At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead governance, compliance, audit, and risk functions for strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join the globally respected Institution of Mechanical Engineers in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, birthday off, and wellbeing benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid working and excellent career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Shape governance strategy and drive a culture of transparency and accountability.
- Qualifications: Senior-level governance experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are looking for an Associate Director of Governance to join us on a full-time, permanent basis. You will provide strategic leadership for our governance, compliance, audit and risk functions, ensuring robust decision-making, regulatory compliance and best practice governance across the organisation.
Working closely with Trustees, Governance Boards and senior leaders, you will oversee our constitutional processes, governance frameworks and annual business cycle, while leading the management of corporate risk, internal audit, business continuity and regulatory compliance. As a senior leader, you will shape governance strategy, lead the Governance, Risk & Compliance function and ensure alignment between risk management, audit, business planning and organisational priorities.
You will provide expert advice to senior stakeholders, support effective governance at all levels and drive a culture of transparency, accountability and continuous improvement.
Additionally, you will:
- Lead, develop and support the Governance, Risk & Compliance team
- Manage the full internal audit programme and implementation of recommendations
- Oversee insurance renewals, claims management and risk insurance contracts
- Support the development of a new people and culture board
- Act as the Data Protection Officer and lead GDPR compliance activities
- Deliver governance, risk and compliance training and support across the Institution
- Prepare and manage Governance, Risk & Compliance budgets and forecasts
To be considered as our Associate Director of Governance, you will need:
- Proven experience of working in a governance or legal environment at a senior level
- Experience managing and developing a team, including senior professionals
- Experience managing projects across a number of teams, working collaboratively to deliver output to plan
- In-depth experience of professional body regulation, governance, and constitutional matters
- Good working knowledge and application of GDPR regulations and compliance requirements
- Strong communication skills and the ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders
- Excellent influencing and negotiation skills with key supplier contracts
- To be Corporate Governance Institute part or fully qualified, to hold a governance professional qualification or possess equivalent experience
This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior governance professional with deep experience in professional body regulation and constitutional matters to join our globally respected organisation. So, if you are ready to bring your expertise to a role with significant influence and visibility, we would welcome your application.
The closing date for this role is 30th June 2026. Please note, we may close this advert early should we receive sufficient applications.
Associate Director of Governance employer: Institution of Mechanical Engineers
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London with hybrid working options. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, IMechE fosters a supportive atmosphere for senior professionals in governance. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying continuous training opportunities and a healthy work-life balance.
Contact Details:
Institution of Mechanical Engineers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director of Governance
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the governance field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in governance and compliance. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or managed projects successfully. We want to see your skills shine!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Understand the organisation's governance structure and recent developments in their compliance practices. We recommend preparing thoughtful questions to ask them too – it shows you're genuinely interested and engaged.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director of Governance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in governance, compliance, and risk management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Associate Director of Governance, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to manage and develop teams. Share examples of how you’ve led projects or initiatives in the past, especially those that involved collaboration across different teams. We love seeing strong leadership in action!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our organisation and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Institution of Mechanical Engineers
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and regulations in governance, compliance, and risk management. Familiarise yourself with the specific governance frameworks and constitutional processes relevant to the organisation, as this will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing and developing teams, especially in a governance context. Be ready to discuss how you've led projects across multiple teams and how you foster collaboration to achieve strategic goals.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can demonstrate your strong communication and influencing skills. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders or negotiated key supplier contracts, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world governance scenarios. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies, particularly around risk management and compliance issues, to showcase your analytical skills.
