Head of Governance, Risk & Assurance in Leeds

We're seeking a strategic leader to drive continuous improvement of our robust governance, risk management and assurance frameworks across the NG Bailey Group. This is a high-profile role with regular engagement at Audit & Risk Committee and Executive level.

Client Details: NG Bailey is the UK's largest independent engineering and infrastructure services provider, founded in 1921 and headquartered in Leeds. It has grown from a regional electrical contractor into a national, multi-disciplinary engineering group delivering:

• Engineering (mechanical, electrical, specialist offsite manufacture)
• IT infrastructure and digital services
• Facilities services & asset management
• Power infrastructure through its Freedom subsidiary
• EV charging & net-zero transition solutions

Description: As Head of Governance, Risk & Assurance your responsibilities include:

• Design, deliver and maintain the group's Assurance Framework, ensuring coordinated assurance from first, second and third lines of defence.
• Transform and facilitate the operation of the group's Risk Management Framework, including risk appetite, risk registers, emerging risks and escalation processes.
• Oversee continuous improvement of fraud prevention and detection policies and procedures.
• Oversee the development and delivery of the internal audit plan for approval by the Audit & Risk Committee, aligned to strategic objectives and principal risks.
• Delivery of internal audit activity ensuring timely, high-quality outputs, including oversight of the third-party co-source arrangement.
• Monitoring and reporting on agreed management actions to satisfactory closure, using a central actions database.
• Guide the group's governance frameworks across various areas (e.g. modern slavery working group), ensuring clear accountability, effective decision-making structures and alignment with regulatory, statutory and best-practice requirements.
• Oversee the security & resilience team, bringing business continuity and data protection within the group's overall governance, risk & assurance framework.
• Attend Audit & Risk Committee, Board and GLT meetings to provide concise, informative updates.
• Produce high-quality reports and papers for the Audit & Risk Committee, Board, GLT, CEO, CFO and senior management, providing clear insight, challenge and assurance.
• Manage, supervise and develop the Risk and Assurance teams ensuring capability, capacity and quality.
• Act as Deputy Whistleblowing Officer, triaging and overseeing whistleblowing cases to ensure independent, thorough and confidential investigation and resolution.
• Provide pragmatic governance, risk and control advice to the business, including support for projects, change initiatives, investigations and management reviews.
• Embed a continuous assessment and monitoring approach across key risk and control areas.
• Meet with other third-party bodies when required to demonstrate our audit and assurance processes.
• Promote a strong risk-aware and ethical culture, improving understanding of governance, risk, control and assurance across the group.
• Manage the Governance, Risk and Assurance budget within agreed parameters.
• Lead or undertake ad hoc governance, risk and assurance work as required.

Profile: A successful Head of Governance, Risk & Assurance should have:

• Extensive experience in governance, risk management and internal audit / assurance roles covering a range of audit tools and techniques, ideally acquired in both industry and professional practice.
• Previously been in a senior leadership team management role, having led and managed teams of 5+ people.
• Ideally proven experience in a similar industry (e.g. engineering, utilities, construction, energy).
• Proven understanding of corporate governance, internal control and risk management frameworks.
• Experience of working with Executive teams, Boards and Audit & Risk Committees.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills.
• Strong report-writing and presentation skills.
• High levels of commercial and strategic awareness.
• Strong analytical capability with a focus on root cause and practical solutions.

Job Offer: The successful Head of Governance, Risk & Assurance will receive:

• Competitive £six-figure salary.
• Attractive car allowance and a 20% performance-based bonus.
• 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays with an option to Buy/Sell additional days.
• Pension with a leading provider and up to 8% employer contribution.
• Personal Wellbeing and Volunteer Days.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Life Assurance.
• Free 24/7 365 Employee Assistance Program to support mental health and well-being (including counselling sessions and legal advice).
• Flexible benefits to choose from including Dental Insurance, Gym Membership, Give As You Earn, Travel Insurance, Tax Free Bikes.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Head of Governance, Risk & Assurance to contribute to a well-established organisation. If you are ready to take the next step in your career, we encourage you to apply today.