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! #InTalentAsia #CareerOpportunity #JobVacancy #InternalAudit #RiskManagement #Governance #Compliance #HeadOfAudit #EnterpriseRiskManagement #FMCGJobs #ManufacturingCareers #ElevateYourCareer