SKAO

This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to shape the Observatory's risk management and assurance landscape, working closely with senior leaders across the organisation and representing SKAO on an international stage. As a key advisor to the Director of Assurance, your expertise will be instrumental in safeguarding the Observatory's mission, supporting world-class research, and ensuring robust governance. Please note - this is NOT solely a financial audit/risk role, and such applications will not be considered. You will enjoy a collaborative environment where your insights are valued, your professional growth is supported, and your work has a direct impact on global scientific advancement. With flexible working opportunities and exposure to high-profile projects, this is an exceptional chance to contribute to one of the world's leading research infrastructures. What you'll do: Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Observatory-wide risk management policies and processes, providing expert support for risk identification and analysis at all organisational levels. Independently identify emerging risks to the Observatory, evaluate their potential impact, facilitate effective mitigation strategies, and advise senior stakeholders on appropriate courses of action. Draft comprehensive Risk Appetite Statements for the organisation, conduct regular reviews, and ensure alignment with evolving business objectives and regulatory requirements. Prepare and deliver detailed reports on high-level risks to the Finance Committee and Council, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making throughout the organisation. Monitor high-level decision-making processes within SKAO, proactively advising the Director of Assurance on any risks arising from strategic initiatives or operational changes. Design proposals for internal audit cycles in partnership with the Director of Assurance and Executive Group, ensuring audits are targeted, effective, and aligned with organisational priorities. Procure internal audit services as required, manage contracts with external providers, oversee fieldwork activities, and ensure timely fulfilment of action items arising from audit findings. Initiate in-house audits where there is potential for unmanaged risk in any part of the business, collaborating closely with Directors and Heads to address identified issues. Lead investigations into failures of process or conduct highlighted by audits or other means, ensuring root causes are addressed and lessons learned are shared across the organisation. Undertake special projects related to sustainability, corporate responsibility, staff security, resilience, industry relations, or other areas as directed by the Director of Assurance. What you bring: A recognised qualification in business administration, risk management or engineering project management that underpins your ability to navigate complex organisational structures. Substantial experience managing major construction projects (such as civil engineering or environmental initiatives) at a senior level within large-scale organisations. Proven track record developing and implementing comprehensive risk management policies-including drafting risk appetite statements-and embedding them into business processes. Extensive background designing internal audit cycles from inception through delivery; including hands-on experience managing outsourced audit providers for optimal results. Direct involvement in international project management environments where cross-border collaboration is essential for success. Experience overseeing research and development activities-ideally within government-led or government-funded projects-demonstrating your understanding of public sector accountability. Demonstrable history delivering successful outcomes on construction projects by applying rigorous assurance methodologies. Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse international team-valuing inclusivity while building strong relationships across cultural boundaries. Desirable: Experience managing advanced technology projects (defence/aerospace/nuclear) valued over $1M; familiarity with regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions; exposure to academically led R&D environments. What sets this company apart: SKAO stands at the forefront of global scientific discovery as an international leader in radio astronomy infrastructure. The organisation is renowned for its commitment to pushing technological boundaries while upholding rigorous standards of governance and integrity. At SKAO you will find an environment that celebrates diversity-bringing together experts from around the world who share a passion for advancing human knowledge. The culture is built on collaboration: ideas are welcomed regardless of origin; teamwork is encouraged across disciplines; professional development is actively supported through training opportunities; flexible working arrangements help balance personal commitments with career ambitions. By joining SKAO you become part of a community dedicated not only to scientific excellence but also social responsibility-where every contribution helps unlock new frontiers in our understanding of the universe. What's next: If you are ready to make a meaningful impact at one of science's most exciting frontiers while growing your career alongside passionate colleagues-this is your moment! Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates

As SKAO embarks on the transition from construction to full operation of the world's largest radio telescope, this high-profile leadership role offers you the chance to shape the financial future of a truly global scientific endeavour. You will be responsible for leading finance, procurement, ERP, and UK facilities teams across three continents, ensuring robust governance and compliance while supporting cutting-edge research infrastructure. This is an exceptional opportunity to work with international partners, government members, and diverse stakeholders, all within an environment that values flexibility, inclusivity, and professional growth. If you are passionate about making a lasting impact in science and technology on a global scale, SKAO provides the platform for your expertise to shine. What you'll do: Provide strategic financial advice and guidance to the Director General and senior managers to support organisational objectives. Deliver comprehensive financial reports and formal presentations to the SKAO Council and sub-committees, ensuring clarity and transparency in governance. Develop strong working relationships with external partners including member states, peer organisations, banks, auditors, advisors, contractors, and suppliers to foster effective collaboration. Drive cross-functional cooperation across all locations to enhance financial planning processes throughout the organisation. Oversee budgetary control and management practices to ensure value-for-money while maintaining operational excellence across the Observatory. Lead business continuity planning for Finance, Procurement, ERP, and UK Facilities functions by conducting risk analysis and implementing mitigation strategies. Manage SKAO's insurance strategy and portfolio while overseeing claims processes to safeguard organisational assets. Ensure financial systems are robust, compliant with best practice standards, and scalable for future growth initiatives. Maintain tax compliance and regulatory adherence across all relevant jurisdictions to minimise organisational risk. Direct all aspects of financial activities including accounting, cash flow management, treasury operations, audit processes, payroll administration, pensions oversight, procurement actions (including complex contracts), ERP system sponsorship (including e-Procurement), and facilities management for UK headquarters. What you bring: A member of an internationally recognised professional accounting body. with extensive experience in senior management roles within complex, global, multinational organisations. Demonstrated success operating in international contexts-building effective working relationships with internal teams as well as external stakeholders from diverse national and cultural backgrounds. Exceptional communication skills with commercial acumen-able to deliver clear business writing and operate effectively at strategic board level or equivalent settings. Proven ability as a strategic leader who brings analytical thinking alongside an enquiring mindset-capable of identifying opportunities for change that align with organisational needs now and into the future. Technical expertise in financial management including IFRS-based accounting standards; knowledge of international employment tax rules; contract law proficiency; advanced skills in budgeting, forecasting, reporting; familiarity with financial controls; risk management experience; hands-on approach to financial analysis. Experience managing procurement activities within an international setting-including complex construction contracts as well as operational procurement efficiency measures. Understanding of foreign currency transactions along with associated risks relevant to global operations. Advanced IT skills coupled with openness to adopting new technologies that drive process improvements across finance functions. Ability to collaborate effectively at both operational and strategic levels-delivering excellent services through distributed teams while contributing meaningfully to long-term planning initiatives. High integrity combined with commitment to good governance principles-demonstrating openness alongside dedication to equality, diversity, sustainability-and adaptability as a flexible team player. What sets this company apart: SKAO stands out as one of the world's most ambitious scientific collaborations-uniting governments from around the globe in pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries through radio astronomy. As an International Organisation headquartered in Cheshire but operating across three continents (UK, Australia, South Africa), SKAO offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth within a supportive network committed to diversity and inclusion. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements designed to accommodate personal circumstances while enabling meaningful contributions on a global stage. The culture is built on shared values of openness, respect for different perspectives, commitment to sustainability-and above all-a passion for advancing human knowledge through science. Joining SKAO means becoming part of a visionary community where your expertise can help shape history while enjoying access to world-class resources and collaborative networks. What's next: If you are ready to make your mark on one of the world's most exciting scientific projects while advancing your career at executive level-this is your moment! Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates