Job Description

The primary role of Mars Internal audit is to help Mars achieve its objectives by providing assurance over its risk management, governance and controls environment. This is achieved by acting as an unbiased business partner to help managing current and future risks. This role is part of the Global Internal Audit Leadership Team and is responsible for the Americas region covering all Mars business operations including Snacking, Petcare, Food, MGS and Corporate including markets, factories and third parties (3PL, Co-Manufacturing, etc.).

The region covers a wide variety of business models from manufacturing to services businesses as well as a variety of Route to Market (direct, direct to consumer and distributor model). The region is greater than $40B in NSV (55% of global) and ~ 81 manufacturing locations as well more than 50 Distribution Centers.

This role will also be responsible for developing and driving certain initiatives to support Internal Audit’s strategy that will impact the global function as well as have responsibility to execute and embed the IA strategy within the Americas region. This role will also be a Trusted Advisor to senior stakeholders, including, Corporate functional leaders as well as support communications to MLT Associates.

In addition, this role will oversee the development and deployment of a thoughtful annual internal audit plan which reflects the priorities of Mars Inc as well as the risk profiles of our businesses, while delivering key insights and learnings from audits which can be articulated into actionable business recommendations. This role will be responsible for leading investigations in the Americas region, as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Responsible for developing, executing and embedding components of the Internal Audit Strategy that will drive efficiencies as well impact to the business.
Act as a Trusted Advisor to the business by providing global insights that impact the way the business operates as well as communicate audit objectives and observations.
Maintain relationships as the primary point of contact for senior leaders within the region and certain global leaders.
Develop and oversee the execution of the annual IA plan for the Americas region, in alignment with the Risk Assessment and Global IA Standards. Contemplating operational, strategic and emerging risks with input from senior leaders (such as, but not limited to, Regional CFOs, Segment CFOs, Controllers, Functional leads), External forums (e.g., Gartner) and PwC.
Partner with IA Sr Director, IT to deliver integrated-audits (IT and process audits) driving insights across processes.
Deliver advisory services, in addition to audits, to the business.
Monitor audit progress and ensure timely reporting and remediation of observations.
Build and maintain constructive relationships with regional business leaders and develop a deep understanding of business operations and risks.
Collaborate with the IA Leadership Team to share insights and best practices through Hot Topics, Town Halls, Fireside Chats, etc.
Manage and mentor Senior Managers and Managers, promoting collaboration and accountability.
Ensures the continuous efficiency of audit operations including hiring and staffing of the regional team, and development of a high performing, engaged audit team.
Promote Mars' principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom.

Context & Scope

The scope of this role covers the Americas markets, factories and third parties (3PL, CoManufacturing, etc.) as well as factories. The region covers a wide variety of business models from manufacturing to services businesses as well as a variety of Route to Market (direct, direct to consumer and distributor model). The region is greater than $40B in NSV (55% of global) and ~ 81 manufacturing locations as well as more than 50 Distribution Centers.

To be successful in this role, the job holder needs to act as a thought leader and champion of the Internal Audit vision and strategy, while supporting and actively collaborating with a variety of stakeholders across Mars. The IA Director – Americas role requires to build strong relationships with the regional CFOs within the Americas region, other functional corporate stakeholders based within the region © 2019 Mars, Incorporated (Legal Counsel, Security, Ombudsman etc..) as well as key members of the local leadership teams across the region in order to best assess the control environment within the region, make recommendations as to potential improvements and be seen as a trusted advisor when it comes to improving governance and controls within the region.

This role will interact with senior stakeholders, including, Segment CFOs and Corporate functional leaders as well as support communications to MLT Associates. This role works in partnership with the Global Internal Audit VP and its peer regional directors to develop a yearly audit plan aimed at best covering current and emerging risks for Mars. This includes developing new audit programs as new risks emerge or evolve across Mars as well as coordinating activities and new initiatives across the 3 regions to ensure consistency in how IA assesses Risk across Mars and to deliver high quality actionable insights for the business.

Education & Professional Qualifications

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in finance/accounting, business administration, or a related field.

Knowledge / Experience

20+ years of experience in Internal Audit, External Audit, or related fields, with a strong understanding of risk management.
Experience in a business to complement audit experience is preferred.
Proven business acumen, leadership skills, and experience managing teams, with a focus on strategic direction and programmatic effectiveness and efficiency.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment. The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting: USD 232,000.00 - USD 319,000.00.

Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL®, and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCA™ and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 140,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.