At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop an independent audit function, providing insights to the Board and Executive team.
- 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 in governance and risk management while accelerating your career.
- Qualifications: Professionally qualified with significant internal audit experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ 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.
Head of Internal Audit in Leeds employer: LanesGgroup
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 continuous improvement, 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
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like LanesGgroup looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Internal Audit in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at LanesGgroup. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at LanesGgroup
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with LanesGgroup’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
