Head of Risk

Head of Risk & Compliance – 12-month Contract

£100,000 - £130,000

Are you a top-tier Risk & Compliance expert with strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to embed effective governance, being aware of the realities of working in a fast-paced growing business? Aila is exclusively partnered with a longstanding client of ours to recruit a Risk & Compliance Consultant on an initial 12-month contract.

About the Company
:

• ~£7bn turnover and operating more than 1000 sites nationwide
• The leader in its field, with continuous plans for acquisitions
• Worked with Aila for several years with a high progression & retention rate
• Focused on sustainability with an excellent culture and environment

The Role:

The Risk & Compliance Consultant will lead a time-bound project to design, implement, and embed a new Internal Controls Framework aligned with the organisation's existing Risk Framework. This is a delivery-focused role requiring a seasoned risk and controls specialist who can rapidly diagnose control gaps, collaborate with senior stakeholders, and build pragmatic, sustainable controls that support a high-growth, agile business environment.

Example Responsibilities:

• Lead the full design and implementation of a comprehensive Internal Controls Framework.
• Align all existing controls with the prevailing Risk Management Heat Map
• Define and document control objectives, owners, monitoring requirements, and reporting standards.
• Conduct a thorough assessment of current processes to identify control weaknesses, gaps, and areas of elevated risk exposure.
• Co-design new controls that are effective yet pragmatic, ensuring they enable the business to continue operating with agility and pace.
• Create any new controls where material risk resides ensuring they are fit-for-purpose and don't create unnecessary friction.
• Prioritise control enhancements based on risk severity and business impact.
• Strengthen risk governance by aligning risk processes with the newly implemented control framework.
• Support enterprise risk assessments, scenario analysis, and Board-level reporting.
• Create risk registers at department level that align with departmental controls
• Engage with senior leaders to embed risk awareness and control accountability.
• Develop a clear implementation plan with defined milestones and KPIs.
• Provide regular progress updates to the CFO, Finance Directors and Legal Counsel.
• Deliver a final framework, associated documentation, and transition plan at contract completion.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Senior-level experience in risk management, internal controls, audit, and/or compliance.
• Strong track record of designing and implementing control frameworks or large-scale governance improvements.
• Skilled in process analysis, control design, risk assessment, and remediation planning.
• Experience in agile or fast-paced environments preferred.
• Holds a recognised professional certification in either accounting or risk management, with 8 years + qualification experience.
• Strong diagnostic skills in identifying control weaknesses
• Collaborative approach with proven ability to balance governance with business agility
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills
• Strategic thinker with strong execution discipline
• High integrity, sound judgement, and a pragmatic mindset

What they Offer:

• Competitive salary: £100,000 - £130,000
• Performance-related bonus
• Comprehensive benefits package including Private Medical
• Hybrid working (3 days in St Albans, 1 remote)
• Could also be run on a day rate interim agreement

How to Apply:

We want to hear from you if you're excited about this opportunity and believe you have what it takes to excel in this role. Apply now for further information.

About Aila Recruitment:

Aila is a specialist finance recruitment business dedicated to providing the best jobs to the best people. We operate as an extended arm of our client's business and a career coach for our candidates' ongoing development.