Head of Business Assurance and Performance

Sodexo France; Morpeth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A multinational facilities management company is seeking a Head of Business Assurance and Performance for HMP Addiewell in England. The role encompasses leading business assurance processes, overseeing compliance, and managing stakeholder relationships. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership qualities, experience in managing performance and contracts, and a commitment to service quality. This is an opportunity to influence operational excellence within a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership with proven experience in managing teams.
• Experience in performance and contract management.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead all business assurance and planning processes.
• Oversee compliance return submissions within deadlines.
• Act as the lead for all audit and assurance activities.
• Deliver accurate reports and performance data.

Skills

Leadership

Performance management

Stakeholder management

Integrity

Commercial contract understanding

Job description

Head of Business Assurance and Performance – HMP Addiewell

As the Head of Business Assurance and Performance at HMP Addiewell, you will play a vital role in delivering operational excellence and supporting the strategic direction of the prison. As a senior leader, you will be responsible for driving compliance, performance, and assurance across the establishment, working collaboratively with key departments including Finance, HR, Facilities, and Health & Safety.

Reporting directly to the Director and Deputy Director, you will help shape and execute the long‑term vision for the prison, ensuring all contractual obligations are met and that business continuity is maintained at the highest standard.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater.
Here, you’ll belong to a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

To explore more about careers with us, visit Sodexo Careers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on all business assurance and planning processes within the establishment.
• Oversee the completion and submission of compliance returns within agreed deadlines.
• Act as the lead for all audit and assurance activities, ensuring audits are completed to standard and within contractual timelines.
• Serve as the main point of contact for the Senior Leadership Team on audit completion and follow‑up actions.
• Deliver accurate reports and performance data in line with contractual obligations.
• Oversee local asset management procedures.
• Manage the prison’s complaints process to ensure full contractual compliance.
• Act as the establishment’s Litigation & Subject Access Request (SAR) sponsor.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the client on all matters related to contract delivery.
• Chair the prison’s risk assurance meetings, ensuring appropriate risk management processes are in place.

For full details, please refer to the attached job description.

The Ideal Candidate

• A senior leader who leads by example, with strong, authentic leadership and proven experience in people management.
• Demonstrated experience in performance and contract management, with a solid understanding of commercial contracts.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage confidently both internally and externally.
• High level of personal integrity, commitment to service quality, and a strong sense of purpose.
• A results‑driven approach with a passion for improving outcomes for staff, prisoners