Head of Internal Audit at embecta

This position is also responsible for developing internal audit talent and positioning the function as a pipeline for future leadership roles within the organization. The individual will champion innovation in audit practices, including the use of data analytics, automation, and emerging technologies to enhance audit coverage and insight.

Key Responsibilities

The Head of Internal Audit will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the global internal audit function, ensuring alignment with enterprise risk priorities and regulatory expectations. Responsibilities include:

• Enterprise Risk & Audit Strategy

  • Lead the development and execution of the annual enterprise-wide risk assessment to inform internal audit priorities and departmental initiatives.

  • Continuously evaluate and implement best-in-class audit practices, methodologies, and technologies to enhance audit effectiveness and efficiency.

• Executive Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Deliver clear, concise, and impactful audit findings and recommendations to senior executives and regional leadership through written reports and oral presentations.

  • Cultivate strong, independent relationships with functional leaders across Finance, Legal, Compliance, IT, and Operations to ensure deep business understanding and value-added insights.

• Governance & Audit Committee Support

  • Oversee the preparation and presentation of all materials for the Audit Committee, including audit plans, risk assessments, and key findings.

  • Serve as a strategic advisor to the Audit Committee and executive leadership on internal control effectiveness, emerging risks, and governance matters.

• Talent Development & Organizational Impact

  • Recruit, develop, and retain top-tier audit professionals, positioning the internal audit function as a pipeline for future finance and operational leadership roles.

  • Promote a culture of continuous learning, ethical conduct, and professional excellence across the audit team.

• Performance Management & Compliance

  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to drive quality, consistency, and efficiency across audit activities.

  • Ensure all audit work complies with IIA Standards, GAAP, PCAOB, SEC regulations, and company policies, as well as applicable global laws and industry regulations.

• Special Projects & Investigations

  • Lead or oversee special projects and ad hoc assignments, including due diligence for M&A, fraud investigations, and assessments of ethical concerns or conflicts of interest.

  • Allocate resources and provide oversight for internal investigations, ensuring timely and thorough resolution of potential misconduct.

• Industry Engagement & Thought Leadership

  • Maintain active engagement with professional audit organizations and industry peers to stay abreast of emerging trends, regulatory changes, and innovative practices.

  • Proactively shape internal audit strategies and procedures to reflect industry developments and evolving risk landscapes.

• Departmental Initiatives

  • Champion strategic initiatives within the internal audit function that support enterprise goals, enhance audit coverage, and strengthen organizational resilience.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:

• Education & Certifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is required.

  • Advanced degree (MBA, Master’s in Accounting or Finance) strongly preferred.

  • Professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and/or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) are required; additional certifications (e.g., CISA, CRMA) are a plus.

• Professional Experience

  • Minimum of 10–15 years of progressive experience in internal audit, public accounting, or enterprise risk management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

  • Experience in a global, publicly traded, multi-national organization is required; prior background in a Big 4 accounting firm is highly desirable.

  • Industry experience in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or life sciences is preferred; familiarity with FDA, EMA, SOX, and other regulatory frameworks is essential.

  • Proven track record of leading a regional or global internal audit function, including direct engagement with the Audit Committee and Board of Directors.

• Leadership & Strategic Capabilities

  • Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and inspire high-performing, multi-cultural teams across geographies.

  • High degree of emotional intelligence, with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.

  • Experience managing complex issues requiring nuanced analysis, sound judgment, and strategic thinking.

• Business Acumen & Operational Insight

  • Broad understanding of finance, operations, compliance, and risk management, with a history of increasing responsibility and cross-functional impact.

  • Ability to translate audit findings into actionable business insights that drive operational excellence and strategic value.

• Personal Attributes

  • Highly motivated, intellectually curious, and committed to continuous learning and professional development.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to executive audiences.

  • Uncompromising integrity and a commitment to ethical leadership and accountability

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated excellence in project and program management, with the ability to prioritize and oversee multiple complex initiatives across geographies and functions.

• Proven success in attracting, developing, and retaining top talent, with a focus on building high-performing, diverse teams and fostering a culture of accountability and growth.

• Deep expertise in financial audit principles, including Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance, paired with a strong ability to translate technical requirements into actionable business strategies within a complex, global environment.

• Strategic thinker with a business-first mindset, capable of balancing detailed analysis with enterprise-level perspective to drive meaningful outcomes.

• Experience in Finance or Operations is a plus, providing broader context and insight into cross-functional business drivers.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to mentor, influence, and build trust across all levels of the organization.

• Skilled at networking and stakeholder engagement, actively building relationships with business, functional, and regional leaders to ensure alignment and collaboration.

Competitive base salary based on experience and qualifications: $189,500- $300,000 (subject to variation depending on physical location).

Posted salary ranges are provided in good faith. embecta reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, external market conditions, and internal equity considerations.

Base pay is one component of the Total Rewards package at embecta, which also includes eligibility for an annual bonus and an annual LTI award. Benefits include, dental, vision, retirement savings plans, and paid time off. More details about our benefits programs can be found on our Careers page.

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embecta is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, or any other protected status.