At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a robust risk and assurance framework for Wates Property Services.
- Company: Join Wates Property Services, a dynamic business unit within the Wates Group.
- Benefits: Influence at Board level and build frameworks from the ground up.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and a proactive risk culture.
- Why this job: Shape the risk agenda in a growing business and leave a lasting legacy.
- Qualifications: 12+ years in risk management with experience advising senior leadership.
Wates Property Services (WPS) is entering an exciting phase of growth and transformation, operating as a standalone business unit within the Wates Group. As the organisation continues to scale in both size and complexity, there is a critical need to strengthen and mature our risk and assurance capability. We are now seeking a Head of Risk and Assurance to lead this evolution on a 12 month maternity cover (with the potential to extend). This is a high impact, senior role where you'll work closely with the WPS Board (MD, FD, CD) and Group stakeholders to develop and embed a robust risk and assurance framework, ensuring the business has clear visibility of risk exposure and operates within agreed risk appetite. You’ll play a key role in shaping how risk is understood, managed, and reported, driving improved governance, supporting strategic decision‑making, and embedding a strong risk culture across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop & embed the risk framework. Work in partnership with the Commercial Director, Finance Director and Group Risk to design and implement a comprehensive risk management and assurance framework, including key risk indicators and reporting.
- Risk identification, monitoring & mitigation. Lead the identification of emerging risks, legislative changes and business‑critical exposures, ensuring mitigation plans are in place and aligned to risk appetite.
- Risk registers & enterprise view. Own and maintain business‑wide risk registers, consolidating project risks into a single, clear organisational view and supporting risk owners across WPS.
- Governance & assurance. Design and embed governance structures and assurance processes aligned to regulatory requirements, ISO standards and industry best practice.
- Board & committee reporting. Prepare insightful reports, dashboards and risk analysis to support the Risk Committee, Group Head of Assurance and senior leadership decision‑making.
- Stakeholder engagement. Build strong relationships across WPS and the wider Group to drive consistency, transparency and best practice in risk management.
- Culture & capability building. Champion a proactive risk culture, ensuring teams understand their responsibilities and feel empowered to identify and manage risk effectively.
Experience
- 12+ years proven experience in risk management within a corporate or complex operational environment.
- Demonstrable experience advising senior leadership and Board‑level stakeholders.
- Experience operating at enterprise or divisional level.
- Exposure to construction, maintenance or infrastructure sectors desirable.
Qualifications
- Professional qualification such as ICAEW / ICAS / ACCA / CIMA or IRM (Institute of Risk Management).
Skills
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing capability.
- Excellent analytical skills with experience using risk tools and methodologies.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across teams.
- Commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
- Ability to translate complex risk concepts into clear, actionable insight.
Why Join WPS?
This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead the risk agenda within a growing and evolving business. You'll have real influence at Board level, the ability to build frameworks from the ground up, and the chance to leave a lasting legacy across WPS. Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offences. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre‑employment checks.
Head of Risk and Assurance employer: WPS
Wates Property Services (WPS) offers an exceptional work environment where you can significantly impact the risk and assurance landscape of a growing business. With a strong emphasis on employee development, collaboration, and a proactive risk culture, WPS empowers its team members to shape governance frameworks and engage with senior leadership, ensuring meaningful contributions to the organisation's success. Located within a dynamic sector, this role provides unique opportunities for professional growth and the chance to leave a lasting legacy in a supportive and innovative workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Risk and Assurance
✨Dive into Industry Groups
Join compliance and risk management groups on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. These communities often share temp job postings and insights. You’d be surprised at how many temporary gigs float around through word of mouth!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Consider creating content on compliance topics that get you noticed—think LinkedIn articles or even a blog. This not only shows off your knowledge but can grab the attention of companies like WPS when they’re searching for someone to fill a temporary position.
✨Tap into Recruitment Agencies
Reach out to recruitment agencies that specialise in compliance and risk roles. They’re usually in touch with companies looking to fill temporary roles, which can save us a lot of time in our job search.
✨Go Local with Networking
Attend local compliance and risk seminars or workshops. Meeting professionals in our area can open up temp opportunities, and it’s a great way to make your face known in the industry—plus, you might even meet someone from WPS!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk and Assurance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compliance Know-How:When you’re applying for a compliance-risk role like Head of Risk and Assurance, make sure to highlight your understanding of industry regulations and risk management principles. Mention any relevant coursework, certifications, or projects that showcase your expertise in these areas—it's what sets you apart!
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In the compliance-risk field, strong analytical skills are essential. Talk about your experiences that required critical thinking and data analysis, whether in past roles, internships, or academic projects. Show us how you've identified risks and implemented solutions in the past.
Tailor Your CV for the Temporary Role:Since this is a temporary role, focus on your availability and flexibility in your CV. Highlight any previous short-term roles or projects that demonstrate your ability to adapt quickly and deliver results in a fast-paced environment. This helps employers see you as an easy fit in their team!
A Concise Cover Letter is Key:Keep your cover letter short and focused! Explain why you're interested in the compliance-risk area specifically for this temporary position at WPS. Mention what you hope to learn and achieve, showing your enthusiasm and motivation to contribute positively during your time there.
How to prepare for a job interview at WPS
✨Know Your Compliance Basics
Make sure you're clued up on the key compliance and risk regulations pertinent to the industry you're applying to. Understanding frameworks like GDPR or AML will not only impress but also show that you’re ready to hit the ground running in your temporary role at WPS.
✨Prepare for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. They might ask how you'd handle a specific compliance issue. Think through real situations you’ve encountered in past roles or study hypothetical cases to showcase your analytical skills and practical judgement during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly to new environments and team dynamics. Share examples of how you’ve successfully adjusted to changes in past roles and how this flexibility can benefit WPS in the short term.
✨Gather Your Technical Tools
Familiarise yourself with commonly used compliance tools or software, as they might come up in the interview. If you've used tools for risk assessments or compliance tracking, mention those and be ready to discuss how they can streamline processes at WPS.
