Head Of Internal Audit jobs in United Arab Emirates

The role: You will be the architect of a modern, risk-intelligent governance framework capable of spanning a wide framework across multiple geographies with deep experience in the consumer goods industry. Build a governance scaffolding and audit rigor that is future-proof. Rebuild the audit system and design a group-wide audit and risk framework from scratch. Serve as the governance compass across diverse business units. Deliver independent, risk-based assurance to the Board while embedding process accountability within the business. Design and implement a new Internal Audit Charter aligned with IIA and COSO standards. Execute enterprise-wide risk assessments and drive a risk-based audit plan.

Responsibilities include:

1. Audit procurement integrity, sales-to-cash cycles, inventory controls, distributor payments, trade schemes, and plant-level governance.
2. Manage fraud investigations and whistleblower escalations with sensitivity and speed.
3. Integrate SAP data and BI tools into real-time risk dashboards.
4. Build an audit team with regional presence and systems capability.
5. Design and deploy a harmonized Group Audit Plan.
6. Roll out automated control dashboards linked to SAP.

Must Haves: 20+ years of quality experience across internal audit, enterprise risk, and forensic compliance. Expertise in COSO, IIA frameworks, Sox-lite standards, ISO, fraud controls, and IT audit basics. Experience in public board/regulatory environments and large diversified groups is essential. Prior experience in FMCG operations with manufacturing footprints and supply chain complexity is a must.

Leadership Traits:

• Visible and Respected: Seen as a strategic enabler, not just a watchdog.
• Gravitas: Ability to speak truth to power.
• Diplomatic Backbone: Build and reinforce accountability without alienating operational leadership.
• Hands-on Leadership: Able to roll up sleeves to reset and build processes, track remediation, and define KPIs.
• Autonomy & Ethics: Uphold integrity under resistance, protect independence while maintaining relationships.
• Strategic + Tactical: See the big risk picture but address immediate process failures.
• People Smart: Ability to read the room.
• Systems Thinker and Builder DNA:

We are conducting a global search for this role and are open to engaging with relevant profiles even if based in the region.