Risk & Assurance Manager

About the Role

Citizen is seeking a Risk & Assurance Manager to lead and enhance their risk management, fraud prevention, internal controls assurance, and internal audit functions. This permanent position is based in Birmingham and requires a minimum of two days per week onsite attendance. The role offers a varied and engaging opportunity to influence governance and compliance while supporting informed decision-making across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Guide the ongoing development and refinement of Citizen’s risk management framework, including defining risk appetite, controls, and reporting procedures.
• Oversee strategic and operational risk registers, providing forward-looking risk analysis and updates to senior leadership, the Board, and committees.
• Offer advice and challenge to directors, managers, and risk owners regarding risk mitigation and control improvements; support an internal network of Risk Champions.
• Develop and maintain a robust internal controls assurance framework aligned with industry best practices.
• Coordinate with lead managers and Boards to establish and manage an annual internal audit program, ensuring thorough coverage of key areas.
• Collaborate with internal audit providers and senior leadership to ensure coherence and appropriateness of assurance activities across organizational defense lines.
• Manage the anti-fraud framework by enforcing prevention, detection, reporting, and response measures; regularly evaluate policies on fraud, bribery, and corruption and integrate related risk assessments into assurance activities.
• Lead and develop a team dedicated to delivering high-quality risk and assurance services.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, customers, partners, and external agencies.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven expertise in enterprise risk management frameworks, particularly within regulated environments such as social housing or similar sectors.
• Experience designing and implementing internal control assurance systems.
• Understanding of anti-fraud, bribery, and corruption policies and their role within broader risk and assurance frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire, lead, and empower teams to meet organizational goals.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills tailored to diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational abilities with effective management of competing priorities and projects.
• Full UK driving license to facilitate travel within Citizen’s operational regions.
• Preferably holds a professional qualification such as Institute of Risk Management (IRM), although significant relevant experience will also be considered.

Benefits and Work Environment

• A progressive organization that fosters creativity and innovation.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• A supportive team-oriented culture.
• Starting annual leave of 26 days plus bank holidays, with an option to purchase up to 5 extra days annually.
• Enhanced family leave policies including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• Organizational sick pay and a generous pension scheme with matching contributions up to 10%.
• Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs promoting work-life balance.
• Flexible working arrangements and access to career enhancement resources.

Additional Information

The role is a permanent, full-time position offering a 37-hour week from Monday to Friday. The salary is £56,385 per annum. The selection process may conclude early if a suitable candidate is found. The closing date for applications is 10th August 2026 midnight, with interviews planned for the week commencing 17th August 2026. Citizen values diversity and inclusivity and can provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.