Head of Internal Audit & Risk Management

WE ARE HIRING: Head of Internal Audit & Risk Management 

Location: Sri Lanka
Employment Type: Full Time
Industry: Dairy Manufacturing / FMCG / Food Manufacturing 

Role Overview 

We are seeking a strategic and highly experienced Head of Internal Audit & Risk Management to lead the organization's enterprise-wide audit, governance, compliance, and risk management functions. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing a robust internal audit and risk management framework that supports business objectives, strengthens governance, ensures regulatory compliance, and enhances operational resilience. This leadership role requires a highly capable professional with strong expertise in enterprise risk management, audit governance, fraud prevention, compliance oversight, internal controls, and executive stakeholder engagement. The position will play a critical role in protecting the organization's assets, reputation, and long-term sustainability while driving a culture of compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement. 

Key Responsibilities 

Enterprise Risk Strategy & Governance

• Develop and implement a comprehensive enterprise risk management and internal audit strategy aligned with long-term business objectives.
• Provide strategic oversight of enterprise-wide risk exposure and ensure proactive risk identification, assessment, and mitigation.
• Establish and strengthen governance frameworks that promote accountability and risk ownership across the business.
• Advise the Board and Executive Leadership on emerging risks, strategic threats, regulatory developments, and governance matters.
• Review related-party and third-party transactions to ensure compliance, transparency, and governance best practices.

Risk Identification & Assessment

• Lead enterprise-wide risk identification, evaluation, and assessment activities across all business functions.
• Ensure critical risks are identified, assessed, documented, monitored, and reported according to approved frameworks.
• Develop and oversee implementation of appropriate risk mitigation plans and control strategies.
• Define, monitor, and review the organization's risk appetite and risk tolerance levels.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of risk management initiatives and continuously improve risk oversight capabilities.

Risk Management Policy Development & Implementation

• Develop and maintain risk management policies, frameworks, procedures, and operating guidelines.
• Ensure effective implementation of risk management processes across the organization.
• Monitor adherence to approved policies and recommend improvements where required.
• Integrate Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and resilience management into enterprise risk frameworks.
• Ensure the organization remains prepared for operational, strategic, financial, and regulatory disruptions.

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, corporate governance principles, and industry requirements.
• Coordinate and manage compliance reviews, governance assessments, and certification activities.
• Address identified control weaknesses and compliance gaps through corrective actions.
• Ensure all documentation and records are maintained according to regulatory and governance standards.
• Monitor regulatory compliance through regular reviews and risk-based assessments.
• Support senior management in maintaining strong governance and ethical business practices.

Audit & Internal Controls

• Develop and execute the annual internal audit and compliance audit plan.
• Oversee the timely completion of audits across all operational and support functions.
• Design, implement, and strengthen internal control systems to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Identify control deficiencies and ensure remedial actions are implemented promptly.
• Manage relationships and coordination activities with external auditors and regulatory authorities.
• Optimize audit resources while maintaining high audit quality standards.

Fraud Risk Management & Investigations

• Develop and manage fraud prevention, detection, and response frameworks.
• Strengthen whistleblower mechanisms and fraud awareness programs throughout the organization.
• Lead investigations into suspected fraud, misconduct, control breaches, and ethical violations.
• Recommend corrective actions and preventive controls to reduce future risks.
• Monitor fraud-related incidents and implement strategies to minimize financial and reputational exposure.

Reporting & Strategic Advisory

• Prepare comprehensive risk assessment reports for the Audit Committee, Board, and Executive Management.
• Provide strategic recommendations and actionable insights relating to governance, audit, compliance, and risk management.
• Support leadership decision-making through objective analysis and independent assurance.
• Drive continuous improvement in management control systems and organizational governance.

People Leadership & Culture Development

• Lead, mentor, coach, and develop the Internal Audit and Risk Management teams.
• Build organizational capability through training, coaching, and structured development programs.
• Collaborate with HR to identify and implement training programs relating to risk, compliance, governance, and fraud awareness.
• Foster a culture of compliance, accountability, ethical behavior, and continuous improvement.
• Promote employee engagement through risk awareness workshops, compliance training, and educational initiatives.
• Build a future-ready, high-performing audit and risk management function.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in Internal Audit, Risk Management, Compliance, Governance, or related disciplines are mandatory.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in Internal Audit, Risk Management, Governance, or Compliance.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership capacity.
• Strong understanding of enterprise risk management frameworks and corporate governance principles.
• Extensive experience in internal audits, compliance monitoring, fraud prevention, and risk assessments.
• Sound knowledge of regulatory requirements, financial controls, and governance standards.
• Experience working within FMCG, Manufacturing, Dairy, or Food Processing industries will be an advantage.
• Strong understanding of business continuity planning, internal control systems, and risk mitigation practices.
• Experience using audit tools, ERP systems, and risk management platforms.
• Excellent analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to engage effectively with Boards, Audit Committees, Executive Management, regulators, and auditors.
• High integrity, sound judgement, and strong leadership capabilities.

Ready to take your career to new heights? 

We're InTalent Asia, your go-to recruitment partner in Sri Lanka, and we've got an exciting opportunity for you! 

Our client is looking for a skilled individual to fill the role of Head of Internal Audit & Risk Management. 

Apply now and see how you can be the perfect fit for this exclusive position!

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