Internal Control Lead - Sustainability - all genders

At Opella., we have one overarching mission - to work passionately, challenging ourselves and our industry every day, to build a healthier future by helping people, help themselves, bringing “Health in Your Hands”.

Our teams are building trusted & loved brands that connect with hundreds of millions of consumers worldwide, enabling better self-care for individuals and communities, while also contributing to a healthier planet. To fulfill this mission, we are embarking our consumers, our customers, healthcare professionals, and our employees in this journey because this is what will make us become the “Best Fast-Moving Consumer Healthcare (FMCH) Company In & For the World”.

We strive to act as a force for good by integrating sustainability along our business and employees’ mission and operate responsibly from both a social and environmental point of view.

To achieve this, we need strong talent who will help us shape the future of our Consumer Healthcare business and challenge our industry. At Opella., we aspire to create a work environment where people can thrive, grow, and be at their best every day. Our priority is working with integrity to improve the health and well-being of people and communities where we operate, working towards making a positive impact in the world.

MISSION STATEMENT

As the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) Internal Control Lead, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring internal control systems to ensure compliance with CSRD requirements across the organization. You will lead the internal control framework for sustainability reporting and ensure the reliability of data, alignment with regulatory requirements, and contribute to the company's sustainability strategy. This role will involve collaboration with multiple stakeholders across functions and geographies to ensure that the processes are fully integrated and operationally effective.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Internal Control Framework Development

• Define and document internal control processes and frameworks to ensure compliance with the CSRD reporting standards, integrating them progressively across the company.
• Develop or update templates for internal control testing, ensuring the alignment with financial and non-financial risk assessments.
• Identify potential risks related to sustainability disclosures and ensure adequate controls are in place to mitigate those risks.
• Ensure the Internal Control Framework supports an accurate, complete, and reliable sustainability data in accordance with CSRD requirements and corporate sustainability objectives.
• Continuously monitor CSRD developments, ensuring that the internal control framework evolves in line with changes to the CSRD or related standards.
• Conduct regular benchmark on peer companies’ sustainability reporting and internal control frameworks to ensure that the company remains competitive and compliant with evolving CSRD requirements.

Implementation and Training

• Lead the deployment of the internal control systems across all relevant sites and departments, ensuring a smooth and efficient implementation.
• Provide training and guidance to operational teams to ensure they understand the CSRD requirements, internal controls, and reporting processes.
• Act as the point of contact for internal stakeholders, providing expertise and support in the execution of sustainability-related internal controls.

Testing and Monitoring

• Organize and manage regular internal control testing.
• Coordinate necessary action plans to ensure full deployment and ongoing refinement of the CSRD-compliant Internal Control system.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Reporting

• Work closely with stakeholders from various departments to ensure the internal control systems are harmonized and integrated.
• Facilitate collaboration with external auditors as necessary to ensure compliance with CSRD.
• Compile and present results of internal control testing and action plans to senior management and relevant stakeholders.
• Work closely with CSRD project team to implement robust systems for data collection, management, and reporting of sustainability-related information.

REQUIREMENTS

Required skills and qualifications

• Master’s degree (preferred) in economics, finance, business administration, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in internal control or audit, preferably in an industrial, multi-site environment. Experience in external auditing or consultancy related to non-financial reporting (CSR or sustainability) is a plus.
• Solid understanding of internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO) and best practices in risk management and governance.
• Strong understanding of CSRD, EU Taxonomy, and sustainability reporting frameworks.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, ability to work independently and take initiative, and strong project management capabilities.
• Advanced proficiency in the MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Fluency in English (both written and spoken), French is a plus.

Key Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to work with a collaborative mindset in cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at various levels of the organization.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively to non-financial audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.