Risk Manager

About Us

Tower Hamlets is one of London's most diverse and ambitious local authorities, serving vibrant communities and delivering services that make a real difference to residents' lives.

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Risk Manager to lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of our corporate risk management arrangements. This is an exciting opportunity to influence decision-making at the highest levels of the organisation and help shape the Council's approach to risk, assurance and resilience.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Internal Audit, Counter Fraud, Risk and Insurance, you will be the Council's lead specialist for risk management and will play a key role in embedding a mature, proactive and effective risk culture across the organisation.

You will work closely with senior leaders, Corporate Directors, Heads of Service and elected Members to ensure risk management is fully integrated into strategic planning, service delivery, transformation programmes and decision-making processes.

You will also lead on maintaining and developing the Council's risk management framework, overseeing the Corporate Risk Register, delivering risk assurance reviews and promoting best practice across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the Council's Risk Management Strategy, Policy and Framework.
• Act as the Council's subject matter expert on risk management, providing professional advice, guidance, support and challenge to senior stakeholders.
• Maintain and enhance the Corporate Risk Register, ensuring that key risks are appropriately identified, owned, monitored and managed.
• Work with directorates and services to support the effective identification, assessment and management of strategic, operational, project and programme risks.
• Develop a clear understanding of emerging and cross-cutting organisational risks through analysis of intelligence, assurance and performance information.
• Lead risk assurance reviews, independently assessing the effectiveness of risk controls and recommending improvements where necessary.
• Prepare and present high-quality reports, risk updates and briefings for senior leadership teams, committees and Members.
• Manage the Council's corporate risk management system and ensure it supports effective risk reporting, monitoring and decision-making.
• Design and deliver risk management training, workshops and awareness programmes to build organisational capability and risk maturity.
• Lead and develop the Risk Assessment Officer, supporting performance, professional development and service improvement.
• Facilitate risk workshops and engagement sessions across services and programmes.
• Work collaboratively with Internal Audit, Counter Fraud and other assurance functions to strengthen governance and organisational resilience.
• Monitor developments in risk management practice, legislation and local government, ensuring the Council remains aligned with emerging best practice.
• Represent the Council at professional networks, forums and partnership meetings as required.

About You

We are looking for a highly motivated risk professional with excellent technical expertise and the confidence to influence and challenge at senior levels.

You will be able to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery and have a passion for helping organisations make informed decisions and manage uncertainty effectively.

Essential Requirements

• Significant experience in risk management within a large and complex public or private sector organisation.
• Experience developing, implementing and embedding corporate risk management frameworks.
• Strong understanding of risk management principles, methodologies, assurance frameworks and governance arrangements.
• Experience maintaining corporate and strategic risk registers.
• Experience undertaking risk reviews, assurance work and control assessments.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to engage, influence and challenge constructively at all levels.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentation skills.
• Experience designing and delivering risk management training, workshops and awareness programmes.
• Experience of managing or mentoring staff and supporting professional development.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex information and provide practical solutions.
• Proficiency in risk management systems such as JCAD, Pentana Risk or equivalent platforms, alongside Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable Requirements

• International Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management, IRM qualification or equivalent professional qualification.
• Experience working in local government or the wider public sector.
• Experience presenting to Audit Committees, Boards or other senior governance forums.
• Knowledge of current local government issues, challenges and emerging risks.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to shape and influence risk management within one of London's largest local authorities.
• A strategic role with significant visibility across the organisation.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Excellent learning and professional development opportunities.
• Access to a wide range of employee benefits and wellbeing initiatives.

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced risk professional looking to take ownership of a high-profile corporate function and make a meaningful contribution to organisational resilience, governance and service improvement.

If you are passionate about risk management and enjoy working with senior leaders to drive positive change, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.