We’re looking for a Head of Risk who thrives on building robust frameworks, leading high-performing teams, and driving real organisational impact. This is a critical leadership role where you’ll shape and embed a best-in-class risk, governance and compliance environment across the Acorn Group.
Role Details
Location: Liverpool City Centre HQ / Hybrid
Salary: £Competitive depending on experience**
What You’ll Do
- Lead and evolve the Group’s risk management and governance framework
- Develop a risk-based governance programme focusing on key risks
- Build and embed risk identification, assessment, mitigation and monitoring
- Oversee governance lifecycle: planning, monitoring, reporting
- Partner with senior stakeholders to integrate risk into decision-making
- Develop risk appetite, registers and reporting frameworks
- Lead operational resilience and risk strategy
- Oversee incident management and control improvements
- Collaborate with internal audit on key risks
- Provide reporting to Board and committees
- Champion a strong risk-aware culture
What You’ll Bring
- Strong experience in risk, compliance and governance leadership
- Knowledge of FCA regulation
- Preferably with Insurance experience in personal lines or motor insurance
- Experience with enterprise risk frameworks
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders
- Leadership experience
- Understanding of SMCR and AML frameworks
- Strong communication skills
Grow with Acorn
At Acorn Insurance, we’re proud of our Liverpool roots — and even prouder of how far we’ve come. As part of the Acorn Group, we bring over 40 years of specialist insurance expertise to the table. From humble beginnings, we’ve grown into a national leader, now employing 1,700+ people across the UK and reached a milestone £750 million in total value of insurance policies written in 2024.
We’re growing fast, with new opportunities emerging every week. That growth is largely due to the values we share:
- We run through walls for our customers and each other
- We challenge the status quo
- We succeed when we help those around us succeed
- We decide quickly when the smart thing to do is use our judgement
Benefits:
- A maximum of 35 days’ holiday (depending on role and tenure) including bank holidays, with additional buy/sell options
- 24/7 mental health support & free counselling available
- Grow with us: Through career fairs, leadership programs, and learning on the go!
- Flexible benefits, including early access to salary via our internal platform
- Hybrid working options to support work-life balance and individual needs
- Recognition awards, social events & more
Our Commitment to our colleague’s:
These aren’t just words — they’re the principles we live by. And we’re proud to back them up with real action, earning recognition and accreditation from leading organisations that share our commitment to people and growth:
- Mindful Employer – championing mental health and wellbeing
- Disability Confident Level 1 & 2 – creating accessible, inclusive opportunities
- Menopause Friendly accredited – supporting every stage of life
- ️ Armed Forces Covenant signatory – honouring those who serve
- ️ Armed Forces Defence employer recognition scheme - Supporting those who serve
- Great Places to Work 2024/25 – fostering an engaging and positive workplace culture
- Best Place to Work for Development – proud to be investing in people’s future
- • Best Place to Work for Women – breaking down barriers to women's career progression
If you’re looking for a company with a strong culture, real career progression, and a people-first approach — all rooted in the heart of Liverpool — Grow with Acorn.
A Few Things to Know Before You Apply
We’re really excited that you’re considering joining Acorn! To help everything go smoothly, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:
If your application is successful, we will commence relevant employment checks prior to you commencing employment with us. These will include a standard criminal record check and an insolvency register check.
Because our training is quite comprehensive, we can only consider applicants who have at least one year remaining on their Graduate or Post-Study Work visa. At the moment, we’re not able to offer visa sponsorship.
- We’re Here to Support You
We’re committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can flourish. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process—or once you’re part of the team—just let us know. Whether it’s flexible hours, adapted equipment, or a bit of extra support, we’ll work with you to make sure you can do your best work.
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