Global IA Digital and Data Analytics Associate Director

Job Description

Job Description:

Job Opportunity: Internal Audit Associate Director, Digital & Data Analytics

Location: Hybrid. Based in either UK (Paddington) or USA (Chicago or Newark).
Job Type: Permanent

Mars is seeking an experienced and innovative Global Internal Audit (IA) Digital and Data Analytics Associate Director to lead the maturation and scaling of our Data Analytics Center of Excellence (CoE). This strategic role will drive the adoption of cutting-edge digital tools, automation, and advanced analytics to transform the audit lifecycle, enhancing audit quality, increasing efficiency, and embedding innovation at the core of Internal Audit’s strategy.

As a key leader, you will champion Mars’ vision to be a digital leader in the S&F (Supply & Finance) function by delivering smarter, faster, and more impactful assurance through digital transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the modernization of audit processes, tools, and methodologies through digital initiatives.

• Promote adoption of advanced analytics and continuous auditing tools such as IDEA, ACL Robotics, Alteryx, Power BI, Celonis (process mining), and MindBridge (AI anomaly detection).

• Drive data-driven risk identification, control testing, and issue detection to enhance audit execution.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, delivering data-driven insights and thought leadership.

• Develop and mentor a team of digital and analytics professionals, fostering innovation and capability building.

• Build strong relationships internally and externally to deliver best-in-class digital tools across Mars.

About you

• Proven experience in internal audit, data analytics, data science, or digital transformation

• Proven success building AI-enabled solutions in audit, risk, or finance, including large language models, automation, and intelligent document processing.

• Proficiency in Python, SQL, or similar tools to design, prototype, and deploy AI-driven use cases (e.g., audit testing automation, AI agents, data-driven workpapers).

• Experience with platforms such as Optro (formerly AuditBoard), DataSnipper, or similar, including extending functionality via integrations or AI enhancements.

• Strong understanding of ERP systems (SAP preferred) and enterprise data sources.

• Leadership experience managing teams, projects, and cross-functional initiatives.

• Experience auditing consumer packaged goods, manufacturing, or medical service companies is a plus.

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Business Analytics, MIS, Finance, Accounting, or related field.

• Preferred certifications: CISA, CPA, CIA, Security+, CISSP, or CISM.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

• Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.

Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or who are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here.

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The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between the below range, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to, market location, job related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, if eligible, including variable pay & general allowances (depending on the position and employee's work schedule). Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable polices and plans then in effect, and depending on the position offered and the employee's work schedule (i.e., part-time schedule), eligible employees are automatically enrolled in a 401(k) basic life insurance plan for the employee and the employee's eligible dependents and may be eligible to take up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave. Employees will also receive the following paid-time off (which may be prorated based on start date and the employee's work schedule): 120 hours of vacation per year, paid sick time for eligible Associates of 100% pay continuation for a maximum of 40 hours per calendar year, and 12 paid holiday (equal to 96 paid holiday hours) throughout the calendar year that include both fixed and flexible holidays.

$120,000 - $155,000 per annum