Head of Risk & Assurance

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

• Set the direction for OS's risk management policy, ensuring best practice is embedded and continuously improved.

• Establish and maintain organisational arrangements to manage, control, and mitigate risk, safeguarding OS's information assets.

Internal Audit

• Define and deliver the annual internal audit programme, approved through OSARC, based on key business risks.

• Lead a blended internal audit team (internal and third-party), ensuring high-quality delivery and actionable insights.

• Own the relationship with external auditors, steering their work and reviewing outputs.

• Ensure timely follow-up and implementation of audit recommendations across the organisation.

Governance & Compliance

• Provide objective challenge and support to ensure OS adheres to principles of good corporate governance.

• Represent OS on key external bodies, enhancing our reputation and influence.

• Lead the Audit and Risk Committee, ensuring independent oversight of business operations.

• Drive corporate governance initiatives, including the Annual Governance Statement.

• Lead and manage OS's whistleblowing framework and support the development of compliance approaches.

Team Leadership

• Lead and inspire the Risk & Assurance team, fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What we're looking for

• Proven leadership experience in risk management, internal audit and governance.

• Strong understanding of corporate governance frameworks and compliance standards.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

• Experience managing third-party audit relationships and delivering strategic risk programmes.

• 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