OCU is a leading engineering service provider in the fast-growing utilities space, covering power, telecommunications, civil engineering, water and more. Our operations span the entire UK, where our circa 4,500 team services the largest utility providers in the market.

Market opportunities presented by the transition to Net Carbon Zero and significant investment in UK infrastructure will continue to drive significant organic growth whilst the identification, execution and integration of strategic acquisitions will contribute to a significant further scaling of the business over the next 3-5 years.

With a commitment to excellence and innovation, we aim to deliver high-quality solutions while ensuring the highest standards of compliance, safety, and ethical conduct. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Compliance to join our leadership team and drive the compliance strategy across our organisation based in Stockport.

Duties and Responsibilities

This is an exciting new opportunity for an experienced Head of Compliance to further develop, implement, and oversee an enhanced compliance framework across the OCU Group. This role involves ensuring that all business operations and procedures continue to comply all regulatory and legal requirements and standards as we continue to grow and develop. The Head of Compliance will act as a key advisor to senior management, providing insights, guidance and direction on risk and opportunity management, ethical practices, and corporate governance.

Key Responsibilities:

Compliance Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement an enhanced and comprehensive compliance strategy aligned with the company's objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Lead compliance across the Group, ensuring consistent and effective compliance practices are in place.
• Provide strategic advice and direction to the functional leads, executive team, and Board on compliance matters.

Policy Development & Implementation:

• Promote and maintain Group-wide compliance policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance policies are up to date with current laws and regulations, including those related to anti-bribery, AML, competition law, sanctions and financial regulations.

Records & Reporting:

• Oversee all record and reporting systems to maintain compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Regularly report to the Board and senior management on compliance risks.
• Lead internal audits and coordinate with external assurance providers as needed across all compliance areas of the business.

Training & Awareness:

• Develop and deliver compliance training programs to employees at all levels.
• Promote a strong culture of ethical behaviour and compliance aligned with our Code of Conduct.

Risk Management:

• Identify potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risk and develop and implement corrective action plans.
• Work closely with the Risk Committee to further integrate compliance risk assessments into broader risk management strategies.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Consult and engage with a network of external stakeholders (including compliance experts).
• Represent the company in industry forums and regulatory bodies as required.

Team Leadership & Development:

Lead and engage with other employees with a compliance role within other functions, supporting a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.

Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in a senior/ Head of compliance role, preferably within the energy/utilities contracting or construction sectors.
• Proven track record of leading and enhancing compliance programs in complex, multi-jurisdictional environments.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong hands-on agile leadership and strategic thinking skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organisation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of articulating complex compliance issues to non-experts.
• High ethical standards and integrity with a commitment to promoting a compliance-oriented culture.

Company Information

Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering engineering solutions.

Working directly with many of the country’s leading blue-chip power, water, telecoms, and rail clients, we are looking for the best talent to join our growing team.

We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment.

We believe that being successful is a choice. We choose to be successful.

We are OCU, ‘One Company United.’

As an equal opportunities’ employer, we are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us.