Group Internal Audit Director - AXA UK & Ireland

We're seeking a strategic and influential Chief Audit Executive to lead our AXA UK and Ireland Internal Audit function. You’ll provide independent and timely assurance to the Board and Audit Committee, ensuring the effectiveness of our internal controls and fostering a strong control culture across the organisation. Reporting directly to the Board, you’ll oversee the internal audit activities in line with Group and IIA standards, offering valuable insights, challenge, and guidance to enhance our risk management and governance frameworks. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to lead a critical function within AXA, shaping the future of internal audit and contributing to the company’s commitment to excellence in risk and control management.

At AXA we work smart, empowering our people to balance their time between home and the office in a way that works best for them, their team and our customers. You'll work at least two days a week (40%) away from home, moving to three days a week (60%) in the future. Away from home means attendance at one of our office locations, visiting clients or attending industry events.

What you’ll be doing:

• Leading Internal Audit both within the UK & Ireland, and ALE entities and across all relevant countries in line with Group and IIA standards, ensuring reporting to relevant Board and Audit Committee on the adequacy of internal control. Providing timely assurance, challenge and sharing opinions on the risk and control environment.
• Working with country CAEs to develop and manage effective audit responses over the existing and emerging business activities, processes and risks.
• Developing, maintaining and enhancing the skills and capabilities of the audit teams in the region, empowering them, identifying and developing talents and high potentials, encouraging knowledge sharing and best practices.
• Supporting and guiding executive and non-executive management through the review of risk, control and governance across the region, drawing out themes where relevant.
• Maintaining strong relationships with peers and external auditors to keep abreast of industry themes, trends and development, and overseeing local CAE engagements with regulators.
• Owning and overseeing all whistleblowing procedures and investigations within AXA UK & Ireland, ensuring appropriate resource allocation and keeping Group Head of Investigations informed.
• Making significant contributions to GALT.
• Taking responsibility for own professional development and pro-actively identifying relevant training and development needs and developing own professional network.

What you’ll bring:

• Demonstrable leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop team-members.
• In depth knowledge (10 years) of the insurance business environment or in-depth knowledge of an audit, control or risk management function in a financial services regulated environment in one or more of Financial Services, Insurance or Audit / similar control function. / Or proven experience in internal or external audit within financial services, insurance, or related control functions, with a strong understanding of business operations and industry practices.
• Strong strategic-thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities, with the agility to adapt to change and challenge the status quo.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels, able to demonstrate empathy and foster collaboration across functions.
• Resilience, sound judgment, and the ability to remain effective under pressure while embodying AXA's core values.
• Ability to analyse complex information, extract insights, and communicate the bigger picture effectively.
• International experience is advantageous, with a solid grasp of systems, theories, and competitive landscapes.
• Commitment to continuous learning and talent development, encouraging organizational growth and career progression.

As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom.

Please be aware that this position is a Senior Management Function role under the SM&CR regime, which means the successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced level of background screening requirements.

What we offer:

At AXA UK, we’re appreciative of the people who work for us and our rewards package is reviewed regularly to reflect that. You can expect to receive:

• Competitive annual salary
• Annual company & performance-based bonus
• Contributory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contributions)
• Life Assurance (up to 10 x annual salary)
• Private medical cover
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Opportunity to buy up to 5 extra days leave or sell up to 5 days leave
• Wellbeing services & resources
• AXA employee discounts

To apply, click on the ‘apply for this job’ button, you’ll then need to log in or create a profile to submit your CV. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and don’t discriminate against employees or potential employees based on protected characteristics. If you have a long-term condition or disability and require adjustments during the application or interview process, we’re proud to offer access to the AXA Accessibility Concierge. For our support, please send an email to suzie.elliott@axa-uk.co.uk.

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Who we are:

AXA UK Support Functions power AXA’s three customer-facing business units, providing the infrastructure, support and expertise to ensure our customers can always count on us. Whether you’ve got heaps of experience and qualifications behind you, or you’re just starting out, we’ll give you the support and opportunities to help you grow and develop with confidence.