Group Assurance Manager

About Us

Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live. The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry. To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business.

National Grid is seeking a Group Assurance Manager for our Global Chief Risk Office. This role can be located in Waltham, Massachusetts or Brooklyn, New York with hybrid working. Job Purpose To manage the planning, delivery and reporting of the organization’s Group-wide controls testing over our Group Principal Risks (GPRs) and child risks ensuring conformance with internal policies and methodology, and relevant regulations (primarily Provision 29 of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2024*). The role will be US-based with US-based direct reports but will work as part of a global team.

The Group Assurance Manager will provide input and advice to the development, implementation and oversight of the controls testing approach and be responsible for coordination, review and oversight of the planning, execution, reporting, aggregation and assessment of US results into group-wide (non-SoX) business controls testing attestations.

This role will also focus on optimising internal controls across the Group, driving improvements in effectiveness and efficiency, whilst fostering a culture of risk and controls awareness and continuous improvement.

- This will also include controls in respect of Group Regulatory Compliance obligations that are determined to be in-scope for the Provision 29 attestation.

Key Accountabilities

- Understand and apply Group-wide policies, standards and methodology in respect of controls testing for the Group Principal Risks (and related-child risks).

- Contribute to development of the annual Group-wide Controls Testing Plan for controls managing our Group Principal Risks and Business Unit Principal Risks including Material Controls supporting the Board’s attestation in compliance with the 2024 UK Corporate Governance Code (Provision 29 effective for National Grid for the year ending March 31, 2027).

- Coordinate with Business Unit and Function Heads of Risk, and other key stakeholders, to ensure effective and efficient planning, execution and reporting, accounting for other business priorities.

- Manage the execution of controls assurance plans including review of all testing, findings and remediation plans, and preparation of internal reporting. Perform the aggregation and coordinate the evaluation and assessment of findings in respect of controls in-scope for the attestation.

- Deliver reporting periodically for Group and relevant Business Units on planning, status of execution, significant findings, remediation and attestation.

- Develop and maintain strong and trusted stakeholder engagement with Business Unit and Function leaders and provide appropriate support, guidance and challenge in respect of the effectiveness and efficiency of controls.

- Deliver 2nd Line training as needed to upskill teams on testing methodology and the controls testing process.

- Develop and deliver periodic quality control processes and update and improve, where necessary, internal assurance policies, standards and methodology.

- As needed conduct controls testing of high-risk areas and complex controls where such expertise is required.

Qualifications

- Professional Assurance Qualification E.g. Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or equivalent.

- Bachelor’s / Graduate Degree.

- Controls testing and assurance expert with strong technical knowledge from relevant qualification and experience e.g. Internal or External Audit Qualification.

- Excellent project manager able to work across multiple workstreams with different Business Units and Functions and provide appropriate coordination, oversight and communication of progress, milestones, issues and outcomes.

- Can advise on financial and operational controls and assurance best practice including process and controls design enhancements, improvements in assurance processes and tools, and the root cause analysis and evaluation of findings.

- Strong experience on the optimal use of Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC) tooling and reporting. Should also have strong grasp of development and use of visualization tools (primarily PowerBi).

- Strong stakeholder management skills and experience. Able to communicate clearly and effectively (both verbal and written) with senior stakeholders and business peers, explain findings and issues in simple business terms, and advise on appropriate evaluation and remediation of such issues.

- Experience in Utilities or related industries highly preferred.

- Over 5 years’ experience in assurance or professional risk management field (including practice and industry) including experience managing teams and projects.

More Information

Salary

$137k - $161k in Waltham, Massachusetts, commensurate with experience.

$148k - $173k in Brooklyn, New York, commensurate with experience.

National Grid utilizes an assessment that evaluates the job qualifications/characteristics using AI or statistically based scoring. For more information, please view NYC Local Law 144.

This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.

National Grid is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of protected class. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. National Grid maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Our employment practices are designed to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and with respect throughout the hiring process and during employment. National Grid complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, and we encourage a culture of respect for all.