Technology GRC Assurance Lead

Here's a professional review of the Technology GRC Lead job description, designed to inform and engage potential candidates:

Are you a seasoned GRC professional looking to make a significant impact within a rapidly growing global fashion retailer? Primark, a brand synonymous with high-quality, affordable fashion across 16 countries, is expanding its Technology Architecture Department and seeking a dynamic Technology GRC Lead. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and drive critical risk and compliance initiatives within a thriving organisation.

Reporting directly to the Head of Technology Risk & Compliance, this role offers a leadership opportunity within a small, dedicated team. You'll be instrumental in supporting the Security & Risk function's objectives, ensuring a proactive approach to vital controls, risk management, and audit activities. This includes the crucial delivery of the annual IT general controls testing plan and the effective management of both internal and external audit programmes.

A key aspect of this position is the focus on people development. You will be responsible for resource planning and nurturing the skills and capabilities of your team, empowering them to excel in delivering IT General Controls and audit activities, while also managing your own portfolio of responsibilities.

Advantages for Candidates:

• Leadership & Influence: Step into a lead role where you can directly shape the GRC function and influence best practices within a major retail player.
• Impactful Work: Play a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity and security of Primark's technology landscape, directly contributing to business growth and stability.
• Career Development: Primark's commitment to "Innovate, your way" and "Own your career" suggests a culture that supports professional growth and encourages individuals to develop in unexpected ways.
• Global Exposure: Work within a global organisation with a strong international presence, providing diverse experiences and perspectives.
• Team Building: The role emphasizes developing and supporting a team, offering a chance to mentor and cultivate talent.
• Driving Change: You'll be a valuable agent of change within Technology, contributing to the continuous improvement of IT controls and the development of an internal controls culture.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Proven GRC Expertise: This role requires a strong foundation in IT control frameworks, assurance principles, and methodologies, ideally with experience in regulated environments.
• Strategic Thinking: The ability to translate complex regulatory language (including familiarity with SOX and UK Corporate Governance Code) into actionable IT requirements is essential.
• Audit Management: Experience in coordinating and managing multiple concurrent internal and external audits, ensuring timely delivery and effective remediation of findings, is critical.
• Framework Knowledge: Familiarity with frameworks like COBIT, ISO 27001, NIST, and GDPR will be highly advantageous.
• Stakeholder Management: Success in this role hinges on building positive relationships with various stakeholders, including control owners, audit providers, and technology teams.
• Problem-Solving Skills: The capacity to identify root causes of issues, articulate systemic problems, and drive closure of audit points is a core requirement.
• Retail Industry Understanding: While not mandatory, a basic understanding of the retail industry can provide valuable context for the role.
• GRC Tool Administration: If you have experience with GRC tools, this will be a valuable asset, as you may be involved in their maintenance and administration.

Primark's emphasis on diversity and inclusion means you'll be joining a workplace where individuality is celebrated, and everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work. If you're ready to lead, innovate, and grow with a forward-thinking fashion leader, this Technology GRC Lead position presents a compelling opportunity to advance your career.