Head of Risk and Assurance FTC in Cheadle

Help strengthen governance, resilience and assurance across one of the world's leading biomedical research organisations. At UK Biobank, our mission is to enable scientists around the world to make discoveries that improve human health. Protecting that mission requires more than strong technology; it depends on effective governance, robust risk management, resilient business operations and trusted assurance frameworks.

We're looking for a Head of Risk & Assurance to provide strategic leadership across our Assurance and Risk functions, helping ensure UK Biobank continues to operate securely, responsibly and in line with the highest regulatory and quality standards. This is an exciting opportunity to shape how assurance, risk, business continuity and information security work together across the organisation while supporting major strategic initiatives, including Certified Trusted Research Environments (CTRE), organisational transformation and continual improvement of our management systems.

As Head of Risk & Assurance, you'll lead the strategic development and continual improvement of UK Biobank's assurance and risk capability, ensuring our governance frameworks evolve alongside the organisation's ambitious research and technology programmes. Reporting into senior leadership, you'll work across Audit, Risk, Business Continuity, Information Security and Quality Management, bringing these functions together to create an integrated approach to assurance that supports organisational objectives while enabling researchers to access and use UK Biobank's data safely and securely.

You'll lead a specialist team while working closely with stakeholders across the organisation to strengthen governance, improve regulatory compliance, mature risk management practices and ensure our management systems continue to meet recognised standards and accreditations. Alongside providing strategic leadership, you'll also play an important operational role, overseeing the Microsoft 365 SharePoint electronic Quality Management System (eQMS), supporting business continuity planning, maintaining Information Security Management System (ISMS) documentation, and ensuring UK Biobank remains audit-ready.

This is a unique opportunity for someone who enjoys balancing strategic leadership with practical delivery, helping shape the future of assurance and governance within one of the world's leading biomedical research organisations.

You will be responsible for:

• Maintaining, administering and continually improving the Microsoft SharePoint electronic Quality Management System (eQMS), including system configuration, workflow optimisation, user support and the implementation of enhancements.
• Developing, maintaining and testing Business Continuity Management (BCM) documentation, plans and supporting processes to ensure organisational resilience and compliance with relevant standards.
• Reviewing, updating and maintaining Information Security Management System (ISMS) documentation, with particular focus on risk management policies, procedures and associated governance processes.
• Coordinating and supporting regulatory and governance activities, including the maintenance of evidence, documentation and frameworks required for internal and external audits.
• Collaborating with stakeholders across the organisation to embed effective Risk and Assurance processes, ensuring policies, procedures and governance activities are consistently implemented and maintained.

Is this you?

• Experience managing and maintaining an electronic Quality Management System within Microsoft 365 and SharePoint.
• Strong knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks, certifications and industry standards.
• Experience overseeing multiple assurance functions, including audit, business continuity, information security and regulatory compliance.
• Leadership experience in risk management, audit and assurance, preferably within a regulated environment such as healthcare or life sciences.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, with the ability to present information clearly to senior leadership teams and committees.

This is a Fixed Term Contract until the end of March 2027. Working hours are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with 2 days onsite and hybrid working available. The role is based across Cheadle and Manchester Science Park.

Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development. We actively welcome applications from people with disabilities, long‑term health conditions, neurodivergent candidates, and those with diverse thinking styles. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and in the workplace so that everyone can perform at their best. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Tommy Wilson at jobs@ukbiobank.ac.uk so we can support you.

Your Wellbeing Matters to Us. Our wellbeing score on Indeed is rated as 77% (high), reflecting how people experience working here day-to-day. Colleagues often highlight a strong sense of purpose, supportive team culture, and the opportunity to grow. There's a real focus on learning, flexibility, and feeling valued, whether that's developing new skills, contributing ideas, or building a career within Risk & Assurance.

Benefits:

• 26 Days' Annual Leave – Plus Bank Holidays
• Holiday Buy Scheme
• Birthday Leave
• USS Pension Scheme
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Enhanced Family Leave
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Professional Subscriptions
• Training & Development Opportunities
• Free On‑Site Gym
• Subsidised Canteen Lunches
• Free Car Parking
• Employee Discounts Portal
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Annual Flu Vaccination
• Life Assurance Cover

The job advert closing date may change, so early applications are encouraged.