Head of Internal Audit

Bayside Group is seeking an experienced Head of Internal Audit to lead the internal audit function within an established organisation operating in a complex, highly regulated environment on a 12 Month FTC.

This is a senior leadership appointment with responsibility for setting the internal audit strategy, overseeing risk-based assurance activities and providing independent, evidence-based advice to executive management and governance committees.

The role offers genuine strategic responsibility, direct engagement with senior decision-makers and the opportunity to influence governance, risk management and internal control practices across a diverse operating environment.

The role

As Head of Internal Audit, you will provide strategic direction and leadership to the internal audit function, ensuring assurance activities are aligned with organisational objectives, key enterprise risks and professional standards.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead the Internal Audit function, including strategic planning, audit methodology, quality assurance and overall performance.
• Develop and oversee risk-based internal audit plans, ensuring appropriate coverage of significant operational, financial, regulatory and governance risks.
• Provide independent, objective advice and reporting to executive management and the Risk and Audit Committee on internal controls, risk management and compliance.
• Oversee complex assurance and advisory engagements, delivering clear findings and practical recommendations that support improved organisational performance.
• Monitor and independently assess the implementation and effectiveness of management's corrective actions.
• Maintain and continuously improve internal audit frameworks, policies and practices in accordance with relevant professional standards.
• Lead and develop senior audit professionals, manage external assurance providers and build effective working relationships across the organisation.

About you

We are looking for an accomplished internal audit leader who has operated within a complex or highly regulated organisation and can demonstrate both technical expertise and the ability to influence at the highest levels.

You will ideally bring:

• Extensive senior-level internal audit experience, including demonstrated leadership of an internal audit function or significant enterprise-wide audit program.
• Strong capability in risk-based assurance, corporate governance, enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance and internal control frameworks.
• Proven experience engaging with senior executives, Boards or Audit and Risk Committees, including presenting findings, advising on significant risks and influencing management decisions.
• A track record of developing and delivering internal audit strategies, annual audit plans and quality assurance processes.
• Experience overseeing assurance activities across complex operational or regulatory environments, with an understanding of organisational and financial risk.
• Sound professional judgement, independence and the confidence to constructively challenge senior stakeholders.
• Strong people leadership, communication and relationship management skills.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and recognised professional qualifications such as CIA, CA or CPA, together with appropriate professional membership.

Experience across infrastructure, energy, resources, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, government or other highly regulated sectors will be highly regarded.

Australian citizenship is essential. Applicants must also be able to satisfy the applicable security, medical and pre-employment clearance requirements.

Why consider this opportunity?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a strategically important internal audit function, working closely with executive leadership and governance committees on matters that directly influence organisational risk and performance.

The position offers:

• A senior leadership role with meaningful strategic responsibility and organisational influence.
• Direct involvement in executive-level decision-making and independent governance assurance.
• Exposure to a broad range of complex operational, regulatory and corporate risks.
• The opportunity to lead and develop an established internal audit function.
• An executive-level remuneration package and flexible working arrangements.

The role is based in Sydney's Sutherland Shire.

Applications are encouraged by Friday 13 November 2026, with shortlisting underway immediately and interviews potentially commencing as early as next week.

If you have the senior internal audit leadership experience and professional judgement required for this opportunity, I encourage you to apply promptly.

To submit your application in strict confidence, click the Apply button and attach your current CV and Cover Letter.

For a confidential discussion, contact Mburne@baysidegroup.com.au.