Head of Governance, Risk & Contracts

  • Seymour John Ltd
  • City, Birmingham
  • Apr 01, 2026
Full time

Job Description

Head of Governance, Risk & Contracts

Remote with occasional travel UK wide
£60,000 to £65,000

Seymour John is exclusively recruiting for a Head of Governance, Risk & Contracts on behalf of a fast-growth, innovative organisation operating in the compliance, risk, and operational performance sector.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Head of Governance, Risk & Contracts to work closely with the CEO and other C-suite members. In this role you will play a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening governance across the business.

This is a senior, hands-on role with responsibility spanning contracts, risk, compliance, insurance, and supplier governance. You will also play a key part in embedding governance best practice and supporting strategic decision-making at executive level.

This position offers a rare opportunity to operate across both strategic and operational areas within a dynamic and growing organisation, where your expertise will directly influence performance, resilience, and future growth.

Role duties

  • Draft, review, and negotiate a range of commercial contracts
  • Provide clear, pragmatic advice to senior stakeholders
  • Support strategic initiatives, partnerships, and commercial decisions
  • Develop and maintain governance frameworks, policies, and controls
  • Support risk management activities, including oversight of the corporate risk register
  • Lead or support audits, compliance reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Manage insurance policies, renewals, and relationships with brokers
  • Oversee claims processes, ensuring timely and accurate submissions
  • Work closely with the CEO and other C-suite members
  • Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and compliance
  • Provide governance guidance, training, and support across the organisation
  • Support governance across supplier relationships
  • Review contracts, due diligence, and compliance documentation
  • Ensure suppliers meet contractual and ESG expectations

About You

We are looking for a senior governance professional who combines technical expertise with strong commercial awareness and the ability to influence at executive level.

You will likely have

  • Experience in a senior governance, compliance, legal, or procurement role
  • Strong experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts
  • A solid understanding of risk management and governance frameworks
  • The ability to balance legal and commercial considerations
  • Experience working with senior stakeholders and executive teams
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
  • A proactive, solutions-focused approach with high integrity

Desirable Experience

  • Exposure to ESG, data protection, or supply chain governance
  • A relevant professional qualification (legal, procurement, or similar)

Benefits

  • 25 days holiday + bank holidays
  • Collaborative, growth-focused working culture
  • Health cash plan & Employee Assistance Programme
  • Pension scheme and financial benefits
  • Gym discounts, cycle to work scheme & EV scheme
  • Enhanced family leave policies
  • Ongoing professional development support

How to Apply

For more information or a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Lee Walker or Joe Woodall at Seymour John Ltd.