Internal Audit (Ethics & Compliance) Director

Purpose of Position:

The Director of Ethics & Compliance is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the organization’s Ethics & Compliance program to ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and internal policy requirements across all regions. This role provides strategic leadership in promoting a culture of integrity and accountability while supporting the business in proactively identifying and mitigating compliance risks.

Reporting to the Vice President of Internal Audit, the Director will work closely with senior leaders, business unit management, and cross-functional teams to guide compliance initiatives, monitor program effectiveness, and manage investigations. The ideal candidate is bilingual, seasoned in global compliance, and skilled in leading teams, with a strong commitment to ethical business practices.

Accountabilities:

• Conduct and coordinate compliance risk assessments, identifying emerging risks and regional trends to inform global program priorities. 
• Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of global compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls that support ethical business practices. 
• Direct and manage internal investigations related to ethics, misconduct, fraud, or other compliance matters across all geographies; ensure appropriate follow‑up, remediation, and documentation. 
• Supervise, mentor, and support the Ethics & Compliance Manager reporting to this role, ensuring strong alignment with global program objectives. 
• Coordinate global training and awareness initiatives, including Code of Conduct training and region‑specific compliance education for elevated‑risk markets. 
• Act as a trusted global advisor to business leaders, providing clear guidance on compliance expectations, ethical dilemmas, and appropriate conduct across diverse regulatory and cultural environments. 
• Analyze global hotline activity, investigation outcomes, and regional compliance metrics to identify trends and recommend systemic improvements. 
• Prepare and present global program updates, dashboards, and reports for senior leadership and the Governance / Audit Committees. 
• Support the VP of Internal Audit in overseeing external assessments, global compliance audits, and special cross‑regional initiatives. 
• Drive efforts to strengthen and reinforce a global culture of integrity, accountability, and transparency across all regions.
• Policy & Regulatory Compliance Leadership: Lead the organization’s adherence to relevant company policies, legal requirements, and international regulatory standards—including human rights, food safety, environmental sustainability, occupational health and safety, and ethical business conduct. Accountable for integrating these principles into the execution of responsibilities while fostering a culture of integrity, and proactively identifying and mitigating risks to safeguard employees, consumers, shareholders, communities, and the environment.
• Lead the global Ethics & Compliance Program, ensuring consistent standards, processes, and expectations across all countries and regions in which the company operates. 

Minimum Skills Required:

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 12 years of relevant experience in ethics & compliance, investigations, legal, internal audit, or related fields.
• Strong understanding of global compliance frameworks, including anti‑corruption, data privacy, conflicts of interest, whistleblower mechanisms, sanctions, and fraud risk.
• Demonstrated experience conducting or overseeing internal investigations.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and reporting skills.
• Exceptional judgment and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and build credibility across the organization.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex topics clearly.
• Ability to build strong relationships and foster a culture of compliance and ethical behavior.
• High level of integrity and sound ethical decision‑making.
• Proactive, solution‑oriented mindset.
• Experience managing or mentoring staff required.

  
  

 Preferred:

• CFE, CCEP, CISA, CPA, CIA, or related designation.
• Bilingual proficiency preferred (Spanish/English).

***Please note: This position does not qualify for relocation expenses. ***

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is a global leader in the production, distribution, and marketing of fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. Our diverse product portfolio also includes prepared fruits and vegetables, juices, beverages, snacks, and desserts—available in over 80 countries worldwide. With operations spanning more than 35 countries, we’ve proudly been nourishing families for over 135 years.

 We are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Fresh Del Monte and its affiliates do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We also participate in E-Verify* where applicable, to ensure employment authorization eligibility. Driven by our core values—Excellence, Care, Passion, Trust, and Creativity—we invite you to explore our career opportunities and join our FRESH team.