At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing internal audit function, ensuring compliance and risk management.
- Company: Join Lanes Group, the UK's largest independent water services provider, backed by BlackRock.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic finance team focused on growth and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on governance and risk management in a transformative environment.
- Qualifications: Professionally qualified with significant internal audit experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
Ready to make your mark? Lanes Group, backed by Private Equity giant BlackRock, is looking for a Head of Internal Audit who knows they’re ready for more. The Head of Internal Audit will lead and develop an independent, objective audit function, providing high-quality assurance, insight and advice to the Board and Executive team. The role is pivotal in evaluating the effectiveness of governance, risk management and internal controls across both corporate functions and operational activities. Lanes Group is currently undertaking a significant transformation of its finance function, including the establishment of a dedicated Internal Control Team. Working collaboratively with finance and operational colleagues, the successful candidate will help ensure compliance with legal and best practice governance standards, mitigate risk, and contribute to the development of a transparent and effective audit programme.
You’ll join a finance team that’s proud of the culture it’s building. Supportive, ambitious, and focused on creating the strongest collective of talent in Yorkshire. With the team expanding to over 100 professionals across all finance disciplines, you’ll be part of a best‑in‑class community where people learn from each other and raise the bar together. You’ll develop advanced technical skills, stronger commercial instincts, and accelerate your career.
About Lanes Group – We’re the UK’s largest independent water and wastewater services provider. Since 1992, our 4,000+ people and cutting‑edge fleet have kept the country’s water systems flowing, and we’re continuing to grow, fast.
What you’ll do:
- Leadership & Strategy: Develop, implement and maintain a risk-based internal audit strategy aligned to Lanes Group strategy. Create and lead a high-performing internal audit team, setting clear objectives whilst providing coaching and development. Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on governance, risk and controls.
- Audit Planning & Delivery: Produce and deliver the annual internal audit plan, covering Head Office functions (e.g. finance, HR, IT, procurement) as well as Operations. Oversee the delivery of internal audits, ensuring work is completed to professional standards, on time and within budget. Review and approve audit scopes, methodologies, findings and reports, including improvement recommendations.
- Risk Management & Control: Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, risk management processes and governance arrangements. Provide insight on emerging risks, regulatory changes, and control weaknesses. Support management in developing practical, proportionate improvements that add value.
- Stakeholder Management & Reporting: Report audit findings, themes and assurance opinions clearly to the Board and Exec. Track management actions and follow up on audit recommendations to ensure effective remediation. Liaise with external stakeholders as required.
- Standards, Quality & Ethics: Ensure the internal audit function operates in line with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Standards and relevant professional codes of practice. Maintain internal audit policies, methodologies and quality assurance processes. Promote ethical behaviour, strong controls and a positive risk culture across the organisation.
What you’ll bring:
- Professionally qualified (e.g. CMIIA, CIA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Significant experience leading internal audit or assurance activities.
- Demonstrable experience auditing both corporate functions and operational environments.
- Strong understanding of governance, risk management and internal control frameworks.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with experience presenting to senior stakeholders and Boards.
- Proven people leadership and team management capability.
- Experience in a regulated or multi-site operational environment.
- Knowledge of data analytics or technology-enabled auditing (desirable).
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from under‑represented members of the community. Strictly no agencies please.
Head of Internal Audit in Leeds employer: Lanes Group
Lanes Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture that fosters collaboration and professional growth. As the UK’s largest independent water and wastewater services provider, employees benefit from being part of a rapidly expanding team in Yorkshire, where they can develop advanced technical skills and accelerate their careers while contributing to meaningful projects that impact communities. With a commitment to ethical practices and a focus on creating a best-in-class finance team, Lanes Group provides a unique opportunity for individuals looking to make a significant mark in their field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Internal Audit in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at Lanes Group or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Lanes Group is all about collaboration and ambition, so think of examples from your past that showcase how you embody these traits. We want to see your personality shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! As a Head of Internal Audit, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Be ready to discuss your experience in developing teams and driving results. We love hearing about how you've made an impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our amazing finance team at Lanes Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Internal Audit in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Internal Audit role. Highlight your experience in leading audit functions and your understanding of governance and risk management. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of your past achievements in internal audit and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a high-performing team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've developed teams in the past and how you plan to foster a supportive culture at Lanes Group.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lanes Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Head of Internal Audit role. Brush up on governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re ready to take on the challenge.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully led audit teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to set clear objectives and coach team members. This is crucial as the role involves creating a high-performing internal audit team.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You’ll need to present findings to senior stakeholders and the Board, so being able to communicate complex information in an understandable way is key. Consider doing mock interviews to refine your delivery.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ethical judgement. Think about potential risks and how you would address them, especially in a regulated environment. This will demonstrate your proactive approach to risk management and internal controls.
