Head of Compliance

Overview

Lead compliance strategy, audits, security and risk management across 850+ depots.

Key Responsibilities

• resource allocation
• legislation advice
• team leadership
• risk reviews
• ai integration
• contract management

Tasks

-Ensuring the correct resource allocation for audits, investigations, and project, balancing priorities from management requests, whistleblowing reports, and financial analysis reporting, -Advising on current and potential changes to legislation to Senior Executives ensuring that changes are communicated and incorporated into Compliance Audits. -Leading the Compliance team, providing clear direction, objectives, and targets. Managing field-based staff, developing, and maintaining a strong communication channel throughout the department. -Implementing strategy for the on-going development of compliance and security structures to support legal compliance and risk management within Trade. -Acting as FSC/PEFC Chain of Custody Manager for depots and ensuring that Compliance involvement is supporting the attainment of the annual Soil Association audit. -Conducting regular Risk reviews for each Region to identify potential risks and incorporate feedback from unsuccessful audits and supporting ongoing improvement efforts. -Enabling the integration of AI tools to enhance investigative capabilities, streamlining monitoring to enhance risk assurance methodology and supporting data-driven decision-making. -Ensuring the provision of comprehensive contract management and oversight of physical security measures for the Trade business, including alarm systems, monitoring and maintenance services, as well as keyholding responsibilities and arranging payment of invoices relating to these services. -Maintaining communication of key consolidated findings and recommendations to Senior Group and Operational Management and ensuring regular feedback mitigating these issues. Bi-Annual reporting to the Audit Committee and presenting findings.

Requirements

• fsc/pefc
• ai tools
• risk management
• stakeholder management
• contract management
• compliance audits

What You Bring

-Proven ability and experience of leading and motivating compliance and audit teams, including managing field-based staff and maintaining effective communication channels. -Strategic thinking to develop and implement compliance and security frameworks that support legal compliance and risk management. -In-depth knowledge of UK & ROI legislation, with the ability to advise senior executives and incorporate regulatory changes into compliance audits. -Familiarity with FSC/PEFC Chain of Custody certification and sustainability audits, supporting compliance with environmental standards. -Experience in contract management and oversight of physical security measures, including alarm systems, monitoring services, and keyholding. -Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills, including experience integrating technology and AI tools to enhance compliance processes. -Ability to prepare and present reports to senior leadership and Audit Committees, communicating findings and recommendations clearly. -Multi-site industry experience is preferred, ideally in sectors such as wholesale, retail, hospitality, or similar environments. -Expertise in risk management, loss prevention, internal audits, and investigations, with the ability to prioritise resources based on risk profiles and business needs. -Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, building strong relationships across multiple functions.

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Benefits

-Share save scheme. -Private Healthcare for you and your family -Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%) -Exceptional reward and recognition events -Company Car or Annual Car Allowance -25 days holiday + bank holidays per year with the opportunity to buy extra holidays. -Competitive Salary and Company Performance Related Annual Bonus

About Howdens

-Designs, manufactures, and stocks kitchen cabinets, joinery items, flooring, appliances, and hardware from UK sites for in-stock reliability. -Supports professional builders with locally empowered service across the UK and Europe. -Typical projects include full kitchen fits for homeowners and supplying cabinetry and hardware for builders and developers. -Expanded by launching 11 new kitchen ranges and increasing in-house production of fronts and panels in 2024. -Distinctive for its trade-only, in-stock model and large-scale manufacturing of components in Yorkshire and Cheshire. -Lamona, an integrated kitchen appliance brand launched in 2007, marks expansion into appliances. -Holds a Royal Warrant as supplier of fitted kitchens to the Queen since 2015, highlighting its reputation for quality.

Sector Specialisms