Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk management and ensure GDPR compliance while making a real difference in communities.
- Company: Community-focused social housing organisation in Buckinghamshire.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, 26 days leave, and comprehensive health support.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and impact lives through effective governance.
- Qualifications: Significant risk management experience and strong knowledge of GDPR required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and professional development in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 62000 £ per year.
James Stevens Associates are delighted to be working with a Social Housing organisation based in Buckinghamshire that are now looking to bolster their Governance department with a Risk & Assurance Management Professional on a 12 month fixed term contract.
Overview:
- Role: Risk & Assurance Manager
- Hybrid (Buckinghamshire – minimum 2 days onsite)
- 12-month Fixed Term Contract – Potential to move permanently
- Salary: £54,778
- 35-hour week with reduced Hours on Fridays: 1.00pm Finish
Why Work for them:
Joining the organisation as a Risk & Assurance Manager means more than managing frameworks and compliance, it’s about making a tangible difference in people’s lives. As a community-based / charitable housing organisation, they are committed to building sustainable communities and working with tenants.
Benefits Include but not limited to:
- Flexible & hybrid working options to balance work and personal priorities
- Ad hoc flexibility: extended day, school run, life admin breaks, making up time later
- 35-hour week pilot: Mon–Thu full days, Fri finish at 1pm
- 26 days annual leave + 8 UK Bank Holidays, increasing with service up to 29 days
- Carry forward up to 5 days leave; buy/sell up to 5 days annually
- Pension: 3% employee + 8% employer; 4%+ employee = 10% employer
- Staff development via training and Video Arts platform
- Simplyhealth cashback: dental, eye care, GP visits, diagnostics, prescriptions, chiropody, hospitalisation, baby payment
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) via Health Assured
- Occupational Health support for illness/injury
- Life Assurance: 3x salary to nominated beneficiary
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Risk & Assurance Manager to join the organisations Governance team, playing a pivotal role in strengthening organisational risk management and ensuring GDPR compliance. This role is approximately 70% Risk Management and 30% Data Protection, operating within the Three Lines of Defence model.
The successful candidate will provide assurance to the Board, challenge senior leaders, and embed best practice across the organisation.
- Lead and enhance organisational risk management activities, including ownership of the Risk Management Framework
- Oversee strategic risks, appetite and tolerance statements, and operational registers
- Challenge and validate existing risk mitigations and controls; verify that stated controls genuinely exist
- Conduct business assurance work, including risk mapping, testing, and embedding operational risk practices
- Prepare and present reports to the Board, Audit & Risk Committees, and Senior Leadership Team
- Provide evidence-based challenge on real vs perceived risks
- Oversee GDPR compliance: advise on legislation, manage subject access requests, review practices, and deliver training programmes
- Collaborate with internal audit to bridge gaps between audit findings and risk reporting
- Keep abreast of regulatory and legislative changes, advising on impact and compliance ahead of change
- Report on external benchmarking data (housing market analysis, sector risk profile, Ombudsman reports, legal updates) to inform policies and service delivery
- Assist in delivering training and briefings on statutory and legislative issues to leadership and committees
- Design and implement a comprehensive Business Assurance Framework
Candidate Profile
- Significant risk management experience is mandatory
- Graduate calibre or relevant risk management qualification
- Strong knowledge of GDPR legal and regulatory requirements, with proven compliance experience
- Preferred: housing sector experience; transferable sector experience considered (well regulated sectors)
- Background in internal audit acceptable
- Gravitas and confidence to challenge senior leaders and present at board level
- Resilient, with the ability to push back appropriately
- Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to prioritise in a busy environment
- Constructive communicator with strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach
Risk and Assurance Manager (Hybrid) employer: James Stevens Associates
Contact Detail:
James Stevens Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Risk and Assurance Manager (Hybrid)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector or those who work in governance roles. A casual chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's values and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in their community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around risk management and GDPR compliance. We want you to feel confident and ready to showcase your expertise!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Risk and Assurance Manager (Hybrid)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Risk & Assurance Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in risk management and GDPR compliance, and don’t forget to showcase any achievements that demonstrate your ability to make a difference in people's lives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working in social housing and how your skills align with the organisation's mission. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to see your personality!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Risk & Assurance Manager, you'll need to communicate effectively with senior leaders and the Board. In your application, highlight examples of how you've successfully presented complex information or challenged decisions in a constructive way.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Stevens Associates
✨Know Your Risk Management Framework
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Risk Management Framework relevant to the role. Brush up on how it operates within the Three Lines of Defence model, as this will likely come up during your interview. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've applied these principles in past roles will show your expertise.
✨Demonstrate GDPR Knowledge
Since this role involves a significant amount of GDPR compliance, be prepared to discuss your experience with data protection legislation. Think of scenarios where you’ve managed subject access requests or delivered training on GDPR practices. This will highlight your capability to handle the legal aspects of the role.
✨Prepare for Board-Level Presentations
You’ll need to present reports to the Board and senior leadership, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider preparing a mock presentation on a risk management topic relevant to the organisation, showcasing your ability to challenge and validate existing controls effectively.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
This role requires strong communication and collaboration skills. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve worked with teams or challenged senior leaders in the past. Highlighting your ability to build relationships and communicate constructively will demonstrate that you can thrive in their community-focused environment.
