Engagement Delivery Manager in Darlington

At Railpen, our purpose is simple: to secure our members' future. Strong governance, effective risk management and credible assurance are fundamental to achieving that purpose. We're looking for an Engagement Delivery Manager to join our modern, strategically aligned Internal Audit function that provides insight, challenge and assurance where it matters most. This is not a traditional, compliance-led audit role. We believe assurance should help organisations achieve their objectives, navigate uncertainty and make better decisions, not simply test compliance or complete checklists.

As an Engagement Delivery Manager, you will own the end-to-end delivery of audit and assurance engagements across a diverse range of business activities, working closely with Senior Internal Audit Managers and stakeholders across the organisation. You'll have significant autonomy, accountability and influence, taking responsibility for delivering high-quality assurance that is evidence based, proportionate and focused on the risks and decisions that matter most. Success in this role will be measured not simply by the completion of audits, but by the value and insight your work provides. You will help stakeholders understand risk, identify improvement opportunities and make informed decisions that support Railpen's long-term objectives.

You will:

• Lead audit engagements from planning and fieldwork through to reporting and the agreement of actions.
• Apply independence, professional scepticism and sound judgement to assess risks, controls and business processes.
• Build trusted relationships with stakeholders while maintaining the credibility and objectivity expected of Internal Audit.
• Translate evidence into clear, concise and decision-useful insight that helps management understand both immediate issues and wider implications.
• Identify themes, emerging risks and improvement opportunities that strengthen organisational understanding and support better outcomes.
• Influence through clear communication, constructive challenge and evidence-based discussion.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of Internal Audit methodology, quality and ways of working.
• Collaborate with colleagues across a high-performing, delivery-focused Internal Audit team.

You'll be an experienced Internal Audit professional who enjoys taking ownership, exercising judgement and delivering meaningful outcomes. We're particularly interested in individuals who can demonstrate:

• Experience delivering end-to-end internal audit or assurance engagements within complex organisations.
• Strong professional judgement and the confidence to form balanced, evidence-based conclusions.
• The ability to work effectively in an environment that values outcomes, accountability and critical thinking over prescriptive, tick-box auditing.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build credibility, trust and influence at all levels.
• Commercial awareness and an interest in understanding how strategy, operations, risk and governance connect across an organisation.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly and translate findings into practical business insight.
• Curiosity and a desire to understand root causes, broader implications and opportunities for improvement.
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Experience working in delivery-focused environments where quality, accountability and measurable outcomes matter.
• Experience within investment management, pensions, asset management or broader financial services would be advantageous, but we are primarily interested in candidates who bring strong judgement, stakeholder credibility, commercial awareness and a passion for delivering impactful assurance.

Railpen is a purpose-led organisation with a long-term outlook and a collaborative culture where professional judgement is trusted, constructive challenge is valued and people are encouraged to develop and grow. Our Internal Audit team has meaningful access to senior stakeholders and operates across a broad and diverse audit universe. You'll gain exposure to strategic, operational, governance and investment-related risks, while helping shape decisions that matter to the organisation and the members we serve. You'll join a team that values integrity, quality, curiosity, collaboration and continuous improvement. A team where people are encouraged to think independently, challenge constructively and contribute ideas that make a difference.

What we can offer you:

• A competitive salary (depending on experience)
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Generous annual bonus plan
• Membership of the Railways Pension Scheme, a Defined Benefit arrangement providing a pension for life and a lump sum on retirement based on service and salary
• 4x Life Assurance cover
• Health & Wellbeing
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee assistance programme
• Health cash plan
• Eye care vouchers
• Flu vaccination
• Hybrid and flexible working
• 12 months full pay maternity leave
• 6 months full pay paternity leave
• Buy and sell holidays
• Give as you earn scheme
• Paid volunteering days
• Flexible half-day leave
• Electric vehicle leasing
• Cycle to work scheme

Please apply via the apply button or visit Careers by 2nd October 2026. Railpen is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment, we value diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life.