Head of Risk & Assurance

Company Background

What if there was a limitless, safe, clean, low-cost energy source, providing much needed global energy security? What if that energy source could also help reduce climate change? We believe that’s fusion energy. Tokamak Energy is a leading global commercial fusion energy company based near Oxford, UK. We have an unrivalled track record designing and operating spherical tokamaks; the optimal route to commercial fusion energy.

In addition to fusion energy, Tokamak Energy is recognised as the leader in High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) magnet, design, numerical modelling, and prototyping. Our dedicated HTS magnet team, in collaboration with key manufacturing partners, is focussed on becoming the leading supplier of HTS magnets to multiple markets.

The company, founded in 2009 as a spin-off from the UK’s Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, currently employs a growing team of over 250 people with experts from the UK and around the world. It combines world leading scientific, engineering, industrial and commercial capabilities. The company has 70 families of patent applications and has raised $250 million, comprising $200m from private investors and $50m from the UK and US governments. Our US subsidiary, Tokamak Energy Inc, was established in 2019.

Come and be a part of a dynamic and innovative team who are striving to provide a solution to one of humanity’s greatest challenges: clean and sustainable energy for all.

Overview of the role

You will be a key member of the Operations team, reporting to the Director of Operations and with reporting access to the CEO and briefing to the leadership team.

You will be directly responsible for leading, advising and representing Tokamak Energy on all aspects of governance, providing assurance to the CEO and Directors on internal controls and the management of risk and ensuring we have an Assurance Strategy.

The scope of the role includes corporate governance, risk management, audit services, quality, security, IT including cyber security, business resilience, crisis management and Fusion regulation.

In this role, you will:

• Develop, implement and lead a risk based Assurance Strategy, operating model and plan aligned to the companies Mission and Goals, and legal requirements that drives continual improvement .
• Provide strong visible leadership, governance and independence to the organisation in assurance matters in accordance with legislation, standards and best practice by challenging current practice. You will bring innovation to the organisation on risk and assurance matters, acting as a role model, demonstrating best practice.

• Lead the development of risk registers. This includes risk identification, assessment, and monitoring controls and actions. You will provide competent advice to the CEO, directors and management on all aspects of assurance arrangements, legislation and best practice.
• Improve performance through the implementation of health and safety management systems, including ISO 45001, and other current standards and legislation.
• Develop a standard methodology and framework for business continuity planning and crisis management.

Management

You will lead the Quality and IT teams, and work closely with the Head of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS). You should be able to foster a strong relationship amongst all teams.

• Collaborate with regulators, external agencies and other third parties as required, developing robust working relationships
• Mentor management at all levels on effective leadership providing awareness or other best practice interventions to promote and sustain a proactive governance culture.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, assisting them to integrate good governance practice into existing business mechanisms and processes, at both strategic and operational levels.

Compliance

• Introduce a programme of independent monitoring across the business to check compliance and identify any gaps in current process.
• Keep track of regulatory changes to assure up-to-date compliance knowledge.
• Oversee and undertake audits where appropriate and ensure an action plan with SMART objectives is established to address issues identified.
• Oversee the Audit Strategy and delivery of the independent risk based integrated audit programme. Provide management information and reporting to the Leadership Team with data analysis.
• Develop, implement, maintain and continually review policies, procedures and standards for key areas of operational risk.
• Provide a framework for independent inquiry, review and investigation.

Requirements

Chartered membership of one or more of the Professional Organisations and undertaking a scheme of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) e.g., chartered member of Institute of Risk Management, Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (CMIOSH), Institute of International Risk and Safety Management (CIIRSM), Institute of Internal Auditors (CMIIA)

•Extensive knowledge and experience of overseeing a diverse assurance function (risk management, quality, security, occupational health & safety, resilience, and environmental management) and relevant areas of civil and criminal law.

•Proven experience in a leading role, successfully managing and motivating a team and working with diverse stakeholders with a track record of delivering customer focused services.

•Credibility to influence change across the organisation and provide effective, visible leadership.

• Highly developed organisational awareness, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate, influence and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and 3 days festive shutdown)
• Company pension scheme
• Eligible for company share option scheme
• Company bonus scheme, discretionary, dependant on performance
• A range of financial benefits including death in service and critical illness cover
• Cycle to work scheme

No terminology in the advert or job description is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.

Important information for candidates

Pre-employment screening

Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work, proof of identity and references.

Data privacy

Please note that any personal data submitted to Tokamak Energy as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation, for more information regarding GDPR please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation

Equality of opportunity

Entry into employment with the Tokamak Energy and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Working arrangements

Flexibility around working hours can be discussed with your line manager

Part time working or job share options will be reviewed on an individual basis.