Head of Internal Audit
People Strategists Dubai
Job Description
Role Overview:
Our client, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer with operations across 46 international markets, is seeking to appoint a Head of Internal Audit to lead and strengthen the organization's internal audit function.
This role will play a critical part in enhancing governance, strengthening internal controls, and enabling risk-informed decision making across the business. The successful candidate will partner closely with senior leadership while maintaining the independence and authority required to effectively oversee the company's internal audit activities.The role will oversee audit coverage across manufacturing operations, policies, financial controls, and product costing, while supporting the organization's broader governance and compliance objectives.
Lead Internal Audit Function- Develop and execute the enterprise-wide internal audit strategy and annual audit plan
- Lead and mentor a team of 5 internal audit professionals
- Ensure robust internal controls and governance frameworks across all business units
- Develop and maintain the organization's risk heat map and risk assessment framework
- Identify key operational, financial, and compliance risks across the organization
- Provide actionable recommendations to mitigate risks and strengthen controls
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, supporting business decision-making through risk insights
- Ensure the audit function operates as a strategic business partner rather than a traditional compliance-only function
- Oversee audit activities across 46 international markets, with particular focus on KSA, Egypt, and the UAE
- Ensure audit practices align with local regulatory requirements and global governance standards
- Ensure adherence to pharmaceutical regulatory standards and compliance requirements
- Support internal reviews and readiness for regulatory inspections and external audits
- Provide clear and structured audit and risk reporting to executive leadership and key stakeholders
- Support transparency and governance standards required for investor reporting and corporate oversight
Required Skills & Experience:
- Significant 8+ years of experience leading internal audit functions within the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry
- Exposure to global operations and multi-market regulatory environments
- Experience overseeing audits across manufacturing, financial controls, and operational processes
- Proven track record of managing internal audit teams
- Strong experience in risk management frameworks and audit methodologies
- Proven ability to develop risk heat maps and enterprise risk reporting
- Experience working with compliance frameworks and regulatory audits
- Ability to build strong partnerships with senior leadership while maintaining audit independence
- Professional certifications such as CIA, ACCA, CPA, or equivalent
WiseDubai
Description
More about our mission and what we offer.
Wise is looking for a UAE Internal Audit to join our growing IA team. The role will be Dubai-based.
The role will be responsible for leading Wise's UAE Internal Audit function across multiple legal...
Dubai
We’re Hiring | Head of Internal Shari’ah Control
• Orient Takaful
Orient Takaful is seeking a highly qualified and experienced Head of Internal Shari’ah Control to lead and manage the Company’s Shari’ah supervision and governance function...
agthia group pjscDubai
Will Your Day Look Like
As a Senior Internal Auditor, you will play a critical role in evaluating and strengthening Agthia's internal controls and risk management framework. You will conduct audits across various business functions, ensuring compliance...