Head of Internal Audit

Head of Internal Audit

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.

Now let’s talk about 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.

Strictly no agencies please.