Vice President, Internal Audit

Location: Onsite - Kohler, WI

Opportunity

The Vice President, Internal Audit is a senior enterprise leader responsible for leading Kohler Co.'s Internal Audit function and serving as a trusted advisor to Executive Management and the Board of Directors, including the Audit Committee. Reporting administratively up through the company's Chief Legal Officer and functionally to the Audit Committee, this role oversees the company's third line of defense and is accountable for providing independent assurance over risk management, internal controls, and governance processes across the global enterprise.

The Vice President, Internal Audit leads the development and execution of a risk-based internal audit strategy, ensures effective use of resources, drives continuous improvement in audit quality and productivity, and develops high-performing audit talent. The role requires strong business acumen, global perspective, professional judgment, and the ability to influence senior leaders on matters of risk, control, and organizational effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

Internal Audit Leadership & Strategy

• Lead, manage, and organize all aspects of the Internal Audit function to ensure enterprise risks are identified, assessed, and managed at an acceptable level.
• Serve as the chief audit executive for Kohler Co., with overall accountability for the third line of defense.
• Develop and maintain a multi-year Internal Audit strategy aligned with enterprise risk priorities and business objectives.
• Create and direct execution of the annual risk-based audit plan using input from management and enterprise risk assessments.

Risk Management, Controls & Assurance

• Provide independent and objective assurance regarding the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control processes.
• Collaborate with functional, operational, and financial leaders to assess and evaluate operational and financial risks.
• Direct audits, reviews, and investigations addressing significant business, financial, operational, compliance, and technology risks.
• Translate complex risk and control issues into clear, actionable insights for business and Board stakeholders.

Audit Committee & Board Engagement

• Report at least semi-annually to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors on audit results, risk exposures, and control matters.
• Maintain ongoing communication with the Audit Committee Chair regarding emerging risks and audit findings.
• Serve as a key advisor to KLT and the Board on enterprise risk, internal controls, and governance effectiveness.

Continuous Improvement & Quality

• Drive continuous improvement of Internal Audit methodologies, tools, and processes using benchmarking and best practices.
• Ensure the Internal Audit function meets or exceeds professional auditing standards.
• Lead productivity, quality, and effectiveness enhancements across audit execution and reporting.

Talent Development & Resource Management

• Lead, develop, and mentor Internal Audit talent using a balanced coaching approach.
• Build and sustain a high-performing, globally capable audit team.
• Determine and manage resource needs to support enterprise audit coverage.
• Foster succession planning and professional growth within the function.

Financial & Operational Management

• Own and manage the Internal Audit department budget.
• Develop and manage strategic and financial plans for the Internal Audit function.
• Ensure effective and efficient deployment of departmental resources.
• Enterprise Influence & Change Leadership
• Partner with leaders across functions and regions to drive risk awareness and control maturity.
• Anticipate enterprise change and lead audit responses to evolving business models and risk profiles.
• Act as a catalyst for positive organizational change through insight, credibility, and professional courage.