Head of Governance and Compliance

Location

Southampton

Function

Operations

Group

Legal and Governance

Salary

£69,411 - £76,356

Closing Date

04/11/2026

Job Reference

NOC12380

Documents

• Job Description and Person Specification (PDF, 115.4kb)
  
  

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National Oceanography Centre, Southampton or Liverpool

Permanent

Full Time (37 hours per week)

£69,411 - £76,356

Who are we?

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.

The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.

Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.

About The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in shaping and strengthening governance, risk and compliance at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC). You’ll help protect NOC’s reputation, maintain public trust and ensure the organisation operates with integrity, transparency and accountability. Working closely with the Board, Executive and senior leaders, you’ll lead a specialist team and help ensure NOC has the robust governance and assurance frameworks needed to deliver its strategic objectives.

About You

You’ll be an experienced governance and compliance professional with a strong understanding of corporate governance, risk management, internal control and assurance. With proven leadership experience and excellent strategic judgement, you’ll be confident advising senior stakeholders, presenting complex information clearly and managing sensitive matters with discretion and integrity. You’ll bring the credibility and relationship-building skills needed to influence at all levels, alongside experience acting as a Company Secretary.

Why NOC?

We Offer a Generous Set Of Benefits, Including

• 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
• a 10% employer contribution pension scheme (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
• Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment, plus access to a range of other Aviva wellbeing services
• financial support for relocation
• a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
• access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
• access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
• a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
• a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
• we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer
  
  

Location

This position can be based in Southampton or Liverpool. Our Southampton site is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points. The Liverpool centre is part of the University campus and is only a short walk from the city centre and Lime Street station.

We have a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.

Immigration and visas

We are able to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

Submitting an application

Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and why you are interested in the position. Applications submitted without a cover letter may not be considered. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07355 676794.

Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.

Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.

There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability.

Date advert posted: 20/10/2026.

Closing date: 04/11/2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.