Risk Manager

Thurrock Council is seeking an experienced Risk Manager to develop and implement the Council's strategy on risk management, supporting its wider approach to continuous service improvement and the delivery of its priorities and value to residents. Reporting to the Head of Internal Audit, Counter Fraud, Risk Management and Insurance, you will provide professional leadership and support to senior leadership and departmental management on the Council's risk management arrangements, and will play an integral role within the Financial Assurance, Internal Audit, Risk and Insurance team.

This is a key strategic role for an experienced risk professional who can provide authoritative advice to staff and elected Members on complex risk matters, horizon scan the changing political, statutory, regulatory and economic environment, and lead the ongoing development of a modern, effective risk management service.

 

Values & Accountabilities

Key Service Accountabilities:

• Work with the Head of Financial Assurance, Internal Audit, Risk and Insurance to develop and proactively implement the Council's risk management strategy, supporting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Develop and present regular risk management reports to the Senior Leadership Team, Audit Committee and other governance bodies.
• Support the Annual Governance Statement process through the provision of risk management assurance and information.
• Provide a proactive advisory role on operational risk management across the Council, promoting best practice and a consistent approach to risk and reporting.
• Horizon scan the changing political, statutory, regulatory and economic environment, advising senior leaders of risk or business impact as appropriate.
• Identify, assess and analyse risks to which the Council is exposed, and propose action to eliminate, control or transfer them.
• Advise on the application and interpretation of financial regulations, standing orders and the Council's financial procedures and practices as they relate to insurance and risk management.
• Support the strategic management of the Council's insurance arrangements, working with brokers, insurers and internal stakeholders to ensure effective risk financing and insurance protection.
• Support and provide expert advice to Members, Officers and stakeholders on all issues relating to effective risk control, including contributing directly to Council policies and procedures.
• Manage the day-to-day performance of staff within direct control, including recruitment, appraisal and continuing professional development.
• Liaise with internal services, external agencies, auditors and Government Departments on risk management matters, and network with other local authorities and organisations such as the Institute of Risk Management and ALARM to share best practice.

 

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Relevant professional qualification (Institute of Risk Management or equivalent experience).
• Postgraduate qualification or equivalent relevant knowledge and experience, or relevant knowledge and experience in a senior risk management role.
• Substantial experience of working successfully at a strategic level within a risk management environment.
• Knowledge of the issues facing local government, together with the legal, financial and political context of public sector management.
• Confidence and credibility to advise and influence staff, elected Members and senior stakeholders on complex risk matters, up to executive level.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build positive, productive relationships that gain the trust and confidence of the public, staff, leaders, Members, partners and stakeholders.
• Experience of leading change and transformation, and building partnerships within a complex policy and service environment.
• Experience of designing, embedding and operating enterprise-wide risk management frameworks.
• Strong understanding of risk management standards and methodologies, including ISO 31000 or equivalent frameworks.
• Experience of facilitating strategic risk workshops and risk-based decision making.
• Experience of preparing and presenting reports to committees, boards or senior leadership teams.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and identify emerging risks.
• Evidence of active continuing professional development.
• Able to work flexibly, with a minimum of two days per week on-site in Thurrock.

Desirable:

• Experience in local government or wider public sector.
• Membership of the Institute of Risk Management (IRM).
• Knowledge of the CIPFA/SOLACE governance framework.
• Experience supporting organisational transformation or improvement programmes.

If you are an experienced risk professional looking to make a significant impact within a forward-looking local authority, we would welcome your application.

 

If you would like to be considered, please send across an application below, or contact luis@ambientpeople.co.uk for further information.

Closing date for applications: 23:59, Monday 14 September 2026.