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Head of Risk & Compliance
Are you an experienced risk and compliance leader, eager to shape a newly formed function and make a meaningful impact across a growing, dynamic business? If you thrive on variety, influencing strategy, and leading from the front, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
About the Role
This is a high-profile position that will challenge and reward in equal measure. You’ll lead a freshly restructured Risk & Compliance function, guiding it to become a valued and visible part of the business. By working closely with the entire senior leadership team—spanning Retail, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Corporate—you will ensure that risk management and compliance best practices are embedded at every level.
As Head of Risk & Compliance, you’ll have direct responsibility for multiple teams, including a Senior Health & Safety Manager and a dedicated Risk & Internal Controls group, with scope to develop a Team Leader position. You’ll shape the strategic focus, influence key decisions, and support the business in navigating potential pitfalls and forging new opportunities.
This role is rooted in hands-on delivery as well as strategic thinking. Hybrid at our head office, alongside travel to various operational sites, will ensure you’re connected and visible—truly becoming the trusted advisor the business needs. Over time, there is the potential to broaden the role’s remit further into areas such as data protection and legal.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Establishing and executing a risk-based internal controls programme, using best-practice audit and assurance methodologies.
* Working shoulder-to-shoulder with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to foster a proactive, prevention-led risk culture and early warning mindset.
* Being the ‘voice of conscience’ on risk matters—constructively challenging and supporting executive leaders as they drive the business forward.
* Developing your direct teams to create a respected, value-add internal function that helps identify and solve issues before they arise.
* Leading the Safety function into a future-ready state by embracing new technologies, ensuring compliance, and elevating health & safety standards across the business.
* Keeping an eye on the detail whilst maintaining a strategic, holistic view of risk and compliance across a complex, fast-paced organisation.
What You’ll Bring
* A minimum of 12 years’ experience in audit and risk, ideally within a changing, retail-focused environment.
* A proven ability to work beyond the boundaries of a traditional role profile, embracing ambiguity and adapting quickly.
* Experience leveraging data and technology to inform decision-making, monitor trends, and anticipate risks.
* A track record in leading or supporting complex compliance investigations.
* Strong communication and presentation skills, enabling you to engage effectively with leaders at all levels.
* Impeccable organisational acumen, enabling you to juggle multiple priorities without losing focus on the details.
* The versatility to transition between detailed, hands-on tasks and high-level strategic thinking.
* A natural ability to build trust and credibility with stakeholders across a diverse and evolving business landscape.
Leadership Behaviours
* Acts Like an Owner: Takes accountability, shows passion, and demonstrates genuine interest in all aspects of the business.
* Creates Opportunities & Finds Solutions: Innovates, challenges conventions, and uses data-driven insights to shape new ways of working.
* Be the Best: Maintains high standards, continually seeking improvement in both personal performance and organisational outcomes. Celebrates success and learns from setbacks.
What’s in it for You?
This is your chance to carve out a critical leadership role within a forward-looking business. If you’re ready to influence strategy, guide teams, and embed a new culture of risk awareness—while benefiting from the support and backing of a collaborative senior leadership team—if this is you please apply