At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Governance, Risk and Compliance function in a dynamic security environment.
- Company: Join Leonardo UK, a global leader in defence and security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, comprehensive health support, and a rewarding pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on information security while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in information security governance and risk management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Your impact
Leonardo UK operates in a complex security, regulatory and defence environment. As Head of Governance, Risk and Compliance for the information security team, you will lead the function responsible for setting clear security standards, supporting proportionate risk decisions and providing assurance across the business. You will work across multiple business areas and may be required to travel between Leonardo UK sites, with hybrid working supported where appropriate for the role.
What you will do as Head of Governance, Risk and Compliance:
- Lead the Information Security Governance, Risk and Compliance function.
- Own and maintain UK Information Security standards, assurance arrangements and governance processes.
- Help ensure security controls, risk decisions and assurance activity are understood, evidenced and reported consistently across the business.
- Work with delivery teams, system owners, senior risk owners and security specialists to support proportionate security governance through the system lifecycle.
- Oversee assurance activity, including reviews and audits against agreed security plans and controls.
- Support continual improvement of the Information Security Operating Model, including better tooling, automation and data-led reporting.
- Deputise for the Head of Information Security when required, including representing the function in senior forums and supporting wider team leadership.
What you’ll bring
- You will bring experience of leading or shaping information security governance, risk and compliance in a regulated environment.
- You should be comfortable translating policy, regulation and business risk into practical security requirements that can be implemented, evidenced and assured.
- Experience in information security governance, risk and compliance.
- Strong knowledge of security control frameworks and risk management practices.
- Knowledge of cyber and information risk frameworks or methodologies, such as FAIR or equivalent.
- Experience developing, maintaining or assuring security standards, policies, control frameworks or risk management artefacts.
- Understanding of MoD and other UK government security policy and frameworks.
- Practical understanding of security risk assessment, residual risk, risk acceptance and non-compliance management.
- Experience supporting audit, assurance, control testing or compliance reporting activity.
- Experience producing governance, risk or assurance reporting for senior stakeholders.
- Knowledge of security governance tooling, automation, dashboards or data-led reporting would be beneficial.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).
We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution. Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
Spend up to 500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.
Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace.
Head of Governance Risk & Compliance in Luton employer: Leonardo DRS
Leonardo DRS is an excellent employer for students seeking practical experience in a supportive and dynamic environment. Located in Bedford, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages personal growth and skill development, making it an ideal place for young individuals to kickstart their careers in inventory management and logistics. With hands-on training and mentorship opportunities, students can gain valuable insights while contributing to meaningful projects over their temporary tenure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Governance Risk & Compliance in Luton
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Leonardo DRS looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Governance Risk & Compliance in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Leonardo DRS. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo DRS
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Leonardo DRS’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
