Head of Assurance

Head of Assurance

Final date to receive applications: 11 January 2026

Department: Assurance and Evaluation

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Laurie Thomas

Compensation: £55,949 - £59,907 / year

• Hours: 37 hours
• Contract: Permanent (We also welcome applications from candidates interested in a two-year secondment opportunity)
• Salary: Grade 12 £ 55,949 - £59,907
• Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

Are you ready to lead one of the most critical functions in South Yorkshire’s investment landscape?

As Head of Assurance
, you’ll be the driving force behind how we assess, shape, and approve the region’s most ambitious projects and programmes — from infrastructure and transport to skills and regeneration. You’ll lead the development of our Assurance Framework, ensuring it’s not just compliant, but cutting‑edge — enabling bold, evidence‑based decisions that deliver real value for our communities.

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.

You’ll lead the development and delivery of our annual Assurance Framework — the backbone of our investment process — ensuring it reflects national best practice and local ambition. Working closely with senior leaders, government assessors, and delivery partners, you’ll ensure every scheme we support is rigorously appraised, strategically sound, and delivers maximum public value.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives on complexity, influence, and collaboration. You’ll be the go‑to expert on assurance and appraisal, providing clear, confident advice that drives decision‑making at the highest levels. The role is key to ensuring South Yorkshire’s investments are not only well‑governed but transformative.

You’re a confident, strategic thinker with a sharp eye for detail and a passion for public value. You thrive in complex environments, where your ability to interpret data, influence stakeholders, and drive high‑impact decisions sets you apart.

You bring a strong foundation in investment appraisal and assurance and know how to translate technical insight into clear, compelling advice for senior leaders and partners.

You’re not just a subject matter expert — you’re a trusted advisor, a collaborator, and a change‑maker. Whether you’re managing independent evaluators, shaping policy, or guiding multi‑million‑pound decisions, you lead with integrity, clarity, and purpose.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a degree or equivalent experience.
• Is a qualified Better Business Case Practitioner with hands‑on experience.
• Communicates with confidence — simplifying complexity and inspiring action.
• Has strong analytical skills and a track record of appraising funding applications.
• Builds trusted relationships across teams, suppliers, and senior stakeholders.
• Thrives on autonomy, accountability, and high professional standards.
• Brings commercial awareness and understands how to manage contracts and budgets.
• Is adaptable, solutions‑focused, and committed to continuous improvement.

Please refer to the full person specification in the role profile when submitting your application.

All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well‑placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.

• Continuous Employment – If you are currently employed by a Local Government employer, or any other employer under the Redundancy Modification Scheme, and do not have a break in service, your length of service can be transferred upon starting. This will apply to entitlement calculations including annual leave, maternity leave and enhanced sick pay.
• Enhanced…