Ice Cream – Head of Internal Audit

Note: Deadline for applying is 23.59 the day before the Job Posting End Date. 

UNILEVER IS LOOKING FOR AN ICE CREAM – Head of Internal Audit

Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Full-time   

Local conditions apply  

For the recruitment of this position, we would like to emphasize that local conditions apply to the position and for this vacancy in principle we will consider candidates based in the set locations. If you are based outside of these locations and you are interested to apply, please feel free to do so but at this stage we will not take your application forward. We will only consider your application if a decision is made to also recruit outside of the set locations. 

If you are in the Unilever Ice Cream business or consider choosing to work for the Unilever Ice Cream business, you will work for the Global, leading Ice Cream player with €8.3bn Turn Over in 2024. The Ice Cream business is operating in a highly attractive category, as we are part of the EUR 470 billion snacking and refreshment industry, growing consistently at high pace. We have strong brands equities: 5 of top 10 selling brands including Wall’s, Magnum, Ben &Jerry’s. We are investing to unlock the full growth potential of Ice Cream as a standalone entity, once we separate from Unilever, which is planned to happen by the end of 2025.

Ice Cream has distinct characteristics from Unilever’s other operating businesses and the growth potential of Ice Cream will be better delivered as a standalone focused Ice Cream company. As Ice Cream company we are committed to developing and nurturing talent within our Ice Cream company. You will have options for career growth and exploration, allowing you for you to explore roles and opportunities across the new organisation. Your career development will be a priority for us, and we are dedicated to supporting your growth journey within the new company. We hope that you will want to build the new chapter of our Ice Cream history together with us.

ABOUT ICE CREAM: Life Tastes Better With Ice Cream 

Unilever Ice Cream is the world’s leading ice cream company, home to a portfolio of iconic brands like Magnum, Calippo, Solero, Festini, Talenti, and Yasso. We're committed to creating innovative products that bring unforgettable moments to our consumers—because, after all, “Life tastes better with ice cream.”

The Ice Cream division at Unilever is preparing to stand on its own, becoming an independent, single-category focused company by the end of 2025. This move reflects our belief in the power of our unique frozen footprint, which we see as having huge potential for growth as a pure-play business. Our focus is all about unlocking that potential, driving value for our consumers, customers, employees, and shareholders.

JOB PURPOSE: 

The Head of Internal Audit is responsible for managing the internal audit function of the Ice Cream organisation. This role involves developing and implementing an Internal Audit Strategy, taking into account the risks and regulatory requirements of the business; providing independent assurance over the organisation's risk management, control and governance processes; and advising on other emerging risks that could impact the business. The Head of Internal audit will work closely with senior management and the Audit Committee to continuously improve the effectiveness of the internal audit function and the organisation's risk and controls systems. The selected candidate will be required to work strategically, deploying a range of audit techniques, to be able to deliver timely value and insight to an organisation going through significant change and transformation.

This is an integral role reporting to the CFO at a pivotal time in the company’s lifecycle.
 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Audit Strategy Development:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive internal audit strategy aligned with the organisation's goals and objectives and the enterprise risk management framework.

• Develop and oversee the execution of the annual audit plan, aligning with adjacent SOX compliance and other assurance programmes.

• Identify key risk areas and prioritise and flex audit activities accordingly.

• Serve as the primary liaison between the internal audit function and the Audit Committee of the Board.

2. Leadership, Management and Stakeholder engagement:

• Stand up and create the internal audit function and required team (or externally sourced internal audit function) to meet regulatory compliance procedures and standards.

• Lead, develop and manage the internal audit team, providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

• Develop relationships with key stakeholders, including external auditors, regulators, and other third parties.

• Oversee the external audit planning and evaluate opportunities for synergies across internal and external audit scope.

• Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement within the audit function.

3. Compliance and Regulatory Oversight: (SOX and listed business requirements)

• Monitor and assure the effectiveness of compliance programmes.   Including those applicable to publicly listed companies (e.g. Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance procedures and requirements, SEC regulations)

• Collaborate with the finance and controls team to determine appropriate assurance over effectiveness of key controls required by SOX.

• Stay informed about changes in regulations and assess their impact on the organization.

4. Risk Assessment:

• Conduct risk assessments to identify potential areas of concern and develop audit plans to address these risks.

• Collaborate with management to ensure that risk management practices are effectively integrated into the organization's operations.

5. Audit Execution:

• Oversee the planning, execution, and reporting of internal audits, ensuring adherence to professional standards and best practices. Including risk assessments, audit planning, audit testing, control evaluation, audit reporting, work paper documentation, and verification of issue / action plan closures

• Provide timely and effective communication of audit results and the status of outstanding issues to the board of directors, audit committee, and senior management, ensuring clear communication of key issues.

• Serve as the primary liaison between the internal audit function and the Audit Committee of the Board.

6. Reporting and Communication:

• Prepare and present audit reports to senior management and the Board of Directors, highlighting key findings, risks, and recommendations.

• Facilitate open communication with stakeholders to promote transparency and understanding of audit processes.

7. Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiencies within the organisation.

• Ensure internal control systems are in place and are functioning properly.

• Stay current with industry trends and emerging risks to enhance the audit function.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is preferable but not essential

• Must be a qualified chartered accountant (CPA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with 10+ years post qualification experience

• Minimum of 12+ years of experience in internal audit, risk management, or related fields, with at least 8 years in a leadership role.

• Previous experience in leading an Internal Audit function for a public listed entity.

• Strong understanding of auditing standards, risk management practices, and regulatory requirements.

• Ability to focus on risks most material to the sector and organisation and provide critical analysis of emerging risk topics.

• Ability to form strong relationships with the business while maintaining objectivity and independence.

• Demonstrates high levels of integrity and a strong ethical framework.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.  Experience in managing difficult issues including escalation and communicating effectively with all stakeholders through to resolution.

• Excellent critical thinking, curiosity, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Proven ability to lead and develop a high-performing audit team.

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?  

 Unilever is the place where you can be yourself and bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. We offer an exciting & dynamic work environment where you can make things happen. Furthermore, we offer some great reward and benefits!   

• Attractive total remuneration package; excellent company pension, bonus and share scheme.  

• Flexible cross-disciplinary career opportunities and a wealth of training opportunities & wellbeing resources whenever and wherever.   

• Plenty of company-paid holidays to further ensure your work-life balance is maintained.   

• We encourage an inclusive culture, which comes to life with interchangeable public holidays, paid paternity leave of 6 weeks and our transgender policy.   

• Under the Hybrid Working principles, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 40% in the office or at customers, suppliers or partners to connect and collaborate.  For the time you work from home, we will ensure you are well equipped. When you are at the office, you can enjoy our tasty canteen with prepped food and own products. 

• Informal culture and being the first one trying our new products.    

• My Fitness Plan (reduction on your Fitness Subscription).  

• Home work allowance 

• Company laptop and mobile phone 

• Green Mobility Policy 

EXCITED?  

Join Unilever and our team! To apply, you must do so online. Please do not forget to upload your CV and a motivation letter.  Your application will be reviewed against our requirements and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date to provide you with an update on the status of your application.  

Looking forward to meeting you!    

Please note this is a Direct Search led by Unilever. Applications from agencies will not be accepted, nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs.   

Equal Opportunity Employer: Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, disability, age, parenthood, pregnancy or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against.   

By highlighting the gender diversity at the workplace, Unilever encourages women equally men to apply. If you look for a job after a long career break or after any type of leave, do not hesitate to apply.  

NOTE: Please save a copy of this vacancy for personal use as it will disappear from the website after closing of the role.