Head of Internal Audit

We are looking for a Head of Internal Audit to lead a small, high-performing function providing independent assurance over governance, risk management and internal control across a complex, multi-jurisdiction group.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set a risk-led direction: Develop and maintain a proportionate Internal Audit Strategy and rolling risk-based plan, prioritising principal risks alongside financial, operational and technology risks.
• Deliver assurance on priority risks: Provide assurance that food safety governance, supplier assurance and incident management are effective, using specialist co-source support where needed.
• Strengthen risk management and governance: Oversee and support the development of Pret’s enterprise risk management approach on behalf of the Board.
• Be a trusted, independent adviser: Offer practical advice on risk and control without taking on management responsibility for the controls reviewed.
• Build and lead the function: Shape the operating model, including the balance of in-house and co-sourced capability.

What Success Looks Like:

• The Audit Committee receives timely, decision-useful assurance on food safety, franchise and fraud risk.
• Fraud and franchise-compliance issues are identified earlier, and agreed actions are closed on time.
• Internal Audit is seen as independent, credible and commercially relevant.

Experience and Skills Required:

• Internal audit experience gained in a complex, multi-site or international organisation, including leadership at Head of Internal Audit level or as a senior deputy ready to step into a first head role.
• A strong track record of designing and delivering risk-based audit plans across financial, operational and technology areas.
• Experience working with Boards, Audit Committees, executive leaders and external auditors.
• Demonstrable experience of enterprise risk management, control improvement and organisational change.

Benefits:

• A Gold Card! That means when you’re in the office, your food and drinks are on us. And when you’re not, you get 5 free drinks a day and 50% off everything else
• 33-38 days of annual leave (increasing with service)
• Free private medical aid cover – with the option to add a loved one
• 4-5% pension contribution (increasing with service)
• Life assurance at 3x your annual salary
• Loyalty awards to celebrate every 5 years you’re with us