Head of Internal Audit

BME is looking for a Head of Internal Audit. In this role you are reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

The Group Director Internal Audit is a pivotal member of the senior finance leadership team, responsible for shaping and delivering a risk-based internal audit and risk management program that creates real value across BME Group and its Operating Companies. With an IPO as a strategic possibility, this role is critical in leading the transformation of audit and risk management processes to meet public company standards, ensuring robust, independent assurance and proactive risk oversight in line with Group policies, regulatory requirements, and best practices.

This includes ensuring readiness for listed company requirements such as Internal Control and Risk framework, enhanced governance, and increased regulatory and investor scrutiny.

The Group Director Internal Audit partners closely with senior management, and direct reports to drive continuous improvement in governance, risk, and control environments. The role is hands‑on, business‑focused, and committed to embedding a modern, technology‑enabled approach to audit and risk, supporting strategic initiatives such as M&A integration, and IPO readiness.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Internal audit

• Design and deliver the Group’s risk-based internal audit and risk management strategy including the yearly Internal audit plan, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives in line with IIA standards and the cooperate governance code.
• Shape and oversee the annual Internal Audit work plan, integrating financial, operational, compliance, and strategic audits across multiple countries and business models, in line with IIA standards.
• Lead and manage all aspects of internal audits, ensuring effectiveness, independence, and compliance with statutory, management, and public company requirements (e.g., SOX or equivalent).
• Champion practical assurance and advisory work, helping Operating Companies mature their governance, risk, and control environments.
• Plan, execute, and report on a diverse portfolio of audits, with a clear focus on business processes, risk perspectives, and tangible impact.
• Serve as a key point of contact for external auditors, regulators, and providing assurance on the effectiveness of internal controls and risk management.
• Prepare and present periodic updates for the Audit Committee and Management Board, ensuring transparency and clarity in audit & risk reporting.
• Act as the first point of contact for external audit on matters related to internal controls and risk management.
• Acts as an independent advisor and counterpart to the Audit Committee, while preserving independence. The role reports to and supports the Audit Committee.
• Complete other assignments as requested by Group and OpCo’s (e.g., fraud reviews, controls deep dives, and ad hoc investigations).
• Encourage independence, accountability, and effective communication within the team and across the wider finance and risk community.
• Promote cutting‑edge practices, such as data analytics and continuous auditing.

Internal Control

• Maintain and enhance the internal control framework across Group and OpCo’s, including evaluation of Quarterly Internal Control Self‑Assessments and controls testing.
• Standardize and strengthen controls, improve process efficiency, and raise risk awareness in partnership with local management.
• Design and implement the internal control framework for HQ.
• Report on improvement plans for internal control implementation to local management as well as on HQ level.
• Manage relationships with business representatives across OpCo’s and key second line functions.
• Drive the design, testing, and optimization of automated and ERP‑embedded controls, enabling scalable and continuous assurance suitable for a listed company environment.
• Drive continuous improvement and change management initiatives to embed a culture of compliance, transparency, and operational excellence across the organization.
• Oversee control and risk implications of acquisitions, integrations, and divestments, including due diligence, risk assessment, and post‑deal monitoring.
• Drive enterprise risk management processes, including risk identification, assessment workshops, risk mitigation and monitoring.
• Monitor emerging risks, regulatory changes, and industry trends, feeding insights into planning and scoping.
• Report regular or on request to local and group management.

Potential IPO mid‑term

• Lead readiness assessments and gap analyses for potential IPO mid‑term requirements, including documentation, testing, and remediation of controls.
• Partner with legal, finance, and external advisors to ensure alignment with listing rules, disclosure requirements, and investor expectations.
• Further enhance and implement internal control and risk management processes to meet public company standards, including enhanced internal controls over financial reporting and robust documentation and testing protocols.
• Prepare and present potential IPO mid‑term‑related risk and control updates to senior management, the Board, and Audit Committee.
• Oversee the development, optimisation, and governance of audit and risk management systems, embedding IT audit, data analytics, and continuous auditing into the methodology.
• Ensure adequate coverage of IT and cyber security risks, including access controls, data integrity, and system resilience, either through direct expertise or effective coordination of specialised third‑party providers.
• Deep expertise in internal audit, risk management, and internal control, including international standards (e.g., COSO, ISO 31000) and public company requirements (e.g., SOX).
• Proven experience in a private equity, leveraged, or IPO environment, with a strong focus on strategic risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex audit and risk projects, including M&A, restructuring, and IPO readiness.
• Demonstrable understanding of IT risk and automated controls environments, either hands‑on or through effective oversight of third‑party specialists.
• Advanced analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data from multiple sources and assess business impact.
• Experience in implementing and optimizing audit and risk management systems at scale.
• Strong influencing and relationship management skills; able to balance empathy with firmness and challenge constructively at different management levels
• Entrepreneurial, proactive, and resilient; keeps momentum and drives results in fast‑paced, ambiguous environments.
• Confident communicator with natural presence; engages others with impact and purpose.
• Acts with integrity, optimism, and accountability; builds trust and drives collaboration between business and finance.
• Strong people leadership and ability to direct and develop others.

Education and Experience

• University/Post graduate degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Fully qualified audit or risk professional (e.g., CIA, CISA, ACA, CPA, ACCA, Dutch RA, or equivalent).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in internal audit and risk management, including leadership roles at group or corporate level in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Significant Internal Audit experience either in an international public accounting (advisory services) firm or other corporate Internal Audit function.
• Experience in restructuring, refinancing, PE‑backed, or IPO environments is a strong advantage.
• Experience in a listed company or direct IPO preparation environment is strongly preferred.
• Exposure to industries such as distribution, logistics, or manufacturing preferred.
• International experience and proven ability to operate effectively in a matrix organization.
• IT audit experience/background is a strong plus.

Values

• Dare
• Care
• Be real
• Win together

Location

Schiphol and home‑office (BME Policy: three days at Schiphol office)

Procedure

• Interview with the Group Director Talent Acquisition
• Interview with the Group CFO
• Online assessment/ interview and financial agreement (subject to a positive outcome of the final interviews) with Group Director HR
• Final interviews with Group SVP Human Resources and Group CEO