Solicitor or Litigation Executive

St John Ambulance; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity organization in Manchester seeks an experienced individual to lead the Internal Audit function. This role involves overseeing audit services, developing a robust counter-fraud framework, and building strong relationships with senior leaders. The ideal candidate will have professional qualifications and demonstrated leadership capabilities. Join a mission-driven team that values diversity and inclusion while ensuring high standards in governance and risk management.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience leading Internal Audit or Assurance within a recognised framework.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders effectively.
• Strong understanding of risk, assurance, and governance best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Internal Audit and Counter Fraud functions.
• Develop and embed a robust counter-fraud framework.
• Advise senior leaders on risk and control considerations.

Skills

Leadership capability

Excellent communication skills

Analytical attention to detail

Education

Professional qualification (e.g., CCAB, CIA, CFE, ACFS)

Tools

Microsoft applications

Job description

Overview

This is a pivotal role in leading St John Ambulance's Internal Audit function, ensuring the independence and integrity of our assurance activity. Reporting to the Head of Integrated Assurance and Internal Audit, you will take day‑to‑day responsibility for delivering a high‑quality, independent audit service that is clearly separated from second‑line responsibilities. Working closely with our co‑source partner, you will shape and oversee an audit plan aligned to the priorities of the Risk and Assurance Committee, ensuring effective delivery and a strong collaborative relationship. You will also partner with senior leaders across the organisation, building trusted relationships, offering insight and guidance on best practice, and acting as a supportive yet robust critical friend. As a trusted and independent function, Internal Audit also receives whistle‑blowing concerns; you will lead our counter‑fraud framework and manage related investigations where required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Internal Audit and Counter Fraud functions, providing subject matter expertise and ensuring alignment with Internal Audit Standards.
• Develop and embed a robust counter‑fraud framework, promoting a strong speak‑up culture and proactive fraud awareness.
• Oversee the day‑to‑day relationship with the co‑source partner to deliver the audit plan and identify emerging risks.
• Manage follow‑up of audit actions, highlighting systemic issues and supporting improvements to control weaknesses.
• Work closely with senior leaders to advise on risk and control considerations, offering constructive challenge as a trusted critical friend.

Qualifications

• Professionally qualified (e.g., CCAB, CIA, CFE, ACFS) with substantial experience leading Internal Audit or Assurance within a recognised framework.
• Proven ability to operate autonomously to high standards, managing multiple stakeholders and building effective partnerships with senior leaders.
• Strong leadership capability, including improving control environments and influencing teams at all levels.
• Excellent communication, planning, organisational and critical‑thinking skills, with strong analytical attention to detail.
• Solid understanding of risk, assurance and governance best practice, supported by confident use of Microsoft applications.

EEO Statement

St John Ambulance are committed to increasing the diversity of our team and making sure we best reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. At St John, everyone is valued and supported to thrive, we have several networks including Multi Culture, Disability and Accessibility, Pride, Family and Carers and Women's groups. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and engender a sense of belonging for all, by creating an environment of mutual respect, where we value unique differences and demonstrate authentic allyship. We believe passionately in equality, diversity and inclusion. St John Ambulance is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice. Therefore, all successful applicants will undergo pre‑employment checks, including DBS Clearance, as part of the onboarding process, if applicable to the nature of the role.