Lead complex, risk-based internal audits as an Internal Audit Manager at BAE Systems. Based in Preston or Frimley with hybrid and flexible working arrangements, this permanent role offers a salary of circa £64,500 depending on experience. You will assess business controls, collaborate with senior stakeholders, and help shape a safer future.
Requirements
Previous internal or external audit experience in a large-scale complex working environment.
Proven track record in delivering high-quality audits and assessing complex systems and risks.
Excellent analytical and data interpretation skills.
Experience in Engineering, Project Management, or Supply Chain with a relevant qualification is preferred but not essential.
Must achieve at least Baseline Personnel Security Standard and meet security/export control restrictions.
Skills & Responsibilities
Audit leadership: Lead and support the planning and delivery of complex, risk-based audit assignments to assess business controls and minimise risk.
Data analysis: Gather and analyse information from multiple sources to identify control weaknesses and develop value-adding recommendations.
Report writing: Produce comprehensive, professional audit reports and present clear findings to Business Leadership and the Executive Committee.
Stakeholder engagement: Work closely with business stakeholders to agree responses to recommendations, review evidence of implementation, and provide challenge.
Process improvement: Contribute to the continuous improvement of Internal Audit processes, tools, and ways of working.
Potential transition routes: People from senior audit, risk management, or project management roles may bring strong analytical and stakeholder management skills, alongside meeting the core audit experience requirements.
Location: Preston Or Frimley – We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role
Salary: Circa £64,500 + dependent on skills and experience
Who we are:
Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.
From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.
Job Description:
This role involves leading and delivering complex, risk-based internal audits, assessing the effectiveness of business controls and identifying areas of risk or improvement. It requires analysing information, identifying control weaknesses, producing professional audit reports and presenting clear recommendations to senior stakeholders. The role also involves working closely with business teams to ensure recommendations are implemented effectively, while continually improving internal audit processes and standards.
Core duties:
Lead and support the planning and delivery of a portfolio of complex, risk-based audit assignments, ensuring delivery against the agreed targets and milestones of the annual audit plan
Assess the design and effectiveness of controls to minimise risk, strengthen business performance, uphold ethical standards, and protect the organisation’s reputation
Gather and analyse information from multiple sources to identify control weaknesses and develop value-adding recommendations
Present clear, well-structured audit findings and recommendations in professional reports, addressing issues identified through audit fieldwork
Work closely with business stakeholders to agree responses to recommendations, review evidence of implementation, and provide challenge where necessary to ensure effective closure
Produce comprehensive audit reports to professional standards, suitable for presentation to Business Leadership and the Executive Committee
Contribute to the continuous improvement of Internal Audit processes, tools, and ways of working
Essential Skills:
Previous audit experience, either internal or external gained within a large-scale complex working environment
Proven track record in delivering high-quality audits that add value, including managing audits and assessing complex systems, processes, and risks
Excellent analytical and data skills, with the ability to review, interpret, and draw conclusions from complex information
Ability to produce concise, professional reports that clearly communicate findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders
Engineering, Project Management or Supply Chain experience, with a relevant qualification, is preferred but not essential
The Audit team:
This role is part of the Global Internal Audit team based at Head Office, which comprises around 40 professionals, including the Group Audit Director, Head of Audit, Senior Audit Managers, Audit Managers, and Audit Associates, with colleagues located in the UK, US, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. You will engage with senior stakeholders across the organisation while working on a diverse portfolio of audit assignments. We offer a flexible, hybrid working environment, with some UK and international travel, giving you the opportunity to gain a broad perspective across the entire BAE Systems enterprise.
Why BAE Systems?
Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.
A place where everyone can thrive:
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Closing Date: 19th November 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
