Head of Internal Audit

For four generations, and over 150 years, the Baxter family have been handing down their expertise to produce some of the UK’s finest soups, preserves, condiments, beetroot and chutney. Founded upon the principle of ‘be different, be better’, the Baxter family business has grown to become one of Scotland’s most iconic brands. Now a global success story, the group has significant operations across the US, Australia and Europe.

The Group is of the size, scale and geographic footprint that there is now a need to create an Internal Audit function. The aim of this appointment is to add value in a highly engaging and supporting manner, to bring a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve effectiveness in risk management, operations, control and governance throughout the Group.

We are looking to appoint a technically excellent and objective Head of Internal Audit to create and lead this function, to be based in Edinburgh with a reasonable amount of travel. The Head of Internal Audit will report to the Group Chief Financial Officer, with a line in to the Audit Committee.

Key responsibilities include:

• Set up the Internal Audit function and design Audit Programmes of work across Compliance, Information Technology, Business Performance, Operations and ad-hoc projects, throughout business units globally.
• Development and delivery of the annual Internal Audit plan, ensuring operational excellence around planning, co-ordination and execution of projects
• Develop a thorough understanding of business processes and identify and document inherent risks and controls
• Work closely, collaboratively and strategically with Management, presenting sound recommendations to the Board

The Head of Internal Audit will be a qualified accountant, preferably with a Big 4 background, with excellent communication skills and high levels of emotional intelligence. Experience of playing a key role in developing successful Internal Audit functions, in one or two businesses post practice, will be highly attractive. Candidates should live within a commutable distance of Edinburgh or be willing to relocate for this role.

Interested candidates should send their CV, with full remuneration details, to Graham Burns of FWB Park Brown at cv@fwbparkbrown.com. For a confidential conversation, please call 0131 539 7087.