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. 

• Salary – £77,235.00 - £90,108.00 (dependent on experience)

• Performance related bonus up to 10% 

• A competitive pension scheme (OS contributes up to 12.07%) 

• 28 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays on joining, (3 taken over Christmas) increasing by one day per year, to a maximum of 5 years 

• Enhanced family leave, including up to 12 weeks paid partner (paternity) leave 

• Free subscription to OS Maps 

• Access to online learning platforms  

• Coaching and Mentoring schemes  

• Plus, a suite of excellent additional perks and benefits

At OS, we believe looking after your health and wellbeing means more than posters and events. We empower you to manage your work and life the way you need it by offering things like 

• An extra days’ leave for each year you work, up to 33 days  

• Employee Assistance Programme  

• Hybrid working  

• Free onsite parking at our modern HQ in Southampton 

• We adopt flexible working and can consider different working hours dependent on the role and your personal circumstances 

• Eyecare Vouchers 

• OS Explorers Nursery discount 

• Cycle to Work scheme  

• We believe that as a company we should give back wherever we can, so we give you 1 day a year to volunteer for charities that are important to you, as well as offering a match funding scheme 

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.

Security 

OS conducts pre-employment checks for anyone made an offer of employment, including identity, right to work, employment history and criminal record checks (via Disclosure & Barring Services (DBS).  This role requires Security Check (SC) clearance. We will provide further information about the vetting process during the recruitment journey.

Closing date: Sunday 26th October  @ 23:59

Interviews are scheduled to take place Tuesday 4th November and Wednesday 5th November in person at the Ordnance Survey Head office.  

Unfortunately, we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role, therefore you must have the right to work in the UK, without the need for employer sponsorship. 

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that people may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require any during the application process.  

Research indicates that women, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ community members, neurodiverse individuals, and people from ethnic minority backgrounds often hesitate to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Ordnance Survey, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace where everyone can thrive. If you’re enthusiastic about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly match every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the ideal candidate for this or other roles within Ordnance Survey.  

Skills required for this role:

Auditing Standards, Audit Management, Audit Planning, Audit Reporting, Internal Audit Management, People Leadership, Risk Assurance, Stakeholder Influence, Stakeholder Management