Head of Internal Audit

Your tasks

The mission of this function is to design, implement and sustain a state-of-the-art audit department which performs independent and objective advisory and assurance services in the field of General Audit. This includes a great variety of business functions which represent the entire value chain of the company, e.g. procurement, finance, governance, R&D, manufacturing, human relations and sales. In addition, the function contains the special investigations team, whose purpose is to investigate substantiated indications of misconduct trustfully and fairly.

The function holder (M/F/diverse) thereby contributes to the company's strategic and operational objectives in terms of business efficiency and performance, governance effectiveness and reputation. He/she reports directly to the Head of Governance & Sustainability (who reports to the CEO) and represents the results of his/her work regularly in the Executive Board and the Audit Committee. The function holder (M/F/d) reports directly to the Head of Governance & Sustainability (who reports to the CEO) and regularly presents the results of the work to the Executive Board and the Audit Committee.

Your responsibilities will include:

- Develop & Implement Strategy:

- Establish and execute an internal audit strategy, ensuring independent risk assurance aligned with Continental’s corporate objectives
- Risk Identification & Adaptation:

- Continuously assess internal and external risks, adapting audit activities to regulatory, technological, and organizational changes
- Stakeholder Alignment:

- Align audit functions with business strategy, addressing stakeholder requirements and providing risk-based assurance
- Audit Execution & Quality Assurance:

- Oversee global audit processes, ensuring compliance with IIA standards and professional excellence
- Leadership & Talent Development:

- Define team capabilities, recruit, mentor, and develop future leaders while fostering a strong audit talent pipeline
- Resource & Network Management:

- Optimize audit resources, manage external providers, and maintain strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Governance & Advisory:

- Provide consulting on internal controls, fraud prevention, and compliance while advising leadership on emerging risks
- Strategic Project Involvement:

- Lead or support high-impact internal projects, representing audit in key management boards and governance committees
- Lead Special Investigations:

- Oversee and conduct high-priority investigations into fraud, misconduct, or control breaches, ensuring independent and objective assessments

**Profile**:

- Leadership Excellence - Demonstrated ability to lead global teams and drive performance
- Strong Legal Knowledge - In-depth understanding of labor laws, compliance, and regulatory frameworks
- Extensive Audit Expertise - Proven experience in internal auditing, risk assessment, and assurance strategies
- Change Management Skills - Capable of driving transformation and adapting to dynamic environments
- Crisis & Investigation Experience - Proven expertise in handling special investigations and fraud detection
- Stakeholder Management - Strong communicator, able to engage with senior executives and external auditors
- Talent Development Focus - Experience in mentoring, recruiting, and developing future leaders
- Strong communication skills - business fluent in English and German. Further language skills are welcome
- Strategic Thinker - Ability to align audit activities with corporate goals and evolving risks
- High Ethical Standards - Strong integrity, objectivity, and commitment to professional ethics
- Decision-Making Authority - Confident, persuasive, and able to influence at the highest levels

Applications from severely handicapped people are welcome.

**Offer**:
The well-being of our employees is important to us. That's why we offer exciting career prospects and support you in achieving a good work-life balance with additional benefits such as:

- Training opportunities
- Mobile and flexible working models
- Sabbaticals
- and much more...

Sounds interesting for you? Click here to find out more.

Diversity creates value for a better tomorrow. We offer equal opportunities to everyone - regardless of age, gender, nationality, cultural background, disability, religion, ideology or sexual orientation.

About us

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2023, Continental generated sales of €41.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 56 countries and markets.

The Automotive group sector comprises technologies for passive safety, brake, chassis, motion, and motion control systems. Innovative solutions for assisted and automated driving, display and operating te