Digital Innovation Internal Audit Lead in Manchester

Company Description At Syngenta Group, we are a global community of 56,000 innovators across 90 countries, united by a 250-year legacy of agricultural excellence. As the world’s most local agricultural technology partner, we create tailor-made solutions that transform farming while protecting our planet, driven by our commitment to innovation, ethics, and integrity. Through our inclusive environment and diverse perspectives, we pioneer breakthrough solutions for farmers, society, and future generations. Join our worldwide teams of agricultural pioneers in creating a more resilient and equitable food system for all.

Job Description Join our high-performing Global Internal Audit team as the Digital Innovation Internal Audit Lead—a transformational role at the cutting edge of audit innovation, technology, and business intelligence. You will architect and lead the digital transformation of our internal audit function, embedding AI, advanced analytics, automation, and continuous monitoring into every stage of the audit lifecycle. Your mission: to revolutionise how we plan, execute, and report—delivering sharper risk insights, faster execution, broader coverage, and strategic value to the business. Working directly with the Head of Group Internal Audit and senior leadership across Business, Finance, IT, and Compliance, you will build a data-driven, AI-enabled audit capability that strengthens Syngenta’s resilience and competitive edge. This is a high-impact, strategic role for a digital pioneer ready to reshape Internal Audit for the future.

What You’ll Do

• Lead Digital Transformation Own and execute the Internal Audit digital strategy and multi-year roadmap, aligned with organisational priorities and the evolving risk landscape. Drive adoption of a technology-enabled assurance operating model; track outcomes, measure impact, and iterate.
• Build Next-Generation Audit Solutions Analytics Assets: Design interactive dashboards and analytics tools to enhance audit scoping, accelerate evidence gathering, and enable continuous assurance. Data Platform: Integrate internal and external data sources (market signals, macroeconomic indicators, adverse media) for contextual, real-time risk intelligence. Risk Sensing & Monitoring: Develop predictive analytics for enhanced risk anticipation, risk scoring, anomaly detection, and continuous monitoring of risks. Process Mining: Develop and deploy process mining tools (e.g., Celonis, SAP Signavio) to automate process analysis, identify inefficiencies, and feed insights into audit programs. AI & GenAI: Pilot and scale responsible AI use cases for internal audit—drafting workpapers, document summarisation, anomaly detection, risk triage. Support the development and roll out of AI-enabled tools and automation in alignment with the Group’s overarching AI strategy.
• Automate & Elevate Audit Ways of Working Planning: Centralise the audit universe; automate document/data requests; provide auditors with process flows, KPIs, and risk indicators. Fieldwork: Standardise testing templates, digital workpapers, sampling logic, and evidence-linking tools. Reporting: Deliver concise, data-driven insights to senior leadership and the Audit Committee. Continuous Improvement: Modernise audit methodology through structured knowledge sharing and iterative enhancements.
• Champion Innovation & Thought Leadership Foster a digital innovation and data-driven mindset within Internal Audit. Coach and upskill teams on analytics, AI, and digital tools. Serve as the Internal Audit digital ambassador, driving adoption and change across the organisation.
• Lead Stakeholder Collaboration & Change Build trusted partnerships with IT, Finance, Compliance, and business leaders. Collaborate with Syngenta’s digital competency centres to accelerate transformation. Lead tool selection, configuration, and rollout—ensuring security, compliance, and scalability.

Qualifications Must-Haves

• Education: Bachelor’s/Master’s in Accounting, Finance, Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
• Proven track record leading digital transformation, analytics, or automation in Internal Audit, Risk, Compliance, or Finance.
• Hands-on technical expertise: Analytics development (SQL, Python), Data visualisation (Power BI, Tableau, SAP Analytics Cloud), ERP data structures (SAP/S4 HANA preferred), Data modelling platforms (AWS, SAP BW/4 HANA, Snowflake), Process mining tools (Celonis, SAP Signavio).
• AI/GenAI knowledge: Familiarity with governance, privacy, bias mitigation, and explainability in audit contexts. Exposure to AI/ML use cases.
• Audit/assurance background: Experience in internal audit, accounting, or Big 4 consulting.
• Exceptional communication & stakeholder management skills—comfortable influencing executives and frontline teams alike.
• Analytical rigor, problem-solving prowess, and a passion for innovation.
• Fluent English.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience integrating external data into audit analytics (market indicators, adverse media).
• Leadership of complex, multi-stakeholder audit engagements in global organisations.
• Familiarity with audit management platforms and agile delivery methodologies.
• Exposure to manufacturing, supply chain, or agro-industrial sectors.
• Track record in organisational change and digital transformation projects.
• Project management experience.
• Autonomy and decision-making in ambiguous environments.
• International work experience or multi-market exposure.

Additional Information

• Extensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, bonus scheme, private medical & life insurance.
• Up to 31.5 days annual holiday.
• Impact: Shape the future of Internal Audit in a global, purpose-driven organisation.
• Growth: Continuous learning opportunities, training, and career development.
• Flexibility: Hybrid work model with up to ~30% global travel.
• Culture: Dynamic, international team; collaborative environment; recognised as a Top 5 Employer and #1 in Agriculture by Science Journal.
• Location: Manchester, UK or Pune, India. Full-time, permanent role.

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, colour, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.