Head of Internal Audit (f/m/d)

Responsibilities

As Head of Internal Audit, you build and lead a global, independent internal audit function that supports Eppendorf’s growth as an international life science company and strengthens our governance.

• In this role you establish and lead the global internal audit function, develop an independent department and take on both the strategic direction and the day‑to‑day steering of all audit activities.
• You design, implement and maintain a global internal audit program that covers financial, operational, compliance as well as IT and process audits, and you adjust the audit plan based on evolving risk profiles.
• Anchored in the IIA standards, you define the internal audit charter, the audit approach, the audit universe, appropriate methodologies and reporting protocols, while setting up a structured process for risk assessment and annual audit planning.
• To enable a professional way of working, you develop tools and templates such as risk/control matrices, work programs and reporting formats, select a suitable audit management solution and design a 12-18-month roadmap for function build‑up including budget, staffing strategy and co-/outsourcing concepts for specialized topics.
• Together with Finance, Operations, IT, Legal, Quality/Regulatory and regional leadership, you perform company‑wide top‑down and bottom‑up risk assessments, derive a rolling three‑year audit strategy aligned with Eppendorf’s objectives and coordinate closely with risk management and business continuity.
• In a hands‑on manner, you lead end‑to‑end audits – from scoping, walkthroughs and test design through fieldwork, root cause analysis and evaluation to follow‑up of remediation actions, drafting clear, actionable audit reports and presenting key results to management and the audit committee.
• Through transparent communication, close coordination with internal and external auditors and the definition and monitoring of KPIs for the internal audit function, you strengthen control awareness, identify continuous improvement opportunities in processes, controls and systems, and support M&A due diligence with your audit and risk expertise.

Qualifications

• You hold a master’s degree – for example in business administration, finance, accounting, economics, business law, (business) informatics or a comparable field – and bring a solid academic foundation to lead a global internal audit function.
• At least eight years of relevant professional experience in internal or external audit, risk management or compliance, ideally including responsibility for setting up or further developing an internal audit function, enable you to act as a trusted expert for governance and control topics.
• A recognized professional qualification such as CIA, CPA or CISA is complemented by proven experience in planning and executing audits in finance, operations and IT controls, preferably in an international corporate environment.
• You are well versed in internal control systems and frameworks – in particular COSO – and work confidently with IIA standards and global compliance requirements, allowing you to design and continuously refine group‑wide audit approaches.
• Experience in auditing common ERP systems, especially SAP, enables you to analyze processes, configurations and authorizations in depth and translate your findings into robust recommendations for process and control improvements.
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills are combined with a solution‑oriented, cross‑functional mindset; you build trust‑based relationships with the executive board, senior leaders and process owners and communicate complex issues in a clear and structured way.
• You communicate fluently in English and also in German, are comfortable presenting to senior stakeholders and audit committees, and you are willing to travel internationally for projects (around 10-15 %) to stay close to our regional operations.

Benefits

• Purpose and impact. At Eppendorf, you work on solutions that help improve people’s lives around the world.
• We value your contribution. A fair, competitive salary.
• Flexible and connected. Our hybrid work model with mobile work options across Germany combines day‑to‑day flexibility with real team interaction.
• Balance that really works. 30 days of vacation and flexible working hours give you the freedom to align your work and private life.
• An easy way to get here. With a Deutschlandticket subsidy, JobRad, parking spaces and e‑charging stations, your commute becomes more flexible and less stressful.
• A future you can rely on. Employer‑funded pension plans and capital‑forming benefits provide you with financial security – now and in the long term.
• Support when you need it most. From childcare options to our anonymous counselling service, we’re there for you in moments when you need extra support.
• Learning that moves you forward. With the Eppendorf Academy, digital learning platforms, trainings, conferences and development programs, you can grow continuously – both professionally and personally.