Head of Internal Audit

At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we’ll give you what you need to make it happen. It won’t always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you’ll never run alone. Run what runs the world. This role sits within ABB's Robotics business, a leading global robotics company. We're entering an exciting new chapter as we’ve announced the plan for SoftBank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. SoftBank is a globally recognized technology group and investor/operator focused on AI, robotics, and next-generation computing. By joining us now, you’ll be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of robotics—working alongside world-class experts in a fast-moving, innovation-driven environment. This Position reports to: Business Chief Financial Officer As Global Head of Internal Audit, you will lead the internal audit function of ABB Robotics and its subsidiaries around the globe. You will provide independent, objective assurance and advisory services to senior management and the audit committee, ensuring the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control processes. This role demands strategic foresight, deep technical expertise, and the ability to influence risk culture across a global organization. You will operate in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (IIA), while driving innovation through data analytics, digital tools, and AI-enhanced audit methodologies. Reporting to CFO (Administrative) & Audit Committee (Functional), this role is preferably based in Zurich/Switzerland or Milan/Italy. The work model for the role is: hybrid. #LI-Hybrid You will be mainly accountable for: Core Audit Leadership - Build-up a dedicated Internal Audit team and develop an operating model around fit-for-purpose Internal Audit processes - Lead the Internal Audit function in alignment with IIA Core Principles and Standards - Develop and execute a risk-based audit plan aligned with strategic priorities and risk appetite - Provide independent assurance to the audit committee and senior leadership on governance, risk, and control effectiveness including operations, compliance and reporting area - Together with senior management, develop KPIs that will help organization in meeting business objectives (operational, compliance and reporting) - Promote a culture of integrity, objectivity, and continuous improvement across the audit team Transformation & Technology - Oversee audit coverage of major transformation initiatives, including SAP S/4HANA implementation - Implement AI-driven enhancements to streamline audits and documentation review - Leverage data analytics to identify emerging risks and strengthen audit outcomes Organizational Change - Ensure audit readiness and control coverage for newly established entities - Facilitate knowledge transfer and alignment of governance practices across legacy and new structures - Oversee integration within new group from systems and organizational perspective and advise on synergy with affiliated entities Risk & Controls Advisory - Advise on development of risk & control matrices for SAP environments (CFIN, MDG, S/4HANA) considering J-SOX requirements - Conduct internal control design walkthroughs, assess control gaps, and drive remediation strategies - Advise control transformation initiatives that reduce risk exposure and enhance operational efficiency Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting - Act as a strategic business partner to senior executives, offering insights on risk mitigation and performance improvement - Collaborate with the business and 2nd line of defense functions while maintaining audit independence - Monitor and report on KPIs that reflect audit effectiveness, control maturity, and organizational resilience Qualifications for the role: - University degree (Bachelor/Master) in Business, Finance, Engineering, IT, or a related field - Professional certifications are an advantage - 12+ years of global experience in internal audit, risk & controls management, risk consulting, and compliance within industrial technology sector - Proven leadership in outsourced or in-house audit engagements, M&A workstreams, and risk & control transformation - Strong knowledge of SOX/J-SOX, IFRS and regulatory frameworks - Proficiency in audit methodologies, digital tools, and data analytics platforms - Strong analytical capabilities to translate complex risks into actionable insights - Strong leadership in guiding and motivating teams to achieve objectives - Excellent presentation and influencing skills across all organizational levels - Experienced in engaging with senior stakeholders, including board members and audit committees - Demonstrated ability to lead and work globally in a fast paced environment. - Fluent in English (verbal and written); additional languages are a plus More about us: On October 8th 2025, ABB announced the sale of its Robotics (RO) Division to Softbank. The final closing of the deal will take place in 2026, most likely in third quarter. ABB Robotics generates about 2.3 bio Revenue annually and operates with headcounts in more than 50 countries. It has major manufacturing facilities in China, Sweden and the USA. For this position ABB performs pre-employment screening in alignment with local legislation before extending an offer. By applying to this open role you agree with this process, and specific consent from you for the pre-employment screening will be addressed during the recruitment process. Please be assured that only business-related topics will be part of the pre-employment screening. We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit www.abb.com to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe.