Head of Internal Audit - IT & Transformation

The Head of Internal Audit - IT Transformation is responsible for leading the delivery of independent and objective assurance across the Allianz UK IT and Transformation audit portfolio, together with a share of Central Functions coverage (for example, Risk, Compliance, Finance, People Culture, etc.), providing confidence to Executive Management, the Audit Committee, and Group stakeholders on the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal controls.

The role combines portfolio leadership, deep technical expertise across IT and Transformation, and strong people leadership. It is accountable for ensuring high-quality, risk-based audit coverage aligned to organisational priorities and regulatory expectations. Responsibility for Central Functions audit coverage is shared across the Internal Audit leadership team and allocated flexibly according to skillset, experience and portfolio capacity.

As a senior leader within Internal Audit, the role holder acts as a trusted advisor to IT and Transformation stakeholders, providing insight on emerging risks, influencing risk and control improvements, and contributing to the strategic direction and continuous development of the Internal Audit function.

The breadth of the portfolio offers exposure to critical technology, transformation, business and corporate function risks, whilst providing the opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders and help shape a high-performing Internal Audit team. It also offers scope to develop further as a senior audit leader within Internal Audit and beyond., * Reports to: Chief Audit Officer - Allianz UK

• Direct reports: 5
• Regulatory status: Certified role (performing the Significant Management certification function) under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR).

Audit Portfolio Leadership

• Lead the delivery of the audit plan for IT and Transformation, ensuring appropriate coverage of key technology and transformation-related risks, including IT operations, IT change, change governance, programme delivery, and benefits realisation. This will also include responsibility for some Central Functions areas, which may include Finance, People Culture, and first and second line assurance functions.
• Provide direction, oversight, review and challenge across the audit lifecycle (planning, fieldwork execution, reporting and audit finding closure).
• Support the team on key discussions with business stakeholders and review audit conclusions and reports prior to communication to senior stakeholders.

Audit Strategy and Planning

• Lead the development of the annual plan for the IT and Transformation portfolio and contribute to the broader Allianz UK Internal Audit Plan, ensuring appropriate coverage of significant risks.
• Provide input into emerging risk themes, particularly in IT, digital transformation, and central functions.
• Support identification of assurance gaps and recommend appropriate coverage.

Stakeholder Engagement and Influence

• Act as a senior point of contact for IT, Transformation and allocated Central Functions stakeholders, building effective relationships with senior management (e.g. Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Security Officer).
• Communicate audit outcomes clearly and credibly to Executive Management (e.g. Chief Operating Officer, Chief Transformation Officer).
• Attend relevant Tier 2 and Tier 3 governance forums and meetings (i.e. as standing guest requested or required by the forum chair).
• Provide the Audit Leadership Team and audit team with timely updates on relevant governance forum and stakeholder discussions where they inform current or upcoming audits.
• Support the Chief Audit Officer in preparing and presenting at senior management and Board governance committees, and deputising when required.
• Contribute to the development of Board and Executive Management reporting on key audit outcomes across IT, Transformation and allocated Central Functions, including audit finding remediation progress.
• Maintain strong engagement with Allianz Group Audit to ensure alignment with Group audit priorities, methodology, and participation in Practice and Trend Audits.

People Leadership and Capability Development

• Contribute as a member of the Allianz UK Internal Audit Leadership Team to function-related activities, strategic priorities, and people development.
• Lead, coach and develop audit managers, senior auditors and auditors, building capability in IT, Transformation and Central Functions expertise.
• Drive a high-performance culture, including clear accountability, continuous feedback, and development planning.

Technical skills

• Proven ability to lead audit portfolios and teams to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Extensive experience delivering assurance in line with globally recognised internal audit standards and UK regulatory expectations.
• Deep understanding of IT and Transformation risks and controls, including information security, cyber, IT service management, system development practices, IT general controls, application controls and data concepts.
• Broad knowledge of governance, risk management, and control frameworks across Transformation and Central Functions.
• Strategic thinking and ability to translate organisational risk into effective audit coverage.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, including engagement with Executive-level stakeholders.

Experience

• Significant experience within Internal Audit in a financial services environment.
• Experience operating at senior management level, engaging with senior governance forums and managing senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in IT audit or technology risk assurance.
• Experience of managing and/or working with co-source partners.

We support the government scheme “Access to Work” please feel free to ask us about the access to work scheme.

Desirable Skills

• A recognised internal audit or accountancy qualification (e.g. CIA, ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
• A recognised IT audit, information security or risk qualification (e.g. CISA, CISM, CRISC or CISSP).
• A degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant discipline.
• Responsible Artificial Intelligence usage

This role offers a Competitive Salary. Pay is based on relevant experience, skills for the role, and location. Salary is only one part of our total reward package., Recognised and rewarded for a job well done, we have a range of flexible benefits for you to choose from- so you can pick a package that’s perfect for you. We also offer flexible working options, global career opportunities across the wider Allianz Group, and fantastic career development and training. That’s on top of enjoying all the benefits you’d expect from the world’s number one insurance brand, including:

• Flexible buy/sell holiday options
• Hybrid working
• Annual performance related bonus
• Contributory pension scheme
• Development days
• A discount up to 50% on a range of insurance products including car, home and pet
• Retail discounts
• Volunteering days

Our Ways of Working

Do you need flexibility with the hours you work? Let us know as part of your application and if it’s right for our customers, our business and for you, then we’ll do everything we can to make it happen. Here at Allianz, we are signatories of the ABIs flexible working charter. We believe in supporting hybrid work patterns, which balance the needs of our customers, with your personal circumstances and our business requirements. Our aim with this is to help innovation, creativity, and you to thrive - Your work life balance is important to us.

Inclusive Support Accessibility At Allianz, we are committed to fostering building an inclusive, accessible workplace where everyone can thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we welcome applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates and offer tailored adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, whether that’s assistive technology, ergonomic equipment, flexible working arrangements, mentoring or coaching. We want to encourage candidates to speak with us about any adjustments they may need. We’re here to support you.

If you have a disability or long-term health condition and meet the essential criteria, you can choose to be considered through our Offer an Interview Scheme.

Allianz is a global insurance company serving across 70 different countries, but from the very first day you join our team, you’ll know that your contributions are valued. We offer world-class learning and career development opportunities, and we celebrate an inclusive culture.

Allianz UK (Allianz Holdings PLC) is one of the largest general insurers in the UK. It operates under several brands, including Allianz, Petplan, LV= and Britannia Rescue, and offers commercial and personal insurance, including legal expenses, car, home, pet and equine insurance.

Allianz UK employs over 6,000 people, across a number of UK offices, including London and Guildford. In 2025, total business volume was £4.6bn, delivering an operating profit of £476m.