About the job
We're looking for an experienced Head of Compliance to build and lead our Ethics & Compliance Programme, on a full-time basis. This is a brand new, standalone role reporting to our Group General Counsel, based in Oxford.
The Context
The UK's zero-emission transport sector is being built right now. HydraB is at the centre of it - developing the vehicles, hydrogen infrastructure, power systems and energy services that move decarbonisation from ambition to operational reality across bus, coach, fleet and energy markets.
Five operating companies. One Group. As we scale, so does our regulatory footprint - this role owns the ethics and compliance framework that keeps pace with it.
The Role
This is a new, standalone role with real ownership - you'll design, build and embed the Group's Ethics & Compliance Programme from the ground up, rather than inherit an existing one. You'll cover anti-bribery and corruption, sanctions, third-party due diligence, anti-financial crime and human rights, and be the escalation point when things need closer attention.
Soft skills matter as much as technical knowledge here. You'll be the face of compliance across the Group - who can translate complex legal and regulatory concepts into plain language.
What You'll Actually Do
- Act as the Group's subject matter focal point for ethics and compliance, covering anti-bribery and corruption, trade sanctions, third-party due diligence, anti-financial crime and human rights
- Develop, implement and maintain Group-wide ethics and compliance policies and processes, including gifts and hospitality, conflicts of interest and third-party due diligence
- Own the third-party due diligence process, acting as the escalation point for reviewing red flags
- Establish and run compliance monitoring programmes and risk assessments, identifying gaps and testing control effectiveness
- Manage or support internal investigations through to resolution, reporting findings and recommendations to senior management
- Track regulatory and legal developments, keeping policy documentation current and accessible
- Deliver guidance, training and awareness activity across the Group on compliance requirements and ethical practice
- Provide input into the Group's Code of Conduct, Whistleblowing Policy and annual Modern Slavery Statement
- Partner closely with Legal, Risk and operational teams to keep compliance aligned with wider Group objectives
You'll Be a Great Fit If You
- Have at least 3 years' experience in corporate ethics and compliance, with solid knowledge of relevant law including the UK Bribery Act
- Have hands-on experience running third-party due diligence and reviewing red flags
- Have a good working knowledge of anti-bribery and corruption, sanctions, third-party due diligence, anti-financial crime and human rights and labour conditions
- Have a track record of building and running compliance programmes, and delivering training and advice independently
- Are a strong communicator and listener first and foremost - this role only works if people trust and engage with you
- Are comfortable managing multiple projects and competing deadlines independently, with mature judgement and a pragmatic approach
Nice to Have
- Experience in energy, transportation or a similarly operationally complex or heavy-industry environment
- Experience conducting investigations
- Familiarity with compliance management software and tools
- Membership of a compliance professional body, or a relevant compliance certification
What We Offer
- Pension - matched up to 8% employer contribution
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays, with buy & sell flexibility
- Life assurance - 4x basic salary
- Electric car salary sacrifice scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7, 365 days
- Retail discounts & cashback via Fizz Benefits
- Eyecare vouchers - Specsavers
HydraB is pioneering the UK's transition to net zero energy and transport - building the hydrogen and electric infrastructure that gets the sector to scale.
