Role Profile: Compliance Manager (Internal Audit & Risk) Company: Opus Group (NW) Ltd Reports to: Head of Business Governance Direct Reports: Internal Auditors (by function/department) Location: Warrington HQ (with site travel as required) Role Purpose The Compliance Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining a robust internal compliance, audit, and risk framework across all Opus Group (NW) business units. The role ensures that departmental processes are adhered to, risks are identified and mitigated, and governance standards are consistently applied, supporting safe, efficient, and high-quality operational delivery. A key focus is the deployment of structured internal audits across all departments, ensuring compliance with regulatory, contractual, and internal business requirements. Main responsibilities : A. Internal Audit & Assurance • Develop and manage a group-wide internal audit programme covering all departments: Planning Streetworks Operational Delivery Reinstatement Electrical Operations & Data Management Commercial Plant & Transport HR & Payroll SHE (Safety, Health & Environment) Finance Traffic Management Recycling Assign and manage department-specific internal auditors Conduct scheduled and unannounced audits Ensure standardised audit checklists and scoring systems (RAG reporting) Produce audit reports with clear findings, actions, and owners Track close-out of audit actions B. Risk Management Develop and maintain a Group Risk Register Lead departmental risk identification workshops Ensure risks are: Logged Assessed (Likelihood x Impact) Assigned owners Mitigated and reviewed regularly Identify systemic risks and recurring audit failures Escalate high-risk issues to senior leadership C. Governance & Compliance Framework Implement and maintain business governance standards Develop and manage: Policies & procedures (SOPs) Compliance manuals Process maps & RACIs Ensure alignment with: ISO standards (9001, 14001, 45001) Client/framework requirements (e.g. DNOs) Streetworks legislation (NRSWA/SROH) D. Performance Monitoring & Reporting • Build and maintain compliance dashboards (RAG status) Report monthly on: Audit scores by department Outstanding actions Risk profile changes Compliance trends Provide executive-level insight to support decision-making E. Continuous Improvement • Identify opportunities to: Improve processes Reduce risk exposure Increase efficiency Work closely with Head of Transformation to embed improvements Promote a “Right First Time” and “No evidence, no completion” culture (e.g. DepotNet alignment) F. Training & Engagement • Deliver compliance training across departments Support managers in understanding: Audit expectations Risk ownership Governance responsibilities Drive a positive compliance culture, not a policing one KPIs / Success Measures • % of audits completed vs plan Audit scores (trend improvement across departments) % of actions closed within deadline Reduction in repeat non-conformances Risk exposure reduction (high/critical risks) Compliance with client/framework standards Evidence compliance rates (e.g. DepotNet usage) Skills & Experience Essential • Proven experience in compliance, audit, or governance role Strong understanding of: Utilities / infrastructure sector Streetworks & reinstatement requirements Experience implementing audit frameworks and risk systems Strong analytical and reporting capability Ability to challenge and influence senior stakeholders Desirable Knowledge of ISO standards (9001, 14001, 45001) Experience in multi-department operational businesses Background in utilities (DNO frameworks preferred) Behavioural Competencies Strong attention to detail High integrity and accountability Confident communicator Proactive and solutions-focused Ability to drive cultural change Organised and structured approach Organisational Structure Compliance Manager → Internal Auditor – Planning & Streetworks → Internal Auditor – Operations & Reinstatement → Internal Auditor – SHE & Compliance → Internal Auditor – Commercial & Finance → Internal Auditor – Plant, Transport & Logistics Strategic Value to Business This role is critical in: •Protecting the business from regulatory and financial risk •Ensuring consistent delivery standards across all departments •Supporting growth into new frameworks and clients •Embedding a scalable governance structure for £50m growth