Associate Director - Assurance

Job Description:

We are seeking a Associate Director - Assurance to lead and deliver high-impact advisory assurance projects. 

You will be responsible for:

• Assurance process development – Maintain and enhance Aqua’s approach to delivering assurance commissions aligning with best practice standards and supporting technical teams with the design and delivery of specific audits.
• Risk, Controls & Governance - Evaluate the effectiveness of governance frameworks (e.g., investment boards, AMP cycle governance).
• Stakeholder Engagement & Insight - Build strong relationships with Asset Planning, Engineering, Operations, Finance, Regulation, and Capital Delivery teams. Present findings to senior leadership, Audit & Risk Committee, and external regulators. Translate technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Regulatory & Reporting Assurance - Provide independent assurance on submissions to regulators including Ofwat, Environment Agency, and Drinking Water Inspectorate.
• Asset Management Assurance - Deliver assurance over the end‑to‑end asset lifecycle, testing compliance with ISO 55001 and internal asset management policies.
• Capital Programme & Project Assurance - Provide assurance across feasibility, design, and delivery stages. Reviewing project governance, gateway processes, commercial controls, and risk management.

Qualifications:

• Relevant professional experience in assurance, internal audit, compliance, risk, or regulatory reporting.
• Internal audit methodologies, risk-based assurance, or second-line assurance
• Understanding of asset management in utilities or infrastructure (desirable)
• Data lineage, data quality testing, and control evaluation
• Experience in the water sector during an AMP cycle or business plan preparation (desirable)
• Delivery of assurance over capital programmes or major projects (desirable)
• Data assurance experience for regulatory submissions (desirable)
• Understanding of strategic planning, asset management, or regulatory frameworks (desirable)
• Ability to apply best practice and develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• Skilled in building and maintaining excellent stakeholder relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and trends.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deliver to time, cost, and quality standards.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to simplify complex concepts.
• Experience preparing reports, business cases, and presentations for senior audiences.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of project delivery principles.
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring and supporting team development.

Additional Information:

• Competitive salary + discretionary bonus.
• Company pension.
• 25 days annual leave + Bank holidays + option to purchase additional leave.
• Salary Sacrifice Pension scheme.
• Company mobile phone and laptop provided.
• Training and career progression opportunities.
• Professional Membership fees paid.
• Life Assurance Scheme 4 x annual salary.
• Employee Assistance Programme (with access to GP appointments, Physio appointments and Mental Health Support).
• Medicash cash plan (Money back on everyday healthcare costs such as dental, glasses, contact lenses).
• Refer a friend scheme.
• Enhanced maternity,  paternity and adoption pay and leave.

Adler and Allan are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. If you require any support with your application, whatever the circumstance, please let us know.

Professional experience in assurance, internal audit, compliance, risk, or regulatory reporting; expertise in risk-based assurance, governance, data quality, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• developing assurance processes
• evaluating governance frameworks
• presenting assurance findings

Skills & Tools

ISO 55001

Job Details

• Category: Project and Program Management
• Seniority: Senior Level
• Commitment: Full Time
• Workplace: Remote — Leeds, England, United Kingdom
• Languages: English

Benefits

• Generous paid time off
• Retirement plan

About Aqua Consultants

A consulting organization providing assurance and advisory services to utilities and infrastructure organizations. — Industry: Consulting Services