At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk-based internal assurance reviews and provide insights to senior leaders.
- Company: Join the Office for Nuclear Regulation, a key player in UK safety and security.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, focus on wellbeing, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with experienced colleagues and diverse challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public safety and strengthen governance in a vital regulatory role.
- Qualifications: Experience in internal audit, strong analytical skills, and ability to engage with stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Help strengthen assurance at the heart of nuclear regulation.
How do you provide independent assurance and trusted insight in an organisation responsible for protecting society from some of the UK’s most significant safety and security risks? At the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), that challenge sits at the heart of our assurance work — and we’re looking for a Senior Assurance Lead to help drive it forward.
This is a unique opportunity to play a visible role in strengthening governance, risk management and internal controls across one of the UK’s most important regulators. Working across regulatory and corporate functions, you’ll help provide confidence that ONR is operating effectively, transparently and in line with its public mission.
The role combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You’ll lead end-to-end assurance and audit engagements, provide insight and challenge to senior leaders, and contribute directly to organisational improvement in a complex, high-hazard regulatory environment.
As a Senior Assurance Lead, you’ll lead and deliver risk-based internal assurance reviews across ONR’s regulatory and corporate activities. You’ll provide independent, objective assurance on governance, risk management and internal control effectiveness, helping senior stakeholders make informed decisions and strengthen organisational performance. Acting as both a trusted advisor and constructive challenger, you’ll work closely with colleagues across the organisation to identify risks, improve systems and promote accountability.
This is a varied role where no two reviews are the same. You’ll lead assurance assignments from planning through to reporting and follow-up, ensuring recommendations are practical, proportionate and focused on continuous improvement. You’ll also contribute to developing assurance methodologies and supporting a strong culture of risk awareness and learning across ONR.
At ONR, our work protects society by securing safe nuclear operations across the UK. Strong governance, effective risk management and robust assurance are critical to maintaining public confidence and supporting informed decision-making. In this role, you’ll have direct exposure to complex strategic, operational and regulatory risks, working across a broad range of organisational priorities. Your work will help strengthen organisational resilience, improve accountability and support ONR in delivering its mission effectively. You’ll also have the opportunity to influence senior leaders and contribute to meaningful organisational improvement in an environment where assurance work has real impact.
You’re an experienced internal audit or assurance professional who enjoys analysing complex issues, influencing stakeholders and driving improvement. You’ll bring:
- Experience delivering internal audit or assurance reviews within complex organisations
- Strong understanding of governance, risk management and internal control frameworks
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound risk-based judgements
- Confidence engaging with and constructively challenging senior stakeholders
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise reports
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines
Experience working within regulated or high-complexity environments would be advantageous. A relevant professional qualification (or working towards one), such as CIA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or CISA, would support your application.
ONR’s values are supportive, open-minded, fair and accountable, and we genuinely invest in our people. You’ll benefit from flexible, hybrid working from our offices in Bootle, Cheltenham or London, alongside a strong focus on wellbeing, inclusion and professional development. You’ll work with experienced and committed colleagues across the organisation, gaining exposure to a wide range of strategic and operational challenges in a highly respected public body. This is an opportunity to build your career in a purpose-driven environment where your work contributes directly to protecting society and supporting safe nuclear operations across the UK.
If you’re looking for a role where you can influence senior decision-making, strengthen organisational assurance and make a meaningful public impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Closing date: 29 June 2026
Senior Assurance Lead employer: Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR)
The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth and wellbeing of its employees. With a strong commitment to flexible working arrangements and a culture that values support, fairness, and accountability, ONR offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful work that directly contributes to public safety and organisational improvement. Employees benefit from exposure to complex challenges within a respected regulatory environment, fostering both personal and professional development.
Contact Details:
Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Assurance Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at ONR on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. Personal connections can give you insights that you won’t find anywhere else.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Assurance Lead. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've provided independent assurance or improved governance in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! During interviews, highlight your problem-solving abilities and how you've tackled complex issues in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the position and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Assurance Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Senior Assurance Lead role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what ONR is looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your analytical and problem-solving skills have made a difference in previous roles. We want to see real examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and driven improvement.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Ensure your reports and communications are straightforward and easy to follow. This reflects the strong written communication skills we value at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and engaged!
How to prepare for a job interview at Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR)
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the nuclear regulation landscape in the UK. Familiarise yourself with the Office for Nuclear Regulation's role and recent developments in governance and risk management. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your analytical and problem-solving skills. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully led assurance reviews or influenced stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you approached complex issues and what outcomes you achieved.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior Assurance Lead, you'll need to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss how you've produced reports in the past and how you ensure your recommendations are practical and actionable.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Highlight your passion for organisational improvement and risk awareness. Be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to developing assurance methodologies or fostering a culture of learning in previous roles. This will show that you align with ONR's values and are ready to make a meaningful impact.
