Head of Programme and Approvals Assurance

Job Description

As Head of Programme and Approvals Assurance you will lead the development and management of a risk based assurance programme of the HS2 programme and investment approval decisions setting clear expectations for implementation and delivery across the organisation. To co–ordinate related LOD2 assurance delivery, and support planning of the Integrated Assurance and Approvals Plan. This role is to provide a holistic view of programme health and levels of assurance and ensure assurance activities are delivered in a timely manner to support business decision making and approvals.

About the role:

• Lead the development and management of a risk based and proportionate programme and approvals assurance regime that provides confidence and adds value to our stakeholders and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, mandated controls and contractual commitments.
• Lead, structure, set and implement related policy, strategy, procedures and reporting formats for programme and approvals assurance across all aspects of HS2 the programme ensuring all assurance stages are understood and that improvement recommendations are implemented, as appropriate.
• Lead the programme assurance processes for the production of project baselines and the approvals assurance process for investment decisions supporting the Chief Commercial Officer.
• Act as professional head of programme and approvals assurance, give advice to the company on related assurance matters, train and upskill the business in assurance practices.
• Lead the programme and approvals assurance function and the deployment of assurance resources to meet the business needs.
• Establish the HS2 approach to programme and approvals assurance using the three lines of defence model.
• Lead cross business teams, formed of subject matter experts, to provide peer reviews and assurance of programme deliverables.
• Manage the Programme and Approvals Assurance Team providing regular line management and direction, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Provide subject matter input to the Integrated Assurance and Approvals Plan (IAAP) and ensure related assurance activities are delivered in a timely manner to support business decision making and approvals.
• Liaise with and monitor the work of external audit and assurance teams to ensure HS2 receives value for money and agreed processes and procedures are adhered to.
• Actively promote and embed Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work, and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI

About You:

Skills:

• Skilled in distilling information from multiple sources and turning it into clear written materials
• Ability to influence and negotiate with senior colleagues
• Ability to engage with and manage stakeholders and Government on sensitive issues
• Management skills, working on multiple activities simultaneously and prioritise the most critical activities to agreed deadlines

Knowledge:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Understanding of project and programme management techniques and processes
• Knowledge of a range of assurance activities, tools and techniques
• Knowledge of best practice in project management
• Professional assurance qualifications (e.g. Audit) or equivalent
• Knowledge of matrix organisations and programme delivery
• Knowledge of relevant interfaces for similar infrastructure projects

Type of experience:

• Experience of managing teams within a matrix working environment
• Experience in developing and managing business processes
• Experience of implementing assurance frameworks in major programmes, with multiple stakeholders.

About Us:

High Speed 2 (HS2 Ltd) will be the UK's new high speed rail network. As well as improving capacity, the new scheme will shorten journey times between a number of Britain's major population centres, boost the economy and create thousands of jobs.

HS2 Ltd will create a skills legacy and develop a diverse range of talent. We aim to be a leader in EDI practice by creating a safe & inclusive working environment for all our staff – living our values of Safety, Respect, Integrity and Leadership.

In practice, this means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging our staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities.

HS2 Ltd is also a safety–critical organisation. Employees are required to ensure reasonable care of their own and others' health and safety by taking personal responsibility for working to our 'Safe at Heart' programme principles and following safe working procedures at all times.

HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential.About Us

High Speed 2 (HS2 Ltd) will be the UK's new high speed rail network. As well as improving capacity, the new scheme will shorten journey times between a number of Britain's major population centres, boost the economy and create thousands of jobs.

HS2 Ltd will create a skills legacy and develop a diverse range of talent. We aim to be a leader in EDI practice by creating a safe & inclusive working environment for all our staff – living our values of Safety, Respect, Integrity and Leadership.

In practice, this means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging our staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities.

HS2 Ltd is also a safety–critical organisation. Employees are required to ensure reasonable care of their own and others' health and safety by taking personal responsibility for working to our 'Safe at Heart' programme principles and following safe working procedures at all times.

HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential.