Global Head of Ethics & Compliance Operations

Joining Arup

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach have set us apart for 80 years, guiding how we shape a better world. 

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Global Ethics & Compliance Director, this newly created role will lead the design, delivery and continuous improvement of Arup’s global ethics and compliance programme, helping to shape the firm’s evolving ethics and compliance function. It offers a significant opportunity to strengthen Arup’s approach to managing core ethics and compliance risks at a global and enterprise level through practical, proportionate and globally consistent ways of working.

Working closely with regional ethics and compliance teams, business areas and key corporate functions, the Global Head of Ethics & Compliance Operations will translate strategic priorities into a coherent programme of work, leading the key initiatives and projects that underpin Arup’s ethics and compliance framework. With oversight from the Global Ethics & Compliance Director, the role will be the principal delivery lead for the programme, combining programme design, project leadership and operational implementation.

Programme Operations and Governance

• Lead the implementation and operation of Arup’s global ethics and compliance framework, including key policies, procedures and standards.
• Translate strategic priorities and regulatory expectations into practical processes, controls and guidance for consistent global delivery.
• Lead the design, coordination and delivery of key ethics and compliance initiatives and projects that support the global programme.
• Oversee core programme processes and their continuous improvement, including policy governance, risk assessment, due diligence, training, case management, monitoring and reporting.
• Maintain effective governance, controls and management information to support oversight of ethics and compliance risks, issues and improvement actions.
• Review programme effectiveness, identify operational gaps and drive improvements to strengthen efficiency, consistency and user experience.
• Provide reporting and insight for senior management, governance forums and where relevant, external stakeholders.
• Work closely with legal, risk, internal audit, people, procurement and other relevant functions to align responsibilities, maintain clear ownership and embed effective ways of working across the firm.

Training, Guidance and Communications

• Support the delivery and continuous improvement of ethics and compliance training, awareness activity and supporting materials for members globally.
• Monitor participation, effectiveness and outcomes, using insight to improve the reach and quality of programme communications and training.

• Provide practical guidance and operational support on ethics and compliance processes, standards and escalation routes.

   

Speak Up, Cases and Investigations Governance

• Support the governance and effective operation of Arup’s speak up arrangements, case management processes and investigation framework.
• Coordinate reporting, themes, trends and management information from cases and investigations for leadership and governance review.
• Where appropriate, support the governance, coordination and escalation of investigations and sensitive matters in partnership with legal, people, audit and other relevant functions.

Continuous Improvement

• Help identify opportunities to simplify and strengthen processes, improve user experience and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy while maintaining appropriate control.
• Partner with relevant functions to embed ethics and compliance requirements into adjacent processes and business operations.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas.  

You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.  

Is this role right for you?

• A substantial track record in ethics, compliance, legal, risk or a related control function, including significant leadership experience in a complex international organisation.
• Demonstrable experience designing, leading or strengthening global compliance operations, including one or more of the following: speak up and case management, investigations governance, third-party due diligence, policy governance, risk assessment, training, monitoring or management information reporting.
• Strong strategic judgement combined with operational discipline and the ability to translate regulatory, ethical and governance requirements into practical, scalable processes and controls.
• A proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, work effectively across regions and cultures and build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders while providing constructive challenge where needed.
• Excellent analytical, communication and judgement skills, with the credibility to handle sensitive matters discreetly and present clear, concise insight to executive and governance audiences. A relevant professional qualification or degree in law, business, compliance, risk, audit or a related field would be advantageous.

What We Offer You

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together. Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Different People, Shared Values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact nick.newell@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process

To understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process/

Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

Recruitment Agencies - We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on the list. #LI-NN1