Business Assurance Manager

Ark Housing; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive Housing Association in Belfast is seeking an experienced Business Assurance Manager. You will be responsible for overseeing governance, data protection, and business assurance compliance. The ideal candidate should hold a degree in a relevant business discipline with at least three years of experience. The role offers a salary between £43,981 and £50,967, along with hybrid working arrangements and a contributory pension scheme.

Benefits

Contributory Pension Scheme

Essential car user allowance

22 days leave rising to 32

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years’ relevant experience in a similar role.
• Experience in governance frameworks and corporate compliance.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee risk frameworks, data protection, and governance compliance.
• Assist in the preparation of high-quality administrative services to the Board.
• Lead the Internal Audit Programme and monitor delivery of audit recommendations.

Skills

Governance

Data Protection

IT Literacy

Communication Skills

Leadership

Education

Degree-level qualification in a relevant business discipline

Job description

Overview

Business Assurance Manager

(Full-time, Permanent Position)

Ark Housing Association based in Belfast is a progressive Housing Association with ambitious plans for growth over the next five years. We are seeking to recruit an experienced and self-motivated individual to join our organisation as Business Assurance Manager. This is a strategic and hands-on role, ideal for someone who thrives on embedding best practice, driving continuous improvement, and influencing senior stakeholders.

Reporting to the Director of Finance & Corporate Services, the successful applicant will be responsible for the provision of all business assurance and corporate services to the Association, overseeing risk frameworks, data protection, equality and diversity, leading assurance reviews, and ensuring governance compliance across the organisation.

What you can expect

The successful candidate is likely to have a degree-level qualification in a relevant business discipline and a minimum of three years post-qualification experience in a similar role, with strong governance, data protection knowledge, and IT literacy. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills are also essential.

Responsibilities

Core Areas of Responsibility

• General Business Administration & Management
• Governance Administration & Management
• Corporate & Business Assurance
• Data Protection
• Equality & Diversity
• Leadership and Management

General Business Administration & Management

• Oversee the organisation’s central filing and data storage system ensuring compliance with data protection and retention requirements.
• Oversee procurement, administration, and management of external contractual services (e.g., ICT, HR, Internal Audit, Telecommunications, Office Equipment) and ensure contracts comply with procurement requirements.
• Maintain centralised business registers (e.g., contract, policy, internal audit recommendations) as required.
• Design and implement compliant organisational practices for recruitment, onboarding, and induction of new employees.
• Oversee all recruitment processes.
• Oversee Human Resources function in consultation with external HR advisors.

Governance Administration & Management

Assist in the preparation and provision of high-quality administrative services to the Board and Committees, including meeting and agenda preparation, minute-taking, governance site management, and training event coordination.

Corporate & Business Assurance

• Develop and implement an annual corporate training plan covering HR, Equality, Health & Safety, and maintain training records.
• Lead the Internal Audit Programme in collaboration with the Chief Executive/Director of Finance & Corporate Services and monitor delivery of audit recommendations.
• Develop and implement an internal quality assurance programme for policy compliance and test data accuracy against KPIs.
• Lead quality assurance initiatives to attain accreditations and contribute to Regulatory Standards Annual Return preparation.
• Ensure reports for publication are available through appropriate channels and participate in sector benchmarking.
• Act as the Association’s Complaints Officer and manage policies review in line with regulatory changes.
• Manage the Corporate & Operational Risk Register and business continuity/recovery policies and testing.

Data Protection

• Ensure organisation-wide compliance with data protection legislation through robust assurance systems.
• Develop and maintain data protection policies and procedures; conduct regular audits and DPIAs; manage Data Subject Requests; coordinate data breach responses.
• Deliver training and awareness on data protection best practices.

Equality & Diversity

• Develop and implement the organisation’s Equality Scheme and Disability Action Plan; ensure compliance with equality legislation; manage equality-related complaints; report to the Northern Ireland Equality Commission; deliver training on equality and inclusion.

Leadership & Management

• Uphold the organisation’s mission, supervise staff, represent the organisation externally, conduct performance reviews, and ensure Health & Safety compliance.
• Organise corporate events and maintain confidentiality.

Note: This job description provides an overview of responsibilities and is not exhaustive. The successful candidate may be required to perform additional duties as directed.

Qualifications & Experience

Personnel Specification

Qualifications: Essential – Degree-level qualification in a relevant business discipline (e.g., Business Administration, Governance, Compliance, Finance, Risk Management, Auditing). Desirable – Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., ICSA, CGI); relevant Data Protection certificate; Leadership & Management qualification Level 5.

Experience: Essential – Minimum of three years’ relevant experience in a similar role within the last five years, with at least three of the core areas of responsibility; experience implementing quality management standards and ISO; experience in business improvement frameworks and internal auditing; experience in the social housing/public sector in NI. Knowledge of governance frameworks, corporate compliance, and data protection legislation is required. Skills include strong IT literacy, excellent report writing and presentation, stakeholder management, organization, and attention to detail. Desirable – Full driving licence and car access.

Benefits & Conditions

A salary ranging from £43,981 to £50,967 (dependent on experience).

A Contributory Pension Scheme (currently 19% employer contribution).

Essential car user allowance of £1,239 per annum; mileage reimbursed at £0.45 per mile.

Leave: 22 days rising to 27 after 5 years, and 32 after 10 years; 13 customary holidays per annum.

Hybrid working arrangements and other family-friendly policies.

Application Process

Closing Date for Receipt of Completed Applications: 12 Noon Friday 17 October 2025. Shortlisting week of 20 October 2025; interviews week of 10 November 2025. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

Ark Housing is an equal opportunities employer. Applications are welcome from individuals irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, religion, race, ethnic origin, age or sexual orientation.

Important Notes

The job details and job description are as follows. Shortlisting may be based on the criteria in the job description and person specification. Any supplementary information or documents required will be requested if shortlisted. If you require assistance due to disability, contact John McVey for support.

Selection guidance and candidate competencies are provided within the information pack. All information supplied will be treated in confidence and in accordance with Data Protection regulations.

Equality of Opportunity

Ark Housing is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We encourage applicants from all sections of the community and will provide reasonable adjustments for applicants who require additional support during the recruitment process.