Internal Audit Manager

Wakefern Food Corp. has an exciting opportunity for an experienced internal audit leader to drive the creation and expansion of the Internal Audit function of the Corporate Integrity Department, focusing on Compliance, Regulatory, and Operations.

This function aims to support Wakefern by serving as a trusted resource through the completion of risk-based and objective evaluations of processes and operations. This role will be highly visible throughout Wakefern and will require the upmost level of professionalism and confidentiality, along with an entrepreneurial spirit in building both internal audit processes, as well as a strong and resilient internal control environment.

Under the leadership of the Corporate Integrity Department, from the perspective of the function’s development, the Manager of Internal Audit will be responsible for:

• In accordance with the 2024 Global Internal Audit Standards, create:

-The Internal Audit Charter, Mission Statement, Core Values, and Objectives

-Function’s policies, procedures, and practices

• Develop excellent relationships with committees of the Board , executive, and senior leadership and work collaboratively to structure reporting relationships, establish deliverables and timelines, and share risk-focused insights;
• Assess available technology and explore needed technology to support 1.) operational functions (e.g., audit management) and 2.) data-driven audit insights (e.g., data to support audits, data to support the development of a continuous auditing program);
• Attract, retain, and develop a team of engaged, motivated, and driven internal auditors.

From the perspective of the evaluation of the organization’s internal control environment:

• Create the audit universe, the annual risk assessment process, and the annual risk-based audit plan; scope of this function includes, but is not limited to, the following subject areas:

Regulatory and Corporate Compliance, and Operations:

• Compliance with Federal statutes (TCPA, PCI, ADA web accessibility);
• Compliance with State statutes (privacy, environmental, state advertising);
• Effectiveness of Wakefern’s policies, procedures, and training;
• Privacy Impact Assessments, follow-up on privacy related investigations, and breach reporting.

Information Technology:

• IT General controls – Monitor and audit access to programs and data, program development, computer operations;
• IT application controls;
• Cybersecurity;
• IT Processes – Change Management, Security Administration, Business Continuity, Disaster recovery;
• Vendor Management for third party systems;
• Emerging Technology, for example, artificial intelligence.

• Work collaboratively with executive and senior leadership in the development of divisional and/or departmental Risk Assessment Matrices (RAM); this work may include the development and delivery of education and training on risk and controls, as well as leading interviews and walkthroughs to assess and document risks and controls;
• Serve as the leader on all audits, management requests (e.g., support in internal investigations), and special projects, providing direction, oversight, and coaching to all internal auditors; this includes review of all steps in an audit, including brainstorming and scoping sessions, review of audit programs and test workpapers, and review of draft audit reports.

Due to the nature of the position, exposure to all areas of the business and leaders in the Company, it is possible that over time, the Manager of Internal Audit may be able to transition into other leadership roles in various business units across Wakefern, if desired. Additionally, the Manager of Internal Audit can support the career growth and development of the internal audit team, through tailored and individualized career conversations and pathing. We are seeking candidates who are excited to grow professionally, build their career, and advocate for the career journeys of the internal audit team!

Essential Functions

The core functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Support a strong organizational culture of compliance through the creation and continued development of the Internal Audit function;
• Implement the strategic vision of the function;
• Continuously create and implement improvements to the function’s process;
• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the function;
• Attract, retain, and develop internal audit talent and build a best-in-class function that aims to be strategic advisors to divisions across Wakefern;
• Serve as a subject matter lead on the topic of risk and internal controls across the organization;
• Advise executive and senior leadership on technological and compliance-related risks;
• Partner with divisional leadership on control opportunities and provide support in the creation of strong internal controls;
• Stay current in the field, inclusive of the industry, internal audit, technology, and compliance, and share knowledge, where appropriate;
• Provide training and education in the topics of risk and internal controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; professional certifications (e.g., CIA, PMP) and/or graduate degree a plus;
• Possess at least seven years of experience in an internal audit and/or business advisory role, preferably with a focus on regulatory and corporate compliance. Industry experience a plus.
• At least two to four years of leadership experience, guiding and supporting diverse teams.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills and interpersonal communication;
• Proven ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels; this includes developing and maintaining both cross-functional and external partnerships in order to advance organizational goals;
• Intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning, sharing knowledge and insights with team members and business partners, when applicable;
• Demonstrated experience in, and the motivation to create new processes and internal controls throughout the organization, with an aim toward continuous improvement;
• Outstanding attention to detail and excellent project management skills, with the demonstrated ability to prioritize and handle multiple time-sensitive deliverables;
• Strong computer skills with skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Experience in using data analytics and developing analytics programs a plus.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Availability to work a varied, flexible schedule to meet business demands
• Ability to monitor computer screens for long periods of time
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule as established by the division (4 days on-site, 1 day remote)