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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk management and internal audit to ensure compliance and governance.
- Company: Join Ordnance Survey, a leader in mapping and data services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a rewarding benefits package.
- Why this job: Shape the future of risk and assurance while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in risk management and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible working model with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 66000 - 80000 £ per year.
Job Description
Head of Risk & Assurance
Head of Risk & Assurance (12-month FTC maternity cover) (Part-time or fulltime) – Salary £77,235 – £90,108 (dependent on experience) – Hybrid working
Shape the future of risk and assurance at Ordnance Survey.
We're seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Risk & Assurance to lead our Assurance & Risk Management function. This pivotal role ensures robust internal control, governance, and compliance systems are in place to support OS's strategic objectives and long-term success.
This is a fixed-term contract role, and we are ideally looking for someone to start in January 2026, though there may be some flexibility for the right candidate.
What you'll be doing
Strategic Risk Leadership
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Set the direction for OS's risk management policy, ensuring best practice is embedded and continuously improved.
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Establish and maintain organisational arrangements to manage, control, and mitigate risk, safeguarding OS's information assets.
Internal Audit
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Define and deliver the annual internal audit programme, approved through OSARC, based on key business risks.
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Lead a blended internal audit team (internal and third-party), ensuring high-quality delivery and actionable insights.
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Own the relationship with external auditors, steering their work and reviewing outputs.
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Ensure timely follow-up and implementation of audit recommendations across the organisation.
Governance & Compliance
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Provide objective challenge and support to ensure OS adheres to principles of good corporate governance.
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Represent OS on key external bodies, enhancing our reputation and influence.
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Lead the Audit and Risk Committee, ensuring independent oversight of business operations.
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Drive corporate governance initiatives, including the Annual Governance Statement.
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Lead and manage OS's whistleblowing framework and support the development of compliance approaches.
Team Leadership
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Lead and inspire the Risk & Assurance team, fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
What we're looking for
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Proven leadership experience in risk management, internal audit and governance.
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Strong understanding of corporate governance frameworks and compliance standards.
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Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
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Experience managing third-party audit relationships and delivering strategic risk programmes.
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Ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
The Rewards
We want you to love what you do. That is why our benefits package rewards a job well done. For more information please click the apply button.
Location
We embrace a hybrid working model at OS, because we believe in flexibility and balance. You'll be based at our fantastic HQ in Southampton, Hampshire, where you'll spend 50% of your working week collaborating face-to-face with colleagues. It's all about combining the best of both worlds connection and autonomy to help you thrive.
Closing date: Sunday 26th October @ 23:59
Head of Risk & Assurance employer: Ordnance Survey
Contact Detail:
Ordnance Survey Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Risk & Assurance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the risk and assurance field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s risk management policies and recent audits. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how they operate and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs. Highlight your leadership skills and any successful projects you've led in risk management or internal audits. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk & Assurance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in risk management and governance. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit.
Showcase Leadership Skills: As we’re looking for someone to lead our Risk & Assurance team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've inspired teams or driven strategic initiatives in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ordnance Survey
✨Know Your Risk Management Frameworks
Make sure you brush up on the latest corporate governance frameworks and compliance standards. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you can lead and innovate in this area.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Think about past experiences where you've successfully engaged stakeholders. Be ready to share specific examples of how you communicated complex risk concepts to different audiences, as this role requires excellent communication skills.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Risk & Assurance, you'll need to inspire your team. Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy and how you've fostered a culture of integrity and accountability in previous roles. This will help demonstrate your fit for leading the Risk & Assurance team.
✨Understand the Audit Process
Familiarise yourself with the internal audit process and be prepared to discuss how you've defined and delivered audit programmes in the past. Highlight any experience you have with managing third-party audits, as this is crucial for the role.