At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead internal audits and ESG initiatives across Woolworths' diverse operations.
- Company: Join Woolworths Group, a leading retailer with over 200,000 passionate team members.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work arrangements, team discounts, and comprehensive health programs.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Australia's largest retail ecosystem while driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational audit and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 148500 - 181500 $ per year.
Based in either Sydney or Melbourne, you will lead the audit and ESG evolution across Woolworths Group's complex supply chain, Primary Connect, and BIG W portfolios. Drive strategic technology and AI integration within a forward-thinking, supportive internal audit team. Engage directly with C-Suite executives and present key operational audit findings to the Audit & Finance Committee.
As the Head of Internal Audit - Operations & ESG, you will lead the audit and ESG assurance stream across some of our most complex and dynamic operational areas—including Food Business across Australia and New Zealand, our state-of-the-art supply chain, distribution centres, and BIG W. This is a highly visible, strategic leadership role where you will drive the adoption of technology, AI, and agile practices to transform how we assess risk and deliver commercial value. Reporting to the General Manager of Internal Audit, you will lead a dedicated team of 8+ audit professionals, managing the strategic execution of operational and ESG audits across our most diverse and complex business units.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Develop and execute short and medium-term strategic risk-based audit plans, leading the adoption of cutting-edge audit technologies (such as AuditMate and Tableau) and championing agile audit methodologies.
- Manage the delivery of independent, high-quality assurance and advisory reviews across supply chain, distribution centres, safety, inventory, and BIG W.
- Present insightful, material audit outcomes and ESG assurance findings directly to the Audit & Finance Committee (AFC), and maintain productive relationships with C-Suite, Managing Directors, and General Managers across the Group.
- Shift the auditing mindset from compliance checking to pragmatic, risk-based business partnering, helping the business navigate real-world risks and implement sustainable remedial actions.
- Coach, mentor, and build the capability of a geographically diverse team, fostering a supportive, high-performing environment aligned with Woolworths’ values.
What you'll bring:
- Solid foundational training within a Big Four accounting/advisory firm, combined with subsequent operational audit experience in complex industry environments (such as Retail, FMCG, or complex Utilities).
- Proven experience presenting to and writing reports for Board committees, with the ability to build trust and translate complex technical risks into clear, succinct, and business-focused insights for C-suite and General Managers.
- Demonstrated experience leading and mentoring geographically diverse teams, with an empowering leadership style and a history of successful business partnering in matrix environments.
- Qualifications in Accounting/Finance or equivalent, with post-graduate qualifications in an auditing field (CA, CPA, CIA, or CISA).
- A strong curiosity to understand how processes actually work, an agile philosophy, and a passion for leveraging technology, data interrogation, and AI to drive audit productivity.
What you'll experience:
- Direct influence on the safety, operations, and ESG assurance of Australia's largest retail ecosystem.
- Strong executive buy-in and investment in technology and AI-driven audit tools, including recently deployed proprietary audit systems.
- Workplace Flexibility: Genuine hybrid working arrangements (based in Sydney or Melbourne support offices).
- Generous Benefits: Team member discounts across Woolworths, BIG W, and our subsidiary brands, plus comprehensive health, well-being, and training programmes.
Everyone belongs at Woolworths Group. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are key to realising our purpose of better together for a better tomorrow. We recognise the value our team’s diversity brings to our business, customers, and communities and that teams with diverse experiences and backgrounds enrich our group and are better able to innovate and solve problems. As one of the largest employers in Australia and New Zealand, we aim to create a truly inclusive workplace where everyone feels that they belong, can be their best selves, and reach their full potential.
Head of Internal Audit employer: Woolworths Group
Woolworths Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As part of Australia's largest retailer, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a strong focus on employee well-being, and a culture that prioritises risk awareness and customer care. Join us in a hybrid role that not only allows for flexibility but also empowers you to make a meaningful impact in claims management.
