Overview
Dudley Council is seeking an outstanding individual to join our senior leadership team as the Associate Director for Audit, Controls & Assurance. This high-impact, high-profile role focuses on upholding the highest standards of governance and championing continuous improvement.
* Salary: £92,995 - £104,484
* Location: Dudley, West Midlands – on site
* Employer: Dudley Council
Be the change. Lead the future. Improve lives.
Key responsibilities
* Fulfil the statutory role of Chief Internal Auditor, leading an independent, risk-based audit programme compliant with PSIAS and CIPFA codes.
* Provide expert tactical leadership and advice to managers and senior leaders, supporting delivery against corporate priorities and governance standards.
* Ensure robust internal controls and assurance systems, promoting transparency, ethical governance, and compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.
* Lead counter fraud efforts, managing proactive and reactive investigations including corporate, procurement, housing, and benefits fraud.
* Oversee the Council’s corporate health and safety strategy, ensuring compliance and cultural embedding across services.
* Support the Audit Committee & Standards Committee, delivering training and ensuring committee effectiveness in governance oversight.
* Collaborate closely with procurement, commissioning, and contract management teams to ensure best value and measurable impact.
* Drive organisational transformation by supporting the delivery of the Council Improvement Programme and embedding the new operating model.
* Champion evidence-based decision making, financial management, and effective leadership behaviours.
* Manage designated budgets and performance systems to optimise resources and deliver value for money.
* Participate in corporate resilience, emergency planning, and business continuity.
* Build and nurture strategic partnerships across sectors to enhance service delivery and innovation.
* Lead on the operational delivery of risk management.
Qualifications
* Proven experience in public sector internal audit and assurance leadership, ideally including Chief Internal Auditor responsibilities.
* Expertise in governance, risk management, and counter fraud with a strong understanding of PSIAS, CIPFA, and IIA standards.
* A strategic mindset with a track record of driving transformation through technology, process redesign, and culture change.
* Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
* Integrity and a commitment to the Nolan Principles of public life.
* Ability to provide clear, insightful advice to senior leaders and elected members.
Why Dudley?
Dudley is a borough on the rise — ambitious, inclusive and committed to change. Join us and play a central role in helping our residents live healthier, more independent lives. This is a unique opportunity to influence the future direction of the Council, working at the forefront of innovation and governance. Be part of a leadership team committed to improving services, efficiency, and customer experience for our community.
Application process
Applications close: Thursday 18th September 2025.
The recruitment process will be to undertake technical interviews with longlisted applicants to confirm the shortlist. Short listed candidates will be invited to assessment centres and attend final interviews. Please indicate any periods you are unavailable.
To demonstrate Dudley’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and to improve bias in the recruitment process your personal data will be anonymised when you apply. Please ensure you have removed your name and date of birth from attachments prior to uploading them to your application.
Online application forms will only be accepted for this vacancy; online facilities for jobs are available at public libraries within the Dudley Borough.
All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.
Please note: Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.
If you require support completing an online or paper application form and/or interview techniques, please contact Dudley Adult and Community Learning on 01384 818 143 or acl@dudley.gov.uk who can support with Digital Skills and Job Applications.
If you have a disability and require assistance in making an application please contact the HR Resourcing Team via HR.Resourcing@dudley.gov.uk
If you are experiencing a problem whilst applying for a position, please follow the WM Jobs Help Page: https://help.wmjobs.co.uk/; if the WM Jobs Help Page does not resolve your issue then please contact the HR Resourcing Team via HR.Resourcing@dudley.gov.uk
Dudley Council will check the information that you have provided against any details already held for accuracy and completeness. The Council will check, share and cross match your information both internally within the council and with external organisations to protect public funds and prevent or detect crime, only where the law allows us to do so.
The Council’s privacy and disclaimer statement can be accessed at https://www.dudley.gov.uk/privacy-disclaimer-statement/
N.B. We reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications.
Attached documents
* Job Description & Person Specification
* Employee Benefits List - Final v2.pdf
Job details
* Seniority level: Director
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Management and Manufacturing
* Industries: Human Resources Services
#J-18808-Ljbffr