Head of Internal Audit

Saga plc seeks a Head of Internal Audit to lead a team of four auditors.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a high-performing team of internal audit professionals.
• Develop and implement the audit plan and support the Operating Board in understanding their role and accountabilities in mitigating and managing risk within their area of responsibility.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of the Internal Audit Strategy, providing strategic leadership and direction to the team.
• Implement action plans related to risk assessment and annual planning, audit execution, audit reporting, and support the BU Audit and Risk Committees.
• Provide robust annual opinions to the BU Audit and Risk Committees on the effectiveness of the internal risk and control environment in accordance with professional standards and corporate governance requirements.
• Lead Internal Audit’s annual risk assessment and planning process to develop the audit plan aligned with the strategic objectives and risk profile of the business units.
• Ensure all Internal Audit reports are clear, concise, identify root causes with practical solutions, and deliver value to management.
• Meet regularly with the Audit Risk and Compliance Committee to report the status of Internal Audit and ongoing monitoring activities.
• Proactively inform senior management of significant risks or exposures related to internal controls, compliance, and/or governance.
• Follow Governance and Business Code of Conduct, acting with integrity and due diligence.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and implement innovative strategies based on the latest trends and research.
• Leverage knowledge and expertise to ensure policies and processes underpin business delivery and are simple, relevant, and inspiring.
• Provide oversight and guidance to a team of SMEs when delivering robust assurance to the Operating Board and Audit and Risk Committees.

Qualifications

• Professional audit expert with leadership experience; extensive knowledge of regulated industries, preferably hospitality or travel.
• CIA, ACA, ACCA, CMIIA qualified with significant internal audit leadership experience.
• Experience leading a team of SMEs to deliver assurance to the Operating Board and Audit and Risk Committees.
• Deep understanding of risk and compliance requirements in a regulated environment.
• Experience in large-scale change programmes within a plc / FTSE environment.
• Strong business‑partnering approach, inspiring and driving continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (with option to purchase an additional 5 days).
• Pension scheme matched up to 10%.
• Company performance‑related annual bonus – up to 15%.
• Car allowance of £4,800 per annum.
• Private medical insurance after 1 year’s service.
• Life assurance policy on joining – 4× salary.
• Wellbeing programme.
• Colleague discounts, including family discounts on cruises, holidays and insurance.
• Range of reductions and offers from leading retailers, travel groups and entertainment companies.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• Grandparents leave.
• Income protection.
• Access to Saga Academy, the bespoke learning platform.
• Flexible hybrid working model – typically 1–2 days in office at Folkestone with remaining days working from home.

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