Technology GRC Assurance Lead

Primark Stores Limited; Reading; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global fashion retailer is seeking a Technology GRC Assurance Lead to oversee compliance and risk management activities. You will lead a small team, manage interactions with auditors, and develop processes to enhance IT control efficiency. The ideal candidate has experience in IT control frameworks and audit management, along with excellent communication skills. This role is based in Reading, UK and offers opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Inclusive workplace culture

Positive team environment

Qualifications

• Proven practical experience and knowledge of IT control frameworks.
• Experience in developing and testing of controls.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead communication between assurance providers.
• Manage activities for internal analyst team.
• Support development of IT General Controls framework.

Skills

Knowledge of IT control frameworks

Experience with internal and external audits

Good communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Ability to articulate complex issues

Job description

Company Overview

Primark is a leading global fashion retailer, with over 450 stores across 16 countries and employing over 72,000 people. With our commitment to providing high-quality, affordable fashion, we have experienced rapid growth and expansion. As part of our continuous development, we are expanding our Technology Architecture Department to support, enable and grow our business capabilities.

Role Overview

The Technology GRC Assurance Lead will report directly to the Head of Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC) and lead a small group of internal analysts. The role will support the Primark Technology functions in delivering its many objectives and obligations ensuring a pro‑active approach to supporting Primark Tech in several risk and audit activities including the successful delivery of a yearly IT general controls testing plan. The Technology GRC Assurance Lead will be responsible for developing the skills and capabilities required for their team to deliver all required GRC activities as well as delivering their own portfolio of activities.

Key Responsibilities

Leads and facilitates ongoing communication between assurance providers—such as External Audit (EA), Accounting Controls Effectiveness Testing, and Primark’s Internal Audit (IA) team—to ensure a comprehensive view of IT control activities and to support coordinated audit efforts. Supports the planning, coordination, and execution of IT General Controls (ITGC) testing required for management’s control attestations.

• Manages a portfolio of activities that are the responsibility of the internal analyst team and our 3rd‑party partners.
• Supports the GRC Managers in developing processes and procedures that support the committed deliverables of the team.
• Contributes effectively to the continuous development of the IT General Controls framework.
• Supports the discovery and baseline of IT dependencies in collaboration with the Internal Controls Team.
• Participates in all audits close meetings to support Primark Tech in understanding audit results and recommended actions.
• Leads regular status meetings with management to understand and track progress of internal and external audit actions.
• Coords meetings with risk and control owners to review and drive the closure of open audit points and track the remediation of controls issues.
• Works closely with GRC Controls Manager to improve testing effectiveness.
• Provides stakeholders with controls test results and resulting action plans.
• Supports reviews to ensure Primark's technology controls align with the ABF FCF - Financial Controls Framework, including monitoring and reporting results and progress updates.
• Builds positive relationships with all audit providers and technology stakeholders.
• Assists in developing an internal risk & controls culture across Primark Tech.
• Maintains, configures, and administers the GRC tool when required.
• Works with broader team to produce reporting packs for various forums as required.
• Contributes to the overall performance of the business and acts as a valuable agent of change within Technology.

Role Requirements

• Proven practical experience and knowledge of IT control frameworks and best‑practice methodologies.
• Experience with the management of internal and external audit processes.
• Professional experience working in a regulated environment.
• Good understanding of assurance principles and methodologies.
• Basic understanding of the retail industry.
• Basic knowledge of IT governance frameworks, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in developing and testing of controls.
• Experience with COBIT, ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR requirements advantageous.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory language into clear and actionable IT requirements.
• Ability to identify and articulate root causes and systemic issues.
• Demonstrated ability to use positive influencing skills effectively to modify opinions, plans or behaviours.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate risk‑related information to stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross‑functional teams.
• Good organisation, prioritisation and rationalisation skills.
• Strong people‑management skills, with a desire to support development.
• Strong team values, recognises the value of a positive team environment and contributes to the creation of this.

Why Join Primark

Because you can see how we can be better. Innovate, your way.

What’s a career at Primark all about? The positive impact you’re making, the experiences you’re having and the people you’re with. You’re our inspiration. Embrace what sets you apart, own your career and develop in ways you never expected. Leave your mark. And do it your way.

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Additional Information

Primark promotes equal employment opportunity, we strive to create an inclusive workplace where people can be themselves, access opportunities and thrive together.

If you require extra support at any stage of the selection process, please get in touch with our team at [e-mail].