private health insurance, pension contributions, and life insurance.
  • Why this job: Make a lasting impact while shaping the future of compliance and governance.
  • Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in compliance or risk management.
  • Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

We're seeking an exceptional Head of Compliance & Assurance to help shape the future of our organisation at a pivotal stage of growth. This is an opportunity to play a defining role in how we build trust, protect value, and scale responsibly within a dynamic, Private Equity–backed environment.

At the heart of the role is enterprise-wide ownership of our compliance, assurance, and governance frameworks. You'll design and lead systems that don't just meet regulatory and investor expectations—but strengthen the way we operate every day. From integrated management systems to audit readiness and transparent reporting, your work will give the Board, investors, clients, and teams confidence that the business is well governed, resilient, and ready for what's next.

As a trusted advisor to the Group CEO and senior leadership team, you'll bring clarity and confidence to complex risk and governance decisions. You'll thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented setting, embedding scalable, pragmatic structures that enable progress while safeguarding reputation, operational integrity, and long-term enterprise value.

The role provides strategic leadership across quality, environmental management, information security, business continuity, sustainability, and ESG. You'll unify these disciplines through a consistent, risk-based framework aligned with regulatory requirements and Private Equity reporting standards—turning compliance into a genuine enabler of performance.

This is a critical leadership role for someone who wants to make a lasting impact: strengthening investor confidence, supporting transaction readiness, and helping the organisation grow with discipline, accountability, and purpose across all regions and projects.

Key Responsibilities
  • Compliance & Integrated Management Systems
    • Lead, maintain, and continuously improve the organisation's integrated management systems across:
    • Quality
    • Environmental Management
    • Business Continuity
    • Information Security
  • Ensure ongoing certification, compliance, and audit readiness against relevant international standards, including:
  • ISO 9001 – Quality Management
  • ISO 14001 – Environmental Management
  • ISO 22301 – Business Continuity
  • ISO 27001 – Information Security
  • Ensure management systems are scalable, proportionate, and aligned with business growth, geographic expansion, and Private Equity governance expectations.
  • Drive a culture of continuous improvement, risk awareness, and compliance discipline across all business functions.
  • Governance, Risk & Assurance
    • Own the organisation's compliance and governance framework, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, client obligations, and investor standards.
    • Plan and deliver risk-based internal audit programmes across departments and regions.
    • Lead preparation for, and engagement with, external audits, certification bodies, client audits, and investor assurance activities.
    • Maintain governance, reporting, and control frameworks aligned with Private Equity reporting, risk management, and value-protection requirements.
    • Provide the Group CEO and senior leadership team with clear, data-driven insight into compliance, risk, and assurance performance.
  • Sustainability & ESG Governance
    • Act as organisational lead for sustainability and ESG governance.
    • Own and continuously improve the Environmental Management System in line with ISO 14001.
    • Lead ESG and sustainability reporting, performance tracking, and continuous improvement planning, with relevance to data centre commissioning and mission-critical infrastructure.
    • Manage external sustainability and ethical accreditations, including EcoVadis and Achilles, ensuring strong client-facing and investor outcomes.
    • Monitor emerging ESG regulations, environmental legislation, and investor expectations, translating requirements into practical, auditable internal controls.
    • Support tendering, client audits, due diligence activities, and investor scrutiny relating to ESG and sustainability performance.
  • Regulatory Compliance & Strategic Advisory
    • Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulatory obligations, and internal policies across quality, environmental, information security, business continuity, and ESG domains.
    • Identify, assess, and manage compliance, regulatory, reputational, and ESG-related risks.
    • Develop and maintain robust mitigation, assurance, and continuous improvement plans.
    • Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, supporting compliant, controlled, and commercially sound decision-making.
    • Contribute to long-term organisational strategy, supporting scalable governance models suitable for continued Private Equity ownership and future transactions.
  • Education & Professional Qualifications
    • Degree in Law, Compliance, Risk Management, Engineering, Environmental Management, Business, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
    • Professional qualification or membership in a relevant compliance, audit, risk, or governance body is advantageous.
    • Lead Auditor or Internal Auditor qualifications for ISO standards are highly desirable.
    Skills & Experience
    • Proven experience leading compliance, governance, risk, or assurance functions within complex or fast-growing organisations.
    • Strong understanding of Private Equity governance models, investor reporting, audit scrutiny, and due diligence requirements.
    • Demonstrable experience managing integrated management systems and ISO certifications.
    • Experience leading ESG or sustainability governance within an operational or engineering-led environment.
    • In-depth knowledge of regulatory frameworks, audit processes, and assurance methodologies.
    • Experience managing multiple accreditations and external assurance schemes.
    • Confident communicator with the ability to influence at all levels, including Board, investors, senior leadership, and external stakeholders.
    • Commercially aware, pragmatic, and solutions-focused, with the ability to balance compliance, governance, and business performance.
    Employee Benefits
    • Days holiday plus UK Bank Holidays, increasing annually up to 5 additional days
    • Private health insurance for employee and family (post-qualifying period)
    • % employer pension contribution
    • Life insurance
    • Cycle to work scheme
    • BUPA Employee Assistance Programme

    Head of Compliance in Whitstable employer: Global Commissioning

    Join a dynamic and growth-oriented organisation as the Head of Compliance & Assurance, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping our compliance and governance frameworks. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development, with opportunities for continuous improvement and professional growth. Enjoy competitive benefits including private health insurance, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to sustainability, all while working in a fast-paced environment that values your contributions and fosters trust across all levels.
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    Contact Detail:

    Global Commissioning Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance in Whitstable

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the compliance and governance space. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s compliance culture and recent developments. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in a fast-paced, Private Equity environment.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Don’t just wait for job openings—create opportunities! Consider reaching out directly to companies you admire, even if they’re not actively hiring. A well-timed email can open doors.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Apply through our website for a smoother process! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your application in the best light possible.

    We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance in Whitstable

    Compliance Management
    Governance Frameworks
    Risk Management
    Integrated Management Systems
    ISO 9001
    ISO 14001
    ISO 22301
    ISO 27001
    Sustainability Governance
    ESG Reporting
    Audit Readiness
    Data Analysis
    Stakeholder Engagement
    Regulatory Compliance
    Strategic Advisory

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in compliance, governance, and risk management. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant achievements!

    Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Compliance, you'll be leading teams and influencing decisions. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and any successful projects you've led in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and drive change!

    Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Global Commissioning

    ✨Know Your Compliance Frameworks

    Make sure you’re well-versed in the compliance and governance frameworks relevant to the role. Brush up on ISO standards like ISO 9001 and ISO 27001, and be ready to discuss how you've implemented or improved these systems in past roles.

    ✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

    As a Head of Compliance, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Prepare examples of how you've led teams through complex compliance challenges or audits, and how your strategic decisions have positively impacted the organisation.

    ✨Understand ESG and Sustainability

    Given the emphasis on sustainability and ESG governance, be prepared to discuss your experience in these areas. Highlight any initiatives you've led that align with environmental management and how you've tracked performance against ESG goals.

    ✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

    Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in compliance situations. Think about potential risks and how you would mitigate them, and be ready to explain your thought process clearly and confidently.

    Head of Compliance in Whitstable
    Global Commissioning
    Location: Whitstable
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