Head of Risk and Compliance

Job Title: Head of Risk & Compliance

Location: Newcastle (Hybrid working)

Salary: Dependent on experience

Our client are a well-established insurance provider based in the North East, with over 15 years’ experience offering tailored insurance solutions across specialist markets. They are now seeking a Head of Risk & Compliance to lead the overall risk and compliance strategy at a senior level.

The Role

As Head of Risk & Compliance, you will play a critical role in shaping the organisation’s risk management and compliance frameworks. A key member of the senior leadership team, you will advise the Board and Executive Committee, maintain strong relationships with regulators, and embed a culture of accountability and ethical conduct across the business.

This is a strategic yet hands-on leadership role, ideally suited to a commercially aware compliance professional who thrives in a regulated, customer-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary contact for the FCA, ICO and other regulatory bodies
• Lead the delivery of regulatory returns, risk mitigation plans, and assurance activity
• Develop and embed risk management frameworks across operational, financial, and reputational areas
• Serve as the company’s Data Protection Officer (DPO), overseeing GDPR compliance and training
• Produce and present insightful reports to the Board and senior stakeholders
• Chair governance forums and escalate key risk and compliance matters appropriately
• Maintain and update internal policies in line with SM&CR, Consumer Duty and other key regulatory requirements
• Lead compliance training and initiatives to embed a culture of awareness and accountability
• Manage and mentor the Risk & Compliance team, supporting ongoing development

What We’re Looking For

• 6+ years experience in risk and compliance roles within insurance or financial services
• In-depth knowledge of FCA regulation, including SYSC, ICOBS, PROD, SM&CR, and Consumer Duty
• Proven experience influencing and advising at Board and Executive level
• Experience as a Certified individual under SM&CR, or readiness to undertake certification
• Solid understanding of UK data protection law, with prior experience acting as DPO or similar
• Strategic mindset combined with a proactive, values-led leadership style

Desirable Qualifications

• Degree-level education (or equivalent professional experience)
• Professional certifications in compliance, risk management or data protection (e.g., CISM, ICA, IRM)

What’s on Offer

• Hybrid working model (3 days in-office, 2 days from home – optional after training/probation)
• 30 days holiday + bank holidays
• Private Medical Insurance
• Death in service benefit (3x salary)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discount and perks platform

NRG is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. We oppose all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination on the grounds of any protected characteristic. Our aim is to create an environment that encourages diversity, builds on individual differences, and responds equitably to the needs of all. We proactively take steps to fulfil our legal obligations, remove barriers, monitor for fairness, reflect the communities we serve, and enforce a zero-tolerance policy for breaches of our Equality and Diversity policy.