At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of a modern Second Line Assurance function.
- Company: Join a highly regulated organisation with a focus on governance and risk management.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to shape assurance strategy.
- Other info: Opportunity to build and lead a new assurance capability within the organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing senior stakeholders and enhancing control frameworks.
- Qualifications: Experience in Second Line Assurance, Risk, or Compliance is essential.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Build and lead a modern Second Line Assurance function.
North West - Hybrid An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced assurance professional to lead the design, implementation and ongoing development of a Second Line Assurance Framework within a highly regulated organisation.
This is a newly created leadership role with significant visibility across the business, offering the opportunity to shape assurance strategy, influence senior stakeholders and provide independent oversight over key regulatory, operational and risk frameworks.
Working closely with Executive leadership, Risk, Compliance, Internal Audit, Legal, Operations and Technology, you will provide independent challenge and assurance that governance, controls and regulatory obligations are operating effectively.
The Role Reporting into the Director of Governance & Assurance, you will be responsible for developing and embedding a risk-based assurance framework that provides confidence to senior leadership and the Board over the effectiveness of the organisation's control environment.
Key responsibilities include: Designing and embedding an enterprise-wide Second Line Assurance Framework.
Developing and delivering an annual risk-based assurance plan.
Leading thematic assurance reviews across regulatory, operational and enterprise risk areas.
Assessing the design and operating effectiveness of key controls and governance arrangements.
Providing independent oversight and constructive challenge to senior stakeholders.
Producing high-quality assurance reports, insights and recommendations for Executive and Board Committees.
Tracking remediation activity and validating that agreed actions have been effectively implemented.
Working collaboratively with Risk, Compliance and Internal Audit to ensure clear assurance coverage and minimise duplication.
Driving continuous improvement across assurance methodologies, reporting and governance processes.
Promoting a strong culture of accountability, control ownership and effective risk management.
About You We're looking for an experienced Second Line Assurance professional who enjoys improving frameworks, challenging constructively and helping organisations strengthen their control environment.
You'll bring: Significant experience within Second Line Assurance, Risk, Compliance, Internal Audit or another governance function within a regulated environment.
Experience developing or enhancing assurance frameworks and risk-based assurance plans.
A strong understanding of governance, risk management and internal control frameworks.
Proven experience delivering assurance reviews and assessing control effectiveness.
The ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders while maintaining strong working relationships.
Excellent analytical, reporting and communication skills.
Experience presenting assurance findings to Executive or Board-level audiences.
A collaborative approach with a genuine passion for improving governance and control effectiveness.
Professional qualifications in Audit, Risk, Compliance or related disciplines would be advantageous but are not essential.
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to build something rather than simply inherit it.
You'll play a key role in shaping the future of the organisation's assurance capability, working closely with senior leadership to embed best practice, strengthen governance and support strategic decision-making.
If you're looking for a leadership role where you can genuinely influence the direction of a growing assurance function, we'd love to hear from you. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Assurance in Manchester employer: MERJE
Join a dynamic and innovative InsureTech company that prioritises compliance and regulatory excellence while fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking work culture. As the Head of Compliance, you will not only lead the UK compliance function but also enjoy flexible hybrid working arrangements, competitive salary packages, and ample opportunities for long-term career development in a high-growth environment. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact in a pivotal role at a company that values integrity and consumer protection.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Assurance in Manchester
✨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 MERJE looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Assurance in Manchester
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 MERJE. 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 MERJE
✨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 MERJE’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
