Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Specialist

Company: Dunelm
Apply for the Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Specialist
Location: Leicester Forest East
Job Description:

Overview

Home. There’s no place like it. And there’s no feeling like helping people create the joy of feeling truly at home. At Dunelm, that’s what we do. We’re the UK’s number one choice for homewares because we make home life lovelier for our customers. And we’ve crafted a workplace that feels just as welcoming – where you can bring your ideas, be yourself, and feel right at home.

Work your way, together

We’re a hybrid business, which means you’ll have flexibility alongside time together with your team. In this role, you can expect minimum 1 day per week in our Leicester office.

Position

We are seeking an experienced Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Specialist to join our Information Security team within a FTSE 250 retail organisation. This role is responsible for developing, implementing and continually improving the organisation’s cyber security governance, risk and compliance capabilities, ensuring alignment with business objectives, regulatory obligations and industry best practice.

Working collaboratively across technology, digital, retail operations, finance, legal, procurement, HR and other business functions, you will help strengthen the organisation’s cyber security maturity, support regulatory compliance and embed security into everyday business processes.

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of cyber security frameworks, governance principles and risk management, combined with excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

What you’ll be doing

Governance & Compliance

  • Develop, maintain and continually improve our Information Security Management System.
  • Support and maintain compliance with:
    • NIST Cyber Security Framework (CSF) 2.0
    • PCI DSS
    • UK Data Protection Act 2018 and relevant EU data privacy legislation.
    • Other relevant regulatory and industry requirements such as Provision 29, Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus.
  • Coordinate internal and external security audits.
  • Support evidence collection for compliance activities.
  • Monitor emerging legislation and regulatory changes, assessing business impact.
  • Support the implementation of security governance across all business functions.

Risk Management

  • Administer the Cyber Security risk register toolset.
  • Facilitate cyber risk assessments across projects, business initiatives and operational services.
  • Support risk owners throughout the cyber security risk lifecycle.
  • Enhance risk reporting for senior leadership and executive committees.

Third Party Risk Management

  • Oversee the supplier cyber security assurance process.
  • Conduct security assessments of suppliers, partners and third parties.
  • Help to highlight supply chain risks and recommend appropriate mitigation.
  • Track supplier security due diligence.
  • Monitor ongoing supplier compliance throughout the contract lifecycle.

Security Governance

  • Develop and maintain Information Security policies, standards, procedures and supporting guidance.
  • Ensure documentation remains current, aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
  • Support governance forums and security steering committees.
  • Produce reports for senior management and executive stakeholders.
  • Assist in maintaining security exceptions and risk acceptance processes.

Security Awareness & Culture

  • Help develop cyber security awareness programmes.
  • Contribute to phishing simulations and awareness campaigns.
  • Review effectiveness of these measures through reporting and behavioural metrics.
  • Promote a positive security culture across stores, support centres and digital teams.
  • Support onboarding and annual security training programmes.

Metrics & Continuous Improvement

  • Develop governance and compliance KPIs and KRIs.
  • Administer metrics addressing:
    • Compliance status
    • Audit findings
    • Risk posture
    • Third‑party assurance
    • Policy compliance
    • Security awareness completion
    • Security maturity
  • Benchmark organisational maturity against recognised frameworks.
  • Drive continual improvement initiatives across governance and compliance processes.

Business Partnership

  • Act as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders.
  • Work closely with relevant stakeholders across the business.
  • Provide pragmatic security advice supporting business innovation while managing cyber risk.
  • Support projects by embedding security governance from inception.

What we’ll look for in you

You will need to be a self‑starter with ability to work at pace across multiple business levels and with stakeholders across all levels of seniority.

Essential Skills & Experience

  • Experience in a Governance, Risk & Compliance, Information Security or Cyber Security role.
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Cyber Security Risk
    • NIST Cyber Security Framework (CSF) 2.0
    • PCI DSS
    • UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018
  • Experience conducting cyber risk assessments.
  • Experience with third‑party security assurance programmes.
  • Experience writing policies, standards and governance documentation.
  • Experience supporting audits and regulatory compliance activities.
  • Experience producing security metrics and executive reporting.
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem‑solving ability.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to influence stakeholders at all organisational levels.

Desirable Experience

  • Experience within a FTSE 250 or large enterprise environment.
  • Experience in retail, eCommerce or omnichannel businesses.
  • Familiarity with cloud security.
  • Knowledge of Secure by Design principles.
  • Experience with GRC platforms (e.g. LogicGate, OneTrust, Archer or AuditBoard).
  • Experience supporting security framework certification programmes (e.g. ISO27001).
  • One or more of the following professional Cyber Security certifications (Desirable):
    • ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer or Lead Auditor
    • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
    • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
    • Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
    • Certified Information Privacy Professional Europe (CIPP/E)
    • PCI Professional (PCIP)
    • Internal Security Assessor (PCI – ISA)
    • NIST Cyber Security Framework Practitioner

D&I statement

Dunelm is committed to becoming an inclusive business that is representative of our customers and locations. We recognise the value in diversity and welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, religion, disability, gender or sexual identity, socio‑economic background or education. We are committed to making Dunelm a place where everyone can enjoy a successful career and have systems in place to support all our colleagues. We are seeking applications from candidates who share our values and celebrate diversity in all its forms.

Our commitment to you

Accessibility allows everyone to have an equitable chance when applying and showing off their potential, which helps us create a more inclusive and diverse team that brings fresh ideas and perspectives. Should you need it, we have an accessibility tool available in the top menu to support you when you’re completing your application. If you require any other reasonable adjustments during the application and assessment process, reach out to your recruitment partner.

Wellbeing is more than just a buzzword here

From our Wellbeing Buddies and Mental Health First Aid training to our progressive parental leave, menopause policies and Colleague Support Fund, we’re committed to supporting our colleagues in every area – and at every stage – of their lives. Through our partnership with the Retail Trust, everyone at Dunelm has free access to a 24/7 Virtual GP, as well as therapy and counselling, plus information, guidance and advice in all areas of financial, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Rewards you deserve

Along with competitive salaries, we offer a range of other great benefits to recognise the unique contribution you bring.

  • Salary Advance so you can access up to 50% of the money you’ve earned during the month, rather than having to wait until pay day
  • Instant discounts with a range of other companies to help you stretch your budget
  • Pension contributions to help you save for your retirement
  • ShareSave scheme that enables you to save monthly and buy Dunelm shares at a discounted rate, building up your investments for a rainy day
  • Continuous training and coaching to ensure you feel confident in your current role and ready for any new challenges
  • Access to wellbeing support as and when you need it, including an online GP for you and your immediate family
  • Colleague networks that give everyone a voice and create an environment where we all feel at home
  • Outstanding development opportunities and all the support you need to grow your career the way you want
  • 33 days annual holiday plus your birthday off to celebrate, and another day when you move home, so you can get settled in
  • Generous discounts on all our own products, in‑store and online to help you make your house a home
  • Cycle to work scheme to help you keep your fitness up and your travel costs down
  • Charity day off (paid, of course) so you can volunteer for a charity that matters to you
  • Free on‑site parking (excluding London office) and good public transport links

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Posted: October 18th, 2026