Head of Internal Audit

Our client is a significant player within the dynamic South African services sector, operating across diverse industrial and manufacturing environments. They are committed to operational excellence, robust governance, and strategic growth across various business units. This role offers the opportunity to shape the governance framework for a large, multifaceted organization, ensuring compliance and driving best practice across complex operational landscapes.Are you a seasoned audit leader ready to take the reins of a critical assurance function within a large, diverse South African operation?We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Head of Internal Audit to provide crucial oversight across our client's operational and financial controls. This is not just about compliance; it’s about acting as a trusted advisor, embedding strong governance, and leveraging data to uncover strategic insights. You will be responsible for setting the strategic audit direction, managing and mentoring a dedicated team, and presenting assurance findings directly to senior executives and the Audit Committee. If you thrive in environments that require adaptability, possess deep business acumen, and are driven to add tangible value beyond traditional auditing, this leadership role is for you. You will be instrumental in navigating complex business environments where established procedures may be light, requiring you to build assurance frameworks from the ground up.Responsibilities:Strategic Planning: Design, manage, and execute the annual internal audit plan, ensuring comprehensive coverage of regulatory requirements and inherent risks across the South African operations.Team Leadership & Mentorship: Lead, manage, coach, and develop the Internal Audit and IT Audit team, ensuring adequate resourcing and continuous professional development (CPD) to maintain high levels of competence.Assurance Delivery: Conduct and review high-impact internal audit engagements focusing on operational efficiency, financial controls, and fraud identification, ensuring adherence to IIA Standards.Stakeholder Engagement: Prepare and present clear, concise audit findings, recommendations, and assurance reports to management, senior executives, and the Audit Committee quarterly.Risk & Governance Advisory: Proactively advise management on identifying relevant regulatory requirements, emerging risks, and best practices in corporate governance (e.g., King Codes).Process Improvement: Drive innovation in the audit process by actively seeking ways to leverage data analytics for enhanced control testing and business insights.Ethics Oversight: Administer the Ethics hotline process, ensuring thorough investigation, feedback, and reporting of whistleblower concerns.Cross-Functional Coordination: Liaise effectively with other assurance providers (third-party and internal) to establish a combined assurance model. Requirements: Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), OR Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)At least 10 years of relevant audit management experience, ideally heading up an Internal Audit Function.Exposure to diverse sectors (services, manufacturing, industrial) and business environments (risk, control, improvement).Deep understanding of operational and financial controls, King III/IV, COSO, and relevant International Standards (ISA).Ability to work independently, manage stress, maintain meticulous attention to detail, and adapt to varied organizational cultures.Valid driver's license and reliable personal transport for travel to various audit locations.