Head of Risk & Quality

About the role

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is seeking a Head of Risk & Quality to lead the development and embedding of an enterprise‑wide risk framework. Reporting to the CFO, you will shape a risk‑aware culture that supports confident decision‑making across the Institute and its wider group.

Key responsibilities

• Build and lead a high‑performing risk and quality function, establishing standards aligned with organisational expectations.
• Own and continuously enhance the enterprise‑wide risk framework and corporate risk register, ensuring alignment with the Board’s risk appetite.
• Act as the subject‑matter expert for risk and quality, promoting a strong risk culture across all functions.
• Partner with business units to identify, assess and manage operational and strategic risks using a multi‑level taxonomy.
• Provide expert advice and regular reporting to senior leadership and Board committees, including the Audit & Risk Committee.
• Lead implementation of a robust Three Lines of Defence model, defining clear accountabilities.
• Oversee internal audit outcomes, business continuity planning and major incident preparedness to maintain organisational resilience.

Required profile

• Proven experience in a senior risk management position.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain a comprehensive risk framework.
• Strong stakeholder‑relationship skills and the capacity to influence senior leaders.
• Open to candidates from any sector or ownership structure.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary up to £95,000 per annum.
• Hybrid working model with three days per week on site in Hinxton.
• Opportunity to shape risk strategy at a world‑leading genomics research institute.