Head of Internal Audit

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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

• Risk Management & Governance

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

• Business Partnership

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

• Global Audit Oversight

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

• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

Ensure adherence to pharmaceutical regulatory standards and compliance

requirements

Support internal reviews and readiness for regulatory inspections and external

audits

• Stakeholder & Investor Reporting

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 or

life sciences 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