Global Head of Internal Audit

Large Multinational Group in the Industrial Sector is looking for a Global Head of Internal Audit based in Madrid. This position will be responsible for establishing, leading, and continuously improving the global internal audit function across the group. Ensures robust internal controls, risk management, and governance frameworks are in place across all entities. Provides independent and objective assurance to the Audit Committee, Group CEO, CFO and Executive Management Team, supporting compliance, operational excellence, and financial integrity throughout the global organization.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive global internal audit strategy aligned with Group objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the annual audit planning process, including risk assessments, audit universe updates, and audit cycle prioritization.
• Oversee the delivery of end-to-end audit activities, including planning, fieldwork, reporting, and remediation follow-up.
• Present audit findings, risk insights, and recommendations to the Audit Committee, Group CEO, CFO, and Executive Management Team.
• Ensure a consistent global internal controls framework across all regions, implementing best practices and continuous improvement.
• Establish and maintain a group-wide ethics, compliance, and whistleblowing oversight mechanism.
• Partner closely with Finance, Operations, Compliance, IT, and HR to support internal control enhancement and risk mitigation.
• Manage internal audit resources globally, including co-sourced audit partners and regional support teams.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements across jurisdictions (EU, UK, China, US, etc.).
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership while maintaining independence and objectivity.

Key Collaborations

• Works closely with the Group CEO, CFO, and Executive Management Team to ensure that internal audit insights strengthen governance, ethical conduct, and risk-informed decision-making.

• Collaborates with Finance, Operations, IT, Compliance, HR, Procurement, and Manufacturing to drive improvements in internal control processes and risk mitigation.

• Coordinates with external auditors to ensure alignment between internal and external audit activities and to support statutory audit requirements where applicable.

Decision-Making Authority

Authority to approve and prioritize audit plans, methodologies, and resource allocations.

Strategic influence over the internal controls framework, compliance programs, and risk management approaches.

Autonomy to communicate high-risk findings directly to the Group CEO, CFO and Audit Committee.

Requirements:

Knowledge (“What I know”)

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• Professional certification strongly preferred: CIA, CPA, ACCA, CISA, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of global regulatory frameworks, corporate governance standards, and ethics/compliance structures.

Experience (“What I have done”)

• 15+ years of progressive experience in internal audit, risk management, or related functions. (Big 4 is desirable)
• Experience in multinational or joint venture environments; manufacturing or automotive experience is an asset.