SVP Internal Audit

Leonid Group is proud to be retained by a leading multi-site manufacturing organization to identify an exceptional Senior Vice President of Internal Audit (de-facto Chief Audit Exec). The client, one of our largest partners this year, is a well-established, high-growth industry leader with a significant operational footprint across the U.S. and a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and operational excellence. 

The Role 

The incoming SVP will serve as the top audit executive, partnering directly with the Audit Committee, CEO, and CFO to lead the company’s global internal audit strategy and drive maturity across governance, risk, and control functions. This is a highly visible, enterprise-critical opportunity for a seasoned audit leader looking to make a transformative impact. 

We're looking for a strategic, forward-thinking leader to oversee all internal audit activities, enterprise risk management, operational reviews, and compliance efforts across a complex, multi-site manufacturing network. The role will provide independent assurance and strategic insights to senior leadership and the Board, helping guide the organization through continued growth and operational expansion. 

Location - Dallas, TX

The Duties 

• Serve as the company’s Chief Audit Executive, leading all aspects of internal audit and enterprise risk management. 

• Develop, execute, and present the annual audit plan to the Audit Committee and Board. 

• Provide independent, objective assessments of financial, operational, IT, and compliance controls. 

• Lead manufacturing and operational audits across multiple plants and supply chain operations. 

• Oversee the ERM program and drive enhanced governance, risk awareness, and accountability. 

• Evaluate the effectiveness of controls related to SOX (if applicable), financial reporting, operations, and regulatory compliance. 

• Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing audit organization. 

• Leverage data analytics, automation, and modern audit tools to enhance audit quality and impact. 

• Partner closely with Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, IT, Legal, and HR leadership to drive process improvement and ensure strong, scalable controls across the enterprise. 

The Ideal Candidate 

• 12–15+ years of progressive leadership experience in internal audit, risk management, or assurance. 

• Previous CAE, Deputy CAE, or senior audit leadership experience within a complex, multi-site or manufacturing environment strongly preferred. 

• Bachelor’s degree required; CPA, CIA, CISA strongly preferred; MBA or advanced degree a plus. 

• Demonstrated success presenting at the Board and Audit Committee level. 

• Deep experience with operational audits, manufacturing controls, and ERP environments. 

• Proven ability to lead through influence, drive organizational change, and elevate audit maturity. 

• Strong executive presence, communication skills, and strategic mindset. 

The Benefits 

• Competitive base salary + annual performance bonus and LTI stock package  

• Comprehensive executive benefits package 

• High-visibility role with direct interaction with the Audit Committee, CEO, and CFO 

• Opportunity to shape, modernize, and elevate the internal audit function 

• Influence across a major manufacturing organization undergoing continued growth