At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and maintain governance frameworks, oversee audits, and lead a dedicated team.
- Company: Established organisation in the specialist insurance and risk sector.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career progression, exposure to senior leadership, and professional development.
- Other info: Supportive and forward-thinking environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on business performance and client outcomes.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational governance, strong communication skills, and a degree-level education.
Governance and Assurance
Your new company
You will be joining a well-established organisation operating within the specialist insurance and risk sector. The business has a strong focus on operational discipline, governance and high-quality client outcomes. It is an environment that values professionalism, collaboration and continuous improvement, offering the opportunity to influence how first-line controls and assurance frameworks operate across a broad and evolving portfolio.
Your new role
In this role, you will take responsibility for shaping and maintaining the organisation's first-line assurance and governance framework. You will oversee how governance structures are organised, ensure documentation and decision-making forums are properly maintained, and manage the processes used for reviewing and storing key contractual and client materials. You will coordinate internal and external audit activity, support the integration of newly acquired or transitioning teams, and lead the development of operational procedures that align with wider group standards. A key part of the role involves managing the Quality Assurance approach, ensuring it supports strong client outcomes and reduces operational risk. You will also lead a dedicated team, work closely with risk, regulatory and project colleagues, and provide regular reporting to senior leadership on assurance activity, risks and control effectiveness.
What you'll need to succeed
Success in this role requires strong experience in operational governance, assurance or risk management, ideally gained within a complex insurance or financial services environment. You will have a solid understanding of insurance operations, regulatory expectations and risk frameworks, supported by the ability to design and embed effective control processes. Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills are essential, as you will be working closely with senior leaders across the business. You will also need experience managing and developing people, along with the confidence to influence decisions and drive improvements. A degree-level education or equivalent experience is desirable, and professional insurance qualifications would be beneficial.
What you'll get in return
You will join an organisation that recognises the importance of strong governance and operational control, giving you the opportunity to shape how assurance is delivered across a large and diverse division. You will gain exposure to senior leadership, contribute to strategic initiatives and lead a team with a meaningful impact on business performance. The environment is supportive, forward-thinking and committed to professional development, offering a strong platform for long-term career progression.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
Head of Governance & Assurance employer: Hays
Join a well-established organisation in the specialist insurance and risk sector that prioritises operational discipline and high-quality client outcomes. With a strong emphasis on professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement, this role offers you the chance to influence governance frameworks while working in a supportive and forward-thinking environment that values employee development and career progression.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Governance & Assurance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the insurance and risk sector. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s governance and assurance practices. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their values and can contribute to their operational discipline.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've shaped governance frameworks or improved client outcomes in your previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Governance & Assurance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Governance & Assurance role. Highlight your operational governance and risk management experience, as well as any relevant qualifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've influenced governance frameworks or improved client outcomes in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since you'll be leading a team, it's crucial to demonstrate your people management experience. Include instances where you've developed others or driven improvements within a team setting.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is processed smoothly and allows us to get to know you better right from the start!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and regulations in governance and assurance, especially within the insurance sector. Familiarise yourself with the specific frameworks and processes that the company uses, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of their operations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams and influenced decision-making in previous roles. Highlight your experience in managing people and driving improvements, as this is crucial for the Head of Governance & Assurance position.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex topics like risk management and operational governance. Strong communication skills are essential, so consider doing mock interviews to refine your delivery and ensure you can engage effectively with senior leaders.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview that demonstrate your strategic thinking and interest in the role. Inquire about the company's approach to integrating new teams or how they measure the effectiveness of their governance frameworks. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to the organisation's success.
