At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk and assurance strategies to enhance governance and resilience in biomedical research.
- Company: Join UK Biobank, a leader in biomedical research dedicated to improving human health.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days of annual leave, healthcare cash plan, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working options available, fostering a diverse and engaging workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with Microsoft 365 eQMS and strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 69000 £ per year.
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.
Role
We're looking for a Head of Risk & Assurance to provide strategic leadership across our Assurance and Risk functions, ensuring UK Biobank continues to operate securely, responsibly and in line with the highest regulatory and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain, administer and continually improve the Microsoft SharePoint electronic Quality Management System (eQMS), including system configuration, workflow optimisation, user support and the implementation of enhancements.
- Develop, maintain and test Business Continuity Management (BCM) documentation, plans and supporting processes to ensure organisational resilience and compliance with relevant standards.
- Review, update and maintain Information Security Management System (ISMS) documentation, focusing on risk management policies, procedures and associated governance processes.
- Coordinate and support regulatory and governance activities, maintaining evidence, documentation and frameworks required for internal and external audits.
- Collaborate with stakeholders across the organisation to embed effective Risk and Assurance processes, ensuring policies, procedures and governance activities are consistently implemented and maintained.
Qualifications
- 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.
Contract & Working Hours
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 across Cheadle and Manchester Science Park.
Diversity & Inclusion
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.
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
Head of Risk and Assurance (FTC) in Manchester employer: UK Biobank
At UK Biobank, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and wellbeing-focused culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a range of benefits including generous annual leave, hybrid working options, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, our Greater Manchester locations provide a dynamic environment for Information Security Engineers to thrive while contributing to groundbreaking biomedical research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Risk and Assurance (FTC) in Manchester
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like UK Biobank looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk and Assurance (FTC) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at UK Biobank. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Biobank
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with UK Biobank’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
