Role Overview:

We are looking for an experienced Internal Audit Leader to lead the organization's internal audit, risk management and process assurance function. The role will be responsible for independently evaluating business processes, identifying enterprise and operational risks, strengthening internal controls and driving improvements across functions.

The position will work closely with senior leadership and the Audit Committee, providing an independent view of business risks, control effectiveness and process gaps.

The individual should bring strong exposure to Big 4 along with the ability to understand the business from an operational and commercial perspective.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead the overall Internal Audit function, including annual audit planning, risk assessment, execution, reporting and closure of audit observations.

- Develop and drive a risk-based internal audit framework aligned with business priorities and emerging risks.

- Conduct audits across key business functions including Finance, Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing/Operations, Engineering, Sales, Projects and Corporate functions.

- Review business processes, identify control gaps and assess the effectiveness of existing internal controls and governance mechanisms.

- Provide an independent assessment of operational, financial, compliance and process risks and recommend practical corrective actions.

- Partner with business and functional leadership to ensure timely implementation and closure of audit recommendations.

- Lead process audits and thematic reviews, going beyond financial compliance to evaluate efficiency, controls, governance and business performance.

- Bring a strong business/operational perspective to audit assessments and understand the commercial implications of identified risks.

- Coordinate with external/statutory auditors and ensure appropriate alignment between internal and external audit activities.

- Prepare and present audit findings, risk themes and remediation status to senior management and the Audit Committee.

- Support the Audit Committee with meaningful insights on significant business risks, control weaknesses and areas requiring management attention.

- Monitor recurring audit issues and drive root-cause analysis and sustainable remediation rather than only identifying control exceptions.

- Establish and strengthen internal audit policies, SOPs, methodologies and governance processes.

- Leverage data analytics, automation and digital audit tools to improve audit coverage, monitoring and risk identification.

- Identify opportunities for digitalization and continuous improvement within the audit function.

- Build and mentor the internal audit team and manage audit assignments, priorities and deliverables.

- Maintain strong working relationships with business heads while preserving the independence and objectivity of the Internal Audit function.

Candidate Profile:

- 10 - 14 years of overall experience in Internal Audit, Risk Advisory, Process Assurance, Controls or related areas.

- Candidates should have handled end-to-end internal audit assignments rather than only individual audit processes.

- Strong understanding of business processes, risk, internal controls and governance.

- Experience interacting with CXOs, business heads, senior management and Audit Committees.

- Should have experience in preparing and presenting audit findings/risk reports to senior stakeholders.

- Exposure to global/multi-location businesses and international audit environments will be preferred.

- Strong understanding of process-driven and risk-based auditing.

- Experience with data analytics, audit automation or digitalization of internal audit would be an advantage.

- Strong communication, stakeholder management, analytical and presentation skills.

- The individual should be capable of functioning as the overall owner of the Internal Audit function, with the maturity and independence required to challenge senior stakeholders when necessary.