Head of Internal Audit - 12 Month FTC

Who are we

Founded in 1896, Knight Frank was registered as Knight Frank LLP a Limited Liability Partnership, on 3 November 2003, registered in England & Wales at 55 Baker Street, London, W1U 8AN with the registered number of OC305934. Headquartered in London, UK, Knight Frank is one of the world's leading independent real estate consultancies. We work responsibly in partnership to enhance people's lives and environments in over 50 Markets, 600+ Offices, 20,000+ People, 1 Global Network.

At the heart of all we do are our Clients. A relationship built on trust is vital. As trusted partners in property, we act with integrity and care, understanding our clients’ unique needs and consistently thinking about the bigger picture to provide personalised, clear and considered advice across all areas of property. Through our deep understanding of key markets and sectors – both emerging and established – we are dedicated to meeting and exceeding their property goals.

A true partnership is a balanced one, and our People are passionate about, and committed to, making our business inclusive and diverse. We give every individual the space and opportunity to perform at their best and be recognised for the immense value they bring. We empower everyone to have autonomy in their role and encourage them to use their voice in how we can make a positive impact as a firm and shape the future of real estate, the built environment and the impact on the communities we serve. Our collaborative and engaged teams provide excellent and dedicated client service. In our workplace, opinions are respected, everyone is invited to contribute to the success of our business and innovation, and new ideas are celebrated.

In 2021 we celebrated our 125th anniversary and set out Our Desired Future, cemented in three pillars: People Potential, Client Centricity and always Creating our Future, together. Learn more about what sets us apart here.

About The Role

Knight Frank is looking to hire Head of Internal Audit to join their Head Office in Baker Street. This position is offered on a 12-month fixed term basis.

We are seeking an experienced, credible, and pragmatic senior leader to step into this role. The Head of Internal Audit will lead the design and implementation of a proportionate, risk based Internal Audit framework, tailored to the firm’s size, complexity, and Partnership model.

The successful candidate will provide independent assurance to senior leadership, Boards, and Risk Committees, while shaping and recommending the future operating model for Internal Audit across Knight Frank’s global platform.

Key Responsibilities:

Internal Audit Strategy & Operating Model

• Lead the assessment and definition of Knight Frank’s Internal Audit operating model, evaluating in‑house, outsourced, and co‑sourced delivery options.

• Design and implement a fit‑for‑purpose Internal Audit approach, aligned to the firm’s risk profile, regulatory environment, and Partnership structure.

• Develop clear recommendations for senior leadership on the future‑state Internal Audit model, including resourcing, scope, and governance.

• Establish Internal Audit’s mandate, independence, and positioning within the broader risk and assurance framework.

Audit Planning & Delivery

• Develop and deliver a risk‑based Internal Audit plan covering Business Services and service line audit programmes.

• Create and maintain a comprehensive audit universe, enabling proportionate, agile, and targeted audit activity.

• Oversee the planning and delivery of audits across key risk areas, ensuring consistency of methodology, quality, and reporting.

• Expand assurance coverage to global offices, subject to resource approval, including effective use of co‑sourcing or additional FTC hires.

• Ensure audit work focuses on areas of highest risk, materiality, and strategic importance.

Governance, Reporting & Assurance

• Provide independent assurance to senior leadership, Boards, and Committees on the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal controls.

• Report audit findings, themes, and emerging risks periodically to:

  • Global Risk Committee

  • UK Risk Committee

  • Relevant Boards and senior forums

• Produce clear, balanced, and actionable audit reports, highlighting root causes, control weaknesses, and remediation priorities.

• Monitor and follow up on management actions to ensure timely and effective closure of audit findings.

Stakeholder Management & Collaboration

• Build strong, trusted relationships with Partners, senior leaders, and business heads across the firm.

• Work closely with Enterprise Risk, Compliance, Financial Crime, and other second‑line functions, while maintaining clear segregation of responsibilities.

• Escalate significant risks, control failures, or governance issues for further investigation and corrective action where required.

• Act as a constructive challenger, supporting continuous improvement without unnecessary disruption to commercial activity.

Frameworks, Standards & Continuous Improvement

• Design and embed a risk‑based Internal Audit framework aligned to recognised professional standards and best practice.

• Ensure audit methodologies remain agile, forward‑looking, and aligned to emerging risks, including regulatory change, technology, and operational resilience.

• Identify opportunities to enhance audit tools, reporting, and insights to improve the value delivered to leadership and the Partnership.

Key Experience Required:

• Significant senior‑level experience in Internal Audit leadership within a complex, multi‑jurisdictional organisation (professional services, real estate, financial services, or similarly structured environments).

• Proven experience designing and implementing Internal Audit strategies and operating models, including outsourced or co‑sourced arrangements.

• Experience implementing ERM/GRC technologies, with exposure to technology transformation initiatives and vendor selection processes would be desirable

• Strong understanding of risk‑based auditing, governance frameworks, and internal control environments.

Key Skills Required:

• Demonstrated ability to deliver Board‑ and Committee‑level reporting with clarity and credibility.

• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively at senior levels.

• Strong judgement and pragmatism, balancing independence with commercial awareness.

• Professional qualifications (e.g. CIA, ACA, ACCA, CISA) desirable but not essential.

Competitive salary

Please note: this is a Direct Search led by Knight Frank. Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs, even if provided by PSL agencies.