senior manager, Internal Audit - Automation & Process Improvement

Now Brewing – senior manager, Internal Audit -Automation & Process Improvement! #tobeapartner From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion and are guided by their service to others. Job Summary and Mission: The Senior Manager, Internal Audit – Automation & Process Improvement is responsible for transforming the Internal Audit function through the strategic use of data, automation, and advanced analytics. This role leads the design and implementation of continuous monitoring capabilities, drives process improvement initiatives, and embeds AI-enabled solutions to enhance audit quality, efficiency, and risk coverage. This leader partners closely with audit teams, technology, data, and business stakeholders to modernize audit methodologies and enable a more proactive, insight-driven audit function. Summary of Key Responsibilities: Audit Transformation & Strategy • Define and execute the Internal Audit automation and continuous monitoring strategy aligned with organizational priorities. • Identify opportunities to embed AI, data analytics, and automation across the audit lifecycle (planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up). • Establish a roadmap for scaling digital audit capabilities globally. Automation & Process Improvement • Lead process improvement initiatives to streamline audit workflows and eliminate manual, repetitive tasks. • Design and implement automation solutions (e.g., RPA, workflow tools) to improve audit efficiency and consistency. • Standardize processes, templates, and methodologies to enable scalable delivery. Continuous Monitoring & Data Analytics • Build and maintain continuous monitoring frameworks for key risk areas and controls. • Develop data-driven dashboards and real-time risk indicators to support proactive risk identification. • Partner with business and IT teams to access, integrate, and govern data for audit purposes. AI & Advanced Analytics Enablement • Evaluate and deploy AI/ML use cases within Internal Audit (e.g., anomaly detection, predictive risk modeling, document intelligence). • Integrate advanced analytics into audit planning and risk assessment processes. • Establish governance, controls, and ethical considerations around AI usage within audit. • Upskill the audit team on AI tools, data literacy, and advanced analytics techniques. Stakeholder Engagement • Serve as a strategic partner to audit leadership, technology teams, and business stakeholders. • Translate complex data and analytics insights into actionable business recommendations. • Communicate transformation initiatives and progress to audit leadership and the Audit Committee, as appropriate. Team Leadership & Capability Building • Lead and develop a high-performing team focused on digital audit capabilities. • Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and experimentation. • Drive adoption of new tools, technologies, and ways of working across the audit function. Governance, Risk & Compliance • Ensure automation and AI solutions comply with internal control frameworks (e.g., SOX) and data governance requirements. • Embed controls within automated processes and continuous monitoring solutions. • Support external/internal audit reviews related to technology-enabled audit activities. Summary of Experience: Required • 8+ years of progressive experience in internal audit, external audit, risk management, or a related discipline. • Demonstrated experience with automation, data analytics, and/or digital transformation initiatives. • Strong knowledge of SOX/internal controls, risk assessment, and audit methodologies. Preferred • Experience in a complex, highly regulated, or publicly traded environment. • Experience implementing RPA, AI/ML, or advanced analytics solutions in an...