Internal Audit Director, Americas

Mars•McLean, VA

About The Position

The primary role of Mars Internal audit is to help Mars achieve its objectives by providing assurance over its risk management, governance and controls environment. This is achieved by acting as an unbiased business partner to help managing current and future risks. This role is part of the Global Internal Audit Leadership Team and is responsible for the Americas region covering all Mars business operations including Snacking, Petcare, Food, MGS and Corporate including markets, factories and third parties (3PL, Co-Manufacturing, etc.). The region covers a wide variety of business models from manufacturing to services businesses as well as a variety of Route to Market (direct, direct to consumer and distributor model). The region is greater than $40B in NSV (55% of global) and ~ 81 manufacturing locations as well more than 50 Distribution Centers. This role will also be responsible for developing and driving certain initiatives to support Internal Audit’s strategy that will impact the global function as well as have responsibility to execute and embed the IA strategy within the Americas region. This role will also be a Trusted Advisor to senior stakeholders, including, Corporate functional leaders as well as support communications to MLT Associates. In addition, this role will oversee the development and deployment of a thoughtful annual internal audit plan which reflects the priorities of Mars Inc as well as the risk profiles of our businesses, while delivering key insights and learnings from audits which can be articulated into actionable business recommendations. This role will be responsible for leading investigations in the Americas region, as needed. The Internal Audit Director - Americas will lead a team of 2-4 direct reports and a full team of 11. The Internal Audit functions as a talent reservoir to Mars Inc. and as such the job holder is expected to recruit, engage and develop his/her Associates, rotating talent to and from the business.

Requirements

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in finance/accounting, business administration, or a related field.
20+ years of experience in Internal Audit, External Audit, or related fields, with a strong understanding of risk management.
Proven business acumen, leadership skills, and experience managing teams, with a focus on strategic direction and programmatic effectiveness and efficiency

Nice To Haves

Experience in a business to complement audit experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Responsible for developing, executing and embedding components of the Internal Audit Strategy that will drive efficiencies as well impact to the business.
Act as a Trusted Advisor to the business by providing global insights that impact the way the business operates as well as communicate audit objectives and observations.
Maintain relationships as the primary point of contact for senior leaders within the region and certain global leaders.
Develop and oversee the execution of the annual IA plan for the Americas region, in alignment with the Risk Assessment and Global IA Standards. Contemplating operational, strategic and emerging risks with input from senior leaders (such as, but not limited to, Regional CFOs, Segment CFOs, Controllers, Functional leads), External forums (e.g., Gartner) and PwC.
Partner with IA Sr Director, IT to deliver integrated-audits (IT and process audits) driving insights across processes.
Deliver advisory services, in addition to audits, to the business
Monitor audit progress and ensure timely reporting and remediation of observations.
Build and maintain constructive relationships with regional business leaders and develop a deep understanding of business operations and risks.
Collaborate with the IA Leadership Team to share insights and best practices through Hot Topics, Town Halls, Fireside Chats, etc. .
Manage and mentor Senior Managers and Managers, promoting collaboration and accountability.
Ensures the continuous efficiency of audit operations including hiring and staffing of the regional team, and development of a high performing, engaged audit team.
Promote Mars' principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom.