Internal Audit Manager

About DFT Operator DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 - and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership. DFTO has over 23,000 employees, runs over 6,000 services a day and delivers over 450 million customer journeys across its networks every year. This accounts for 26% of total UK passenger journeys and 30% of passenger miles. Major improvements are being delivered by DFTO train operators (TOCs) that are already under public ownership - these are LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), Southeastern and South Western Railway (SWR). This is an incredibly exciting time to join DFTO as we transition previously privately owned train operators into public ownership and onward into Great British Railway , bringing track and train brought closer together . Our this journey our ambition is to deliver safe, secure and sustainable transport to everyone, everywhere. At the heart of this promise is improving journeys and providing customers with an excellent service, while supporting the industry to build a more passenger-focused railway. Our vision is to unify and strengthen train operators under the DFTO banner. By working collaboratively, we aim to become industry-leading in safety, customer service, financial sustainability and operational performance.

Vacancy Details Duration: 2 year FTC or secondment Location: UK Salary: £65,000 to £75,000 depending on skills and experience. Reporting to: Group Head of Internal Audit This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in establishing and shaping the audit landscape across DFTO and the Train Operating Companies. As a DFTO Internal Audit Manager, you will support the Group Head of Internal Audit in the delivery of the DFTO Audit Plan providing an independent evaluation of risk management, governance, and internal controls across the various functions. The role also involves leading on cross-TOC Audits and developing ways of cross-TOC collaboration to drive consistency and embed standardisation across the group. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker and self-starter with an understanding of the importance of stakeholder engagement and a passion for continuous improvement.

Key Competencies: Excellent planning, prioritisation, and organisation skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to manage a range of different work activities concurrently. Good facilitation and negotiation skills. High level of communication, conflict management and relationship management skills. Accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to build effective relationships with colleagues at all levels. A flexible and outcome focused approach to work with a commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and collaboration. Excellent time management skills including the ability to manage interruptions, changing priorities and perform tasks in a high-pressure environment

Key Responsibilities: Support the Group Head of Internal Audit in developing the Assurance Framework. Manage and develop audit assignments ensuring department’s goals are achieved, whilst maintaining independence, objectivity, and exercising appropriate challenge. Plan and conduct risk based internal audit and business assurance reviews, across both the DFTO Audit Plan and cross-TOC audits. Perform investigation into compliance/legislation/policy related breaches, as required by the business. Collaborate with external auditors / a co-source audit team to ensure alignment and efficiency in audit processes. Supporting the Group Head of Internal Audit with preparation of Audit and Risk Committee and Board reporting. Ability to create audit reports to a professional standard, using concise language in communicating results to the business. Ensure all reports following work completed have sufficient clarity and quality to elicit appropriate management responses and agreed action plans within given timescales Manage the audit action process by tracking completion of management actions within agreed timescales (including any external/co-source actions). Work with the TOC Heads of Internal Audit and Audit Teams to look at collaborative ways of working to identify opportunities for operational improvements, efficiencies and cost savings. Consolidate TOC Audit outputs to create a holistic view of TOC audit risk areas. Support ongoing awareness and promote the importance of internal audit and the value this service adds to the business. Consider compliance with key legislative requirements such as GDPR, Bribery Act and Fraud. Maintaining external networks and knowledge of professional developments in order to continuously improve methodologies and tools.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications: Recognised Internal Audit or Accountancy qualification. (ACA, CIMA, ACCA, IIA) Demonstrable experience within a professional internal audit department. Education at degree level. Aptitude for operating and interrogating finance and non-finance processes. Knowledge and experience of auditing and experience of systems/controls testing. Ability to gather, analyse and evaluate facts and present concisely (both verbally and written). Attention to detail, organised with a commitment to quality. Drive, resilience and ability to thrive in a pressured environment. Willingness to take on additional responsibility and opportunities as part of commitment to personal development. Excellent time management skills including the ability to manage interruptions, changing priorities and perform tasks in a high-pressure environment High level of communication, conflict management and relationship management skills.

Benefits: Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days) DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry Flexible work location but travel will be required Additional Information… Closing date: 15th August 2025 Interviews will be held across dates over w/c 25th August and w/c 1st September Contact: If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact Ben Sutcliffe . About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance. Disclaimer: Candidates applying for this position on a secondment basis must inform their line manager prior to submitting their application. This is to ensure transparency and facilitate any necessary discussions regarding workload and responsibilities.