Governance, Risk & Audit Lead

Your new company
HAYS are delighted to be working exclusively with the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) on this vacancy.
About NEP
Join one of the UK's most exciting and pioneering projects - the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) is developing onshore and offshore infrastructure needed to transport CO2 from carbon capture projects across Teesside and the Humber - collectively known as the East Coast Cluster - to secure storage under the North Sea. The infrastructure is crucial to achieving net zero in the UK's most carbon intensive industrial regions.This is a first-of-its-kind, utterly unique and extremely exciting start-up organisation. NEP is in an incorporated joint venture established solely to develop and operate CO₂ transportation and storage infrastructure on behalf of the NEP Shareholders - BP, Equinor and Total Energies.

Your new role
Purpose of the RoleThe Governance, Risk & Audit Lead will provide independent assurance and advisory services to strengthen NEP's governance, risk management, and internal control environment. This role will lead the development and execution of the internal audit plan and oversee the enterprise risk framework, ensuring alignment with NEP's strategic objectives and regulatory obligations.
Key ResponsibilitiesLead the design, development, and maintenance of an effective internal control framework, ensuring alignment with best practices, regulatory requirements, and integration of risk and audit processes.1. Internal Audit

Develop and deliver an annual internal audit plan based on risk priorities.
Lead operational and compliance audits, including process walkthroughs and control evaluations, and coordinate resourcing by engaging internal subject matter experts, shareholder representatives, or external providers as required.
Identify control gaps and recommend practical improvements.
Prepare high-quality audit reports and present findings to senior management and committees.
Track and monitor remediation of audit findings.2. Risk Management

Enhance and maintain NEP's risk management framework, promoting risk awareness across the business.
Oversee risk registers and ensure controls remain current and effective.
Lead risk and control assessment cycles in partnership with business owners.
Develop, monitor, and report on key risk indicators and metrics.
Manage incident reviews, ensuring lessons learned are captured and acted upon.3. Advisory and Governance

Provide guidance on internal controls and risk management best practices.
Collaborate with leadership to embed a strong risk culture and governance framework.
Support compliance with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.
What you'll need to succeed
Skills and Competencies

Strategic Thinking: Align audit and risk priorities with NEP's mission and objectives.
Analytical & Problem-Solving: Assess complex processes, identify risks, and propose practical solutions.
Communication & Influence: Present findings clearly and persuasively to senior leadership and committees.
Stakeholder Management: Build strong relationships across all levels, influencing and collaborating effectively.
Technical Knowledge: Understanding of internal control frameworks and risk management Education and Experience

Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline or able to demonstrate equivalent practical experience in internal audit and risk management roles.
Relevant professional certification preferred.
Minimum 3-5 years in internal audit and/or risk management roles.
Experience in energy, infrastructure, or industrial sectors; Oil & Gas background beneficial but not essential.
Experience conducting audits across organisational interfaces, including joint ventures or contractor environments, is highly desirable.
Proven track record of leading audits and risk assessments, including operational and compliance reviews.What you'll get in returnWhy Join NEP?

Be part of a groundbreaking project that will transform both the UK's energy landscape and the local Tees Valley community.
Shape the finance function of a pioneering carbon capture and storage project.
Work in a dynamic start-up environment with significant investment and growth plans.
Collaborate with industry leaders and government stakeholders.
Modern offices in central Darlington, close to the train station and with free on-site parking.
Flexible & hybrid working pattern
What you need to do now
What you need to do now Apply now to join Northern Endurance Partnership and help to deliver one of the UK's most ambitious Net Zero projects. Click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. All applications will be forwarded to HAYS for screening & shortlisting.

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