At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead assurance activities and improve project governance in a dynamic tech environment.
- Company: Join Co-op, a member-owned organisation focused on community and purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonus, 28+ days holiday, gym access, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by modernising assurance practices and supporting diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in project assurance and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
40,000 to 50,000 plus great benefits (Work Level 6A) Manchester city centre - in this role you’ll work in a hybrid way splitting your time between home and the office as required for team days, meetings, and events. We’re open to applications from people who may require flexible working arrangements. There’ll be an opportunity to discuss your flexible working requirements during the interview process, and at offer stage.
We’re reshaping our Digital, Technology and Data function for the future, creating new opportunities, strengthening our capability, and building clearer, more resilient ways of working so we can deliver even better services for our Co-op, our colleagues, members and customers. We're looking for a Lead Assurance and Standards Officer to join our Digital Technology & Data (DT&D) team and help us deliver effective project and programme assurance across the organisation. You'll coordinate assurance activities across our delivery portfolio, helping to coordinate reviews, stage gates and governance processes while using data and insight to identify trends, improve consistency and help teams deliver successfully with the right level of governance and support.
Why this role matters
As DT&D continues to evolve, we're looking for someone who can help modernise and improve our assurance approach, making it effective, scalable and proportionate. This is an opportunity to contribute to how assurance is delivered across a large and complex technology function, helping reduce unnecessary bureaucracy while ensuring teams have the support, governance and guidance they need to succeed.
What you’ll do
- Support project and programme assurance activities across DT&D
- Coordinate assurance reviews, stage gates, expert panels and governance activities
- Prepare, collate and manage assurance evidence, documentation and reporting
- Analyse assurance data, findings and trends to identify themes, risks and opportunities for improvement
- Help maintain consistent, proportionate and effective assurance processes across the delivery portfolio
- Work with assurance and delivery colleagues to support learning, continuous improvement and good practice
- Contribute to the ongoing evolution of assurance standards, frameworks and approaches
- Help communicate assurance outcomes and insights to stakeholders across DT&D
What you’ll bring
- Experience supporting project, programme or portfolio assurance activities within a delivery environment
- A good understanding of project delivery frameworks, governance processes and assurance principles
- Strong planning, organisation and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously
- Experience working with assurance, project or portfolio data to identify themes, trends and areas for improvement
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across teams
- A continuous improvement mindset and an interest in modernising assurance practices (such as how we embrace AI)
We know some people may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet every requirement. At Co-op, we’re committed to building diverse and inclusive teams, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we still encourage you to apply.
Why Co-op?
At Co-op, we’re owned by our members. And because we’re owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re joining a movement. We’re an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we’re powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you’ll also receive:
- An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
- 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
- A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
- Access to a subsidised onsite gym (at our Manchester HQ)
- 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands
- Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
- Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
- 24/7 colleague support service
- Training and support for your development and career progression
- Cycle-to-work scheme
A place you’ll belong
We’re building diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating a workplace where colleagues can feel like they belong, supported by our inclusive policies and the ways we work. We’re proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme and offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a job. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll support you.
Learn more about our recruitment process at jobs.coop.co.uk/apply-process and our inclusion commitments at jobs.coop.co.uk/diversity-inclusion.
Lead Assurance & Standards Officer in Manchester employer: The Co-Operative Group
Co-op Legal Services is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees and the communities it serves. With a strong focus on professional development, you will have access to coaching and training opportunities, alongside a competitive benefits package including private healthcare and a generous pension scheme. Our inclusive work culture fosters diversity and belonging, making it a rewarding place to build your career in Manchester, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bristol, or Sheffield.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Assurance & Standards Officer in Manchester
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Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Lead Assurance & Standards Officer at The Co-Operative Group!
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Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like The Co-Operative Group or be willing to refer you for that Lead Assurance & Standards Officer position!
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Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Lead Assurance & Standards Officer role at The Co-Operative Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Assurance & Standards Officer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
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Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
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How to prepare for a job interview at The Co-Operative Group
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
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Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at The Co-Operative Group. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
