IT Internal Audit Senior Manager

IT Internal Audit Senior Manager

We are looking for an experienced IT Internal Audit Senior Manager to drive and execute Primark's Internal Audit Strategy. This new and exciting role is critical in the planned expansion of our business. The role requires technical expertise, coupled with an articulate, commercially aware professional who has a keen interest in effective, practical control processes.

Reporting directly to the Head of Internal Audit and working closely with the broader Internal Audit team and key stakeholders, you will be expected to drive the longer-term strategic priorities whilst maintaining oversight of day-to-day activities. You will play a leading role in shaping the future of our Internal Audit practices whilst partnering closely with Senior stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be an innovative thinker, with experience developing, embedding and enhancing IT Internal Auditing in a fast-paced organisation. This exciting position will see a suitable candidate supporting Primark in meeting its strategic objectives by demonstrating a drive to achieve best practice in audit, governance and controls. You will play a pivotal role in deep diving into our processes and procedures, assessing performance and risk, developing actionable insights, presenting findings and working with management to support implementation to improve overall effectiveness.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Internal Audit Planning & Execution.

• Develop and execute a risk-based IT internal audit plan, with the aim to maximise company performance and control, whilst minimising risk.
• Lead on any IT Internal Audit planning including identification of opportunities, developing, recommending & monitoring the implementation of selected projects.
• The audit plan should be designed to allow for the evaluation of the adequacy and effectiveness of policies, processes and internal standards by which the resources are managed and comply with relevant Framework.
• Consistently monitor emerging risks and regulatory changes to adjust the IT audit plan as needed; contributing to continuous improvement initiatives within business functions.
• Lead and develop the business IT Internal Audit function and proactively advise the business on all IT Internal Audit opportunities, liaising with key stakeholders where necessary.
• Oversee the quality and preparation of clear and concise audit reports, including identified issues, root causes, and recommendations for improvement
• Provide regular updates on the progress of the audits to the Head of Internal Audit.
• Develop a culture of continuous improvement to bring efficiencies to processes and technology, improving ways of working and enhancing controls. Analyse tools, processes and procedures that would enhance efficiency, effectiveness and/or control.
• Keep abreast of the continually evolving IT Internal Audit landscape, bringing key insights and data leadership into strategic planning to continually push the business forward.
• Take ownership of selected one-off projects or other advisory work based on requests from the business. Compile ad-hoc reports or performing investigations as required.

Business Partnering

• Operate as a trusted advisor to the business. Establish effective business relationships and maintain knowledge of operating procedures.
• Collaborate with Senior Stakeholders as part of developing a comprehensive annual IT audit plan that aligns with the Company's strategic objectives, regulatory requirements and emerging risks.
• Acknowledge, anticipate, and balance the competing interests of stakeholders and serve as an integrated business and audit partner.
• Provide insightful advice on IT internal audit matters to key stakeholders and raise their understanding of obligations, all whilst influencing them to ensure compliance with required standards.
• Develop compelling, data-driven communications including the quarterly Audit Committee presentations.

Leadership

• Lead and manage a team of IT internal auditors to execute audits across various business functions and locations.
• Build a high performing team, with quality coaching and development. Focus on developing team members and identifying training requirements.
• Develop strong working relationships not only with the Assurance function, but across the wider business; Develop a strong understand of our commercial operations in order to manage risk and delivery quality service to Primark.
• Ensure progress on key decisions, remove roadblocks and act as the point of escalation for workstream risks and issues to ensure deadlines are met. Prioritise audit work whilst reviewing work performed by IT Internal Audit team and provide direction on audit testing based on the audit scope.
• Conduct post-audit debriefs to identify areas for improvement in audit processes.

Experience & Qualities

Experience

• 7 years experience and equivalent qualifications essential.
• A solid knowledge and understanding of risk-based auditing standards and techniques as well as requisite knowledge and skills in IT Auditing principles and practices.
• Substantial experience of conducting detailed data analysis, with a good knowledge of relevant analytics tools and methodologies.
• Good understanding of organisational dynamics and business process and policies. A working knowledge of business processes, key risks, operational and IT controls in a fast-paced commercial environment.
• Proven track record of project managing complex cross-functional projects while maintaining an efficient plan, tracking issues, and proactively communicating progress against project milestones.
• Senior Management experience including people and project management. Substantial and proven experience of Internal Audit Senior Management within a large organisation or consultancy environment - Big 4/Top 10 professional services.
• Prior experience of navigating complex multi-stakeholder environments, whilst demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and generating 'buy-in' from all stakeholder groups.

Qualities

• A great communicator with effective and persuasive presentation skills, demonstrating high levels of emotional intelligence and the ability to push back with professionalism.
• Ability to evaluate and determine the adequacy of controls by analysing business risks.
• Ability to build trusted relationships and collaborate across multi country, diverse and multi-functional teams to drive business objectives.
• A real team player, with strong leadership skills and the ability to provide clarity and direction to previously unexplored topics. Someone who can operate globally, cross-functionally, and at all levels of the organisation, taking ownership and demonstrating initiative.
• Articulate and able to build a strong narrative argument, distilling lots of information into a clear and consistent story that will resonate with Primark management.
• Challenges the status quo and applies lessons learned to enhance future ways of working.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with ability to manage own workload in a pressurised environment and work to tight deadlines.
• Sets aggressive goals and accountable for continuously driving improved performance, leading change and ensuring high standards are consistently maintained.
• Highly accurate and excellent attention to detail.