The Role
Our client, a well established Irish cooperative, is seeking an experienced Head of Risk & Compliance to join their team. This is a full time, permanent, hybrid position.
As the Head of Risk & Compliance, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and enhancing a strong compliance framework across the cooperatives operations, ensuring adherence to legal, regulatory, and ethical standards, and promoting a culture of integrity, accountability, and best practice throughout the organisation.
Tasks & Duties
Governance & Risk Oversight
- Lead the ongoing development and maintenance of the business risk register, providing insights and recommendations to guide decision-making.
- Oversee regional risk registers, ensuring a consistent, effective approach to identifying and managing risks across the organisation.
- Spot emerging risks and advise senior leadership on strategies to mitigate and manage them proactively.
Compliance & Assurance
- Provide independent assurance across GDPR, internal controls, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance.
- Lead annual compliance audits, ensuring timely and effective resolution of any issues.
- Monitor, report, and track compliance matters to maintain a culture of accountability and integrity.
Data Protection & Information Governance
- Act as Data Protection Officer (DPO), ensuring GDPR compliance and adherence to contractual obligations.
- Drive the organisation’s data protection framework, policies, and staff training programmes.
- Manage Freedom of Information (FOI) requests in line with statutory and contractual requirements.
Business Continuity & Resilience
- Develop and maintain the Business Continuity Management (BCM) plan, ensuring the organisation is prepared for potential disruptions.
- Conduct business impact assessments, scenario testing, and incident response planning.
- Work with Regional Managers to align local continuity plans with organisational standards.
Commercial & Contractual Support
- Provide guidance on contractual matters, processes, and documentation.
- Support new contract bids and tenders, embedding risk and compliance considerations from the start.
- Maintain the annual Exit Management Plan to ensure smooth and compliant transitions.
Experience, Knowledge & Qualifications
- Proven ability to provide independent assurance and guidance on GDPR, Internal Controls, Business Continuity Management, and Corporate Governance at a group level.
- Strong analytical and risk assessment skills, with experience identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks across multiple business areas.
- Relevant third-level qualification in Compliance, Risk Management, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience and training in data protection legislation, including practical GDPR application.
- Experience in supplier contract management, with the ability to provide guidance on contractual matters and protocols.
- Proven project management skills, including planning, execution, and monitoring of compliance and risk initiatives.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership and teams effectively.
- A full, clean driving license and access to a car.
For further information please contact Sabrina Carroll at FRS Recruitment
