Associate Director – Corporate Assurance, Risk & Counter Fraud
We are seeking an exceptional Associate Director – Corporate Assurance, Risk & Counter Fraud to lead our organisation‑wide approach to assurance, governance, risk management, information governance and counter fraud. This is a senior, high‑impact role at the heart of BD Group’s commitment to integrity, transparency and organisational resilience.
As our Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) and Counter Fraud Lead, you will provide authoritative leadership, independent challenge and strategic oversight across all areas of corporate assurance. You will shape our risk culture, strengthen internal controls, and ensure we meet the highest ethical, regulatory and professional standards.
This is an outstanding opportunity for a seasoned assurance, risk or audit professional to influence decision‑making at the highest level and help safeguard the long‑term success of BD Group.
Key Responsibilities
Governance, Risk & Assurance
* Set the strategic direction for risk, governance, assurance and counter fraud functions.
* Develop and continuously improve frameworks, policies and standards that strengthen organisational control and compliance.
* Provide an independent, evidence‑based annual opinion on the effectiveness of governance, risk management and internal controls.
* Lead horizon scanning to identify regulatory, market and external risks.
Internal Audit & Counter Fraud
* Oversee a risk‑based internal audit programme aligned with professional standards.
* Ensure audit activity delivers clear, actionable recommendations that drive measurable improvement.
* Monitor implementation of audit actions and hold senior leaders to account.
* Lead the Counter Fraud Strategy, promoting a proactive, intelligence‑led approach to prevention, detection and investigation.
* Build a strong anti‑fraud culture and maintain effective reporting, escalation and intelligence‑sharing mechanisms.
Risk Management & Information Governance
* Act as the organisation’s SIRO, owning information risk policy and assurance arrangements.
* Advise the Executive Leadership Team on data protection, information risk and mitigation strategies.
* Lead organisation‑wide risk identification, assessment and reporting.
* Oversee crisis management and business continuity arrangements.
Insurance & Claims
* Ensure appropriate insurance cover and cost‑effective risk transfer.
* Oversee timely, accurate and efficient claims management.
Whistleblowing
* Act as BD Group’s Whistleblowing Lead, ensuring concerns are handled confidentially, independently and in line with policy and ethical standards.
About You
Qualifications
* Professional membership of a relevant body (e.g., Chartered IIA, IRM, CIPFA or equivalent).
* Degree or equivalent experience in risk, audit, governance, finance, compliance, law or related fields.
* Evidence of ongoing professional development.
Knowledge & Experience
* Senior‑level experience leading risk, internal audit, governance and/or counter fraud in complex organisations.
* Proven ability to deliver independent assurance and strengthen organisational resilience.
* Experience managing sensitive investigations and advising senior leaders during periods of scrutiny or change.
* Strong understanding of risk frameworks, internal audit standards, UK GDPR and information governance.
* Experience using audit, risk and data‑analytics tools to drive improvement.
Skills & Abilities
* Exceptional written and verbal communication, with the ability to produce authoritative reports for senior audiences.
* Strong analytical judgement and the ability to interpret complex information.
* Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high‑quality outputs.
* Confident influencing senior stakeholders and driving accountability.
Behaviours
* Strategic, authoritative and outcomes‑focused.
* Demonstrates integrity, sound judgement and resilience under pressure.
* Solutions‑focused, pragmatic and committed to continuous improvement.
* Open to innovation and new methodologies that enhance assurance quality.
Working arrangements
Salary: Competitive
Contract: Permanent, Full‑Time
Location: Hybrid – weekly office presence in Dagenham (or as required)
Business Unit: Legal Services & Compliance
Reports to: Executive Director, Legal Services & Compliance
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to shape the assurance landscape of a dynamic and evolving organisation. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, influence strategic decision‑making, and play a pivotal role in strengthening governance, risk and resilience across BD Group.
To Apply
If you are a credible, forward‑thinking assurance leader with the confidence to challenge, influence and drive improvement, we would love to hear from you. Click apply to be considered for this new and exciting opportunity.