Head of Internal Audit

We are looking for a fun, bright and people centric auditor! If you're the sort of person who enjoys understanding how businesses really work, spotting risks before they become problems and influencing change at the highest level, then keep reading.

We're partnering with an international, PE-backed engineering and project services business looking for a Head of Risk & Internal Audit to lead the Group function and help support the next stage of growth. This isn't a role where you'll spend your days sat behind spreadsheets ticking boxes. This is a broad, commercially focused role with exposure to the Board, Executive Team and operations across Europe. You'll help the business understand its risks, strengthen controls and improve the way it operates, whilst acting as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders. If you enjoy variety, autonomy and having genuine influence, this could be a brilliant opportunity.

About this business: This is an international engineering and project services business with an impressive history and ambitious plans for the future. Operating across Europe and beyond, they deliver complex projects across manufacturing, infrastructure, utilities, energy and industrial sectors. The business is entrepreneurial, fast-moving and backed by Private Equity. There is a clear focus on growth, continuous improvement and ensuring the business is well positioned for the future.

The role: This is a true Group role. You'll report directly to the Group CFO and have responsibility for Risk and Internal Audit across an international business operating in multiple countries. You'll work closely with the Board, Executive Team and Audit Risk & Assurance Committee, helping the business understand where its biggest risks sit and how they can be effectively managed. You'll travel across Europe, spending time with teams on the ground and developing a deep understanding of how the business operates. This is not about catching people out. It's about partnering with the business, improving controls and helping the organisation become stronger as it grows.

What you'll be doing:

• You'll develop and deliver the Group Internal Audit and Risk Plan, ensuring the business has effective controls across key strategic and operational areas.
• You'll lead risk-based audits across financial, operational and commercial activities, identifying opportunities to improve controls whilst remaining commercially pragmatic.
• You'll own the Group Risk Register, working closely with senior stakeholders to identify emerging risks, track mitigation plans and ensure accountability across the organisation.
• You'll prepare and present findings to the Board, Executive Team and Audit Risk & Assurance Committee, providing practical recommendations rather than lengthy reports that sit on shelves.
• You'll partner with teams across the business, supporting major projects and helping ensure risks are identified and appropriately managed from the outset.
• You'll also identify broader trends, themes and emerging risks, helping shape the future direction of the business and its risk framework.

About you: You'll likely be:

• ACA, ACCA or similarly qualified.
• Currently operating as a Head of Risk, Head of Internal Audit or Senior Internal Audit professional.
• Coming from practice with subsequent industry experience, or already operating in-house.
• Comfortable across both financial and operational audit.
• Commercially minded and pragmatic in your approach.
• An excellent communicator who can challenge constructively.
• Comfortable presenting to Boards and senior stakeholders.
• Happy travelling across Europe and building relationships across different countries.

Experience within engineering services, construction, infrastructure, manufacturing or other project-based businesses would be particularly attractive.

Because opportunities like this don't come around very often. This is a chance to lead a Group function. To work directly with the Board. To travel internationally. And to help shape the future of an ambitious, growing business.