Principal Compliance Manager

Principal Compliance Manager

The Opportunity

We are supporting our client in the search for a Principal Compliance Manager to join a nationally significant highways infrastructure contract focused on the inspection, maintenance and management of critical bridge and structures assets.

This is a high-profile leadership opportunity for an experienced compliance professional to take ownership of governance, assurance and regulatory compliance across a major infrastructure portfolio. Working closely with operational, engineering and client stakeholders, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and in full accordance with contractual, statutory and regulatory requirements.

The successful candidate will champion a culture of compliance and continuous improvement, providing strategic direction and assurance across a complex, safety-critical environment.

The Role

As Principal Compliance Manager, you will lead the development and implementation of compliance strategies, assurance frameworks and governance processes that support the successful delivery of infrastructure services.

You will work across multiple disciplines, providing expert guidance on regulatory requirements, risk management and operational compliance, while ensuring robust controls are in place to meet client and industry expectations.

This is an opportunity to influence organisational performance, shape best practice and drive continuous improvement across a nationally important infrastructure programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the compliance and assurance strategy across the contract, promoting a culture of accountability, governance and operational excellence.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on statutory compliance requirements, including LOLER, PUWER, CDM Regulations and relevant highways and infrastructure standards.
• Develop, implement and oversee risk-based audit and assurance programmes to assess compliance performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Analyse compliance, audit and performance data to identify trends, mitigate risks and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead investigations into compliance-related incidents, ensuring effective root cause analysis and the implementation of corrective and preventative actions.
• Oversee the management, tracking and close-out of statutory inspection findings, defects and compliance actions.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, auditors, regulators and supply chain partners on all compliance and assurance matters.
• Support operational and engineering teams in maintaining the highest standards of governance, safety and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure compliance frameworks remain aligned with contractual obligations, legislative requirements and industry best practice.
• Contribute to strategic planning and business improvement initiatives through the provision of compliance expertise and assurance insight.

Why Join?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading infrastructure organisation delivering critical services across a nationally important asset portfolio.

In return, our client offers:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Generous company pension scheme.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Ongoing professional development, training and career progression opportunities.
• Access to a broad range of health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits.
• The opportunity to work on a high-profile infrastructure contract that plays a vital role in maintaining and improving the UK's strategic transport network.
• A collaborative and inclusive working environment where expertise, innovation and continuous improvement are actively encouraged.

About You

We are seeking an experienced compliance leader with the ability to influence at all levels, drive operational improvements and provide robust assurance within a complex infrastructure environment.

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading compliance, governance, assurance or regulatory functions within highways, infrastructure, engineering or other highly regulated sectors.
• Strong knowledge of statutory compliance requirements and health and safety legislation.
• Proven experience developing, implementing and managing audit and assurance programmes.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret compliance and performance data to identify risks and deliver meaningful improvements.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively, influence decision-making and engage effectively at all organisational levels.
• Experience supporting operational teams across geographically dispersed locations and embedding compliance within day-to-day delivery activities.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Qualifications

Essential

• NEBOSH qualification, or currently working towards achieving it.
• Relevant professional qualification in Engineering, Compliance, Health & Safety, Risk Management or a related discipline.

Desirable

• Membership of a relevant professional body.
• Experience working within highways, structures, transportation or major infrastructure environments.
• Knowledge of National Highways standards, governance requirements and assurance frameworks.

Ready to Apply?

If you're looking for an opportunity to influence compliance strategy, support the delivery of critical infrastructure services and play a key role in driving operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

Ardour Associates values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.

 #Highways
#Construction
#Engineering
#Compliance
#Bridges