Head of Internal Audit in Bournemouth

Team – Internal Audit

Working Pattern – Hybrid – 2 days per week in the Vitality Bournemouth or London office. Full time hours per week. We are happy to discuss flexible working.

Top 3 Skills Needed For This Role

• Deep understanding of insurance processes, risks, controls and regulations within an internal audit environment.
• Experience in operating as an audit senior leader, delivering assurance audits in line with IIA standards and through the innovative use of technology.
• Excellent analytical, communication and influencing skills, with experience engaging with senior management, Executives and Audit Committee.

What this role is all about

The purpose of the Internal Audit (IA) function is to strengthen Vitality UK’s ability to create, protect, and sustain value by providing the Board and management with independent, risk‑based, and objective assurance, advice, insight, and foresight. As the Head of Internal Audit, you will lead and motivate a high‑performing team, who are respected in the business and continue to evolve to meet strategic priorities, regulatory requirements and technology advancements. You will work closely with auditors, management and Executives to deliver impactful audits, highlighting key issues, control gaps and process improvements. You will be an experienced leader with an appetite for innovation, comfortable with change and a proven ability to deliver an effective and successful audit function.

Key Actions

• Oversee, conduct and manage the delivery of assurance and advisory reviews across Vitality UK (covering financial, operational, strategic and regulatory reviews), to the agreed standards, quality and timelines.
• Manage co‑sourced audit partnership (i.e. resourcing, engagement delivery, invoicing, strategic alignment, etc.), to professional standards.
• Increase assurance coverage (through combined assurance, continuous monitoring and auditing).
• Contribute and shape the future operating model of Internal Audit, delivering the Internal Audit Strategy, Vision and Ambition through stakeholder collaboration, automation, innovation and the smart use of data analytics and technology.
• Manage, mentor, and develop team members to build a high‑performing audit team, providing training and development opportunities.
• Support the Chief Internal Auditor in the daily management of the internal audit function (deputising where required), alignment with IIA standards and regulatory requirements, continuous improvement of the audit services demonstrating stakeholder value.
• Build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships supporting collaboration and knowledge sharing to identify trends and embed best practices, while providing independence and constructive challenge.

Deep knowledge and experience of internal audit, risk and control frameworks (aligned to IIA). Strong understanding of insurance (Health and Life) and UK regulatory requirements. Proven leadership capability including managing high performance teams and third party partners. Credible, pragmatic and commercially aware leader with the ability to influence at a senior level. Self‑starter who is hands‑on and a team player. Strong values (including integrity, work ethics, innovation, respect, trust and fun).

What do you need to thrive?

• Chartered level accountancy or internal audit qualifications (CA, CIA, CIIA, ACCA, ACA, CPA) or equivalent.
• Previous experience working in an Internal Audit environment.
• Ability to communicate conceptually detailed and complex information effectively, simply and professionally with a wide range of people.
• Ability to provide written reports suitable for governing bodies and to ensure dissemination of information in the right format to the right people at the right time.
• Experience cultivating key business relationships and influencing to drive results.
• Insurance experience would be an advantage.

So, what’s in it for you?

• Bonus Schemes – A bonus that regularly rewards you for your performance.
• A pension of up to 12% – We will match your contributions up to 6% of your salary.
• Our award‑winning Vitality health insurance – With its own set of rewards and benefits.
• Life Assurance – Four times annual salary.