Quality Assurance Lead

The Assurance Lead will work closely with various teams to identify areas for improvement, drive continuous improvement efforts, and support a culture of accountability and transparency. The ideal candidate will have a strong analytical mindset, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of assurance.

Day to day duties:

• Lead the development, implementation, and management of assurance processes across the organisation including maintenance of the assurance map (Integrated Assurance Plan), delivery of bi-annual management assurance exercise and the annual Functional Standards self-assessment exercise.
• Conduct risk-based assessments and reviews of internal processes, controls, and projects to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
• Prepare detailed reports and provide recommendations for improvements based on assurance findings and presenting reports to key stakeholders at all levels.
• Work with internal teams to develop action plans in response to assurance reviews and ensure the timely implementation of corrective actions.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to business units on assurance-related matters.
• Monitor and track the progress of assurance activities, ensuring that key issues are addressed in a timely manner and preparing periodic reports on assurance activities for senior management.
• Facilitate internal audits and ensure that the organisation is prepared for external audits or regulatory reviews.
• Act as a subject matter expert on assurance related activities across the company.
• Continuously review and update assurance frameworks and methodologies to enhance efficiency.
• Promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement within the organisation.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to provide insights and updates on assurance activities and their impact.
• Work with the our Programme teams to ensure that Programme Assurance is included within the Integrated Assurance Plan and is reported in all Corporate Assurance reporting.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:

• Strong understanding of assurance, audit, and compliance practices, with a focus on internal controls and process effectiveness.
• Ability to lead assurance reviews and assessments, identifying areas of improvement and providing clear, actionable recommendations.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership.
• Demonstratable experience working in assurance for major programmes with annual budgets in excess of £250m per annum.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex findings in a clear, concise, and impactful way.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and a proactive approach to risk identification.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities, ensuring deadlines are met without compromising quality.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance standards and frameworks relevant to corporate services and assurance functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Accounting, Risk Management, or a related discipline or proven experience in an assurance, internal audit, or compliance role within a corporate environment.
• Professional certifications in assurance, auditing, or compliance (e.g., CIA, CISA, or equivalent) or Managing Successful Programmes Practitioner are desirable but not required.