Senior Director, Head of Internal Audit

About the Role

Directs and oversees the organization's Internal Audit function, with full responsibility for a global audit program spanning financial, operational, compliance, information technology, and manufacturing environments. Ensures alignment with the needs of a publicly traded company, including compliance with regulatory requirements and Audit Committee expectations. Leads risk-based audits and special projects while embedding data analytics and AI-enabled auditing techniques to enhance coverage, insight, and efficiency. This role serves as a key advisor to executive leadership and the Audit Committee, providing independent assurance on governance, risk management, and internal control effectiveness across a complex, global organization.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements the organization's annual, risk-based global internal audit plan, ensuring alignment with enterprise risks, including financial, operational, IT, cybersecurity, and manufacturing risks.
• Evaluates internal controls and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, including Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) for a public company environment.
• Leads audits across multi-site manufacturing operations and global business units, assessing efficiency, cost controls, and operational effectiveness.
• Integrates data analytics, automation, and AI tools into audit execution to improve risk identification, testing strategies, and reporting insights.
• Identifies emerging risks (including digital transformation, cybersecurity, and AI governance) and incorporates them into audit coverage.
• Partners with executive leadership to identify special audit projects and strategic risk areas.
• Oversees audit execution, including planning, fieldwork, and reporting, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Analyzes audit findings, presents results to leadership, and develops actionable recommendations to mitigate risks and strengthen controls.
• Serves as the primary liaison to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, preparing materials and delivering updates.
• Coordinates closely with external auditors (including Big 4 firms) to align audit scope, reduce duplication, and support efficient audit processes.
• Builds and develops a high-performing internal audit team, creating a pipeline of finance and audit talent with strong technical, controls, and AI capabilities.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Audit & Risk Leadership

• Proven judgment in assessing control design adequacy and operating effectiveness.
• Understanding of risk-based internal audit methodologies.
• Ability to identify emerging risks and translate them into actionable audit coverage.

Controls & Compliance

• Strong command of:
  • SOX governance and internal control over financial reporting (ICFR).
  • Operational and IT control frameworks (COSO, COBIT familiarity).
• Ability to evaluate severity of control deficiencies and recommend appropriate remediation and escalation.
• Experience coordinating with external auditors as needed.

Fraud, Ethics & Investigations

• Working knowledge of fraud risk assessment, investigation governance, and root-cause analysis.
• Sound judgment in sensitive matters requiring confidentiality and independence.

Leadership & Executive Presence

• Demonstrated ability to think and operate at the enterprise level—not just audit execution.
• Strong people leadership skills, including talent development, performance management, and succession planning.

Communication & Influence

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to:
  • Prepare clear, concise Audit Committee materials.
  • Deliver executive report summaries that focus on risk, impact, and root cause.
  • Challenge management constructively while maintaining credibility and independence.
• Comfortable interacting with senior executives, including CFO, General Counsel, and business presidents.

Governance & Independence

• Strong understanding of internal audit’s role within corporate governance.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain objectivity, independence, and professional skepticism.
• Ability to assess tone at the top and cultural risk indicators.
• Sound ethical judgment and commitment to professional standards.

Personal Attributes

• High integrity and discretion.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking capabilities.
• Capable of being a trusted business partner.
• Sound judgment and risk discernment.
• Pragmatic and business-oriented while maintaining assurance discipline.
• Capable of navigating ambiguity and change.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related discipline (required).
• Advanced degree (MBA, or similar) plus active professional certification(s) required:
  • CPA highly desirable, and/or
  • CIA (Certified Internal Auditor).
• Commitment to continuing professional educational development.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience either in Internal Audit, public accounting, operational accounting/finance or a combination thereof.
• Experience managing geographically dispersed or co-sourced audit teams.
• Exposure to regulated environments and complex business models, preferably manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated experience or exposure using AI tools and methodologies either with Internal Audit departmental processes or enterprise financial processes.

Schedule

Significant travel required.