At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT governance, audit, risk, and compliance for Waterstones.
- Company: Join the iconic Waterstones, a cornerstone of bookselling in the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Be part of a success story since 1982, with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while ensuring strong IT controls.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in IT audit or governance with strong knowledge of compliance frameworks.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Hybrid Based in London with travel to Solihull and Burton Upon Trent
We are looking for someone to join us in this newly created role to lead IT governance, audit, risk, and compliance across the Waterstones group.
The successful candidate will ensure strong IT controls, regulatory alignment, and a resilient, audit-ready control environment supporting secure and effective business operations.
- What you will be doing
- Own and develop IT control frameworks (SOX, ITGC, ISO27001, COBIT, ITIL, NIST)
- Lead all internal and external IT audits end-to-end (readiness, execution, remediation)
- Maintain SOX narratives, RACMs, and control documentation
- Manage IT risk register and perform risk assessments
- Embed controls across change, access, incident, and operational processes
- Lead user access reviews and enforce segregation of duties
- Oversee GDPR-aligned data privacy controls and DPIAs
- Maintain and test Incident Response Plan (including tabletop exercises)
- Deliver executive reporting on risks, audits, and compliance posture
- Monitor regulatory changes and update controls accordingly
- Drive control automation and continuous improvement
- Deliver security and compliance awareness activities
- Partner with IT, Info Sec, Finance, Audit, Legal and business stakeholders
- Support NIS2 and UK/EU regulatory alignment where applicable
- Implement and optimise GRC / control automation tooling
- Own third-party / supplier assurance for technology risk
- Define and report KPIs (audit findings, remediation SLAs, control effectiveness)
- Provide oversight on emerging risks including AI governance and new technologies
- What we need from you
- 5+ years in IT audit, controls, governance or compliance
- Experience in regulated / FTSE or enterprise environments
- Strong knowledge of SOX, ITGCs, ISO27001, COBIT, ITIL, NIST
- Audit management and control framework implementation experience
- Understanding of GDPR and data privacy requirements
- Degree in IT, Information Systems or related field
- Person Profile
- Self-starter with strong ownership mindset
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- High attention to detail and analytical thinking
- Able to influence and embed controls across teams
- Organised and capable of managing multiple priorities
- Why work for Waterstones
Waterstones is the cornerstone of bookselling across the UK and Ireland.
Joining Waterstones means being an active part in a success story that began in 1982, and books are as popular now as the day we started.
Trading across the UK, Ireland and Europe, we are present in over 300 shopping locations, where Waterstones continues to thrive, each year actively pursuing a programme of new bookshop openings.
Online at Waterstones. com, we meanwhile mirror the essence of our bookshops, further showcasing the unique enthusiasm and knowledge of our booksellers.
If you have the relevant essential experience and you are interested, we would love to hear from you.
Waterstones is committed to encouraging equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and is dedicated toward eliminating unlawful discrimination.
Our aim is to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel fully respected and to be able to give their best.
Diversity Statement
At Waterstones, we are committed to creating a workplace that is fair and inclusive to people from all backgrounds, perspectives and experiences, and we strive to promote an inclusive work culture.
We are working hard to ensure our recruitment processes are free from bias, and our aim is to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel fully respected and able to give their best.
Reasonable Adjustments
We understand that some disabled applicants may, due to the nature of their disability, find some parts of the recruitment process challenging.
If you need any reasonable adjustments during any part of the interview process, please make these known either to your interviewer or the person you liaise with when setting up your interview.
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Information Technology Governance Manager in London employer: Waterstones
Waterstones is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters growth and innovation in the heart of London. With a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, employees are encouraged to thrive while contributing to a beloved brand that has been a cornerstone of bookselling since 1982. The company provides ample opportunities for professional development, a supportive culture, and the chance to be part of a team that values creativity and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Information Technology Governance Manager in London
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Waterstones values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Waterstones might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Waterstones!
✨Direct Apply to Waterstones
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Waterstones website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Information Technology Governance Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Waterstones.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Waterstones. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waterstones
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
