Internal Audit Manager Jobs in Saudi Arabia | Manufacturing | Alfanar.

Job Purpose

The Internal Audit Manager – Manufacturing will lead and manage risk-based internal audit activities across manufacturing operations in Saudi Arabia. The role is responsible for planning and executing manufacturing audits, managing audit teams and engagements, evaluating internal controls, identifying operational risks, and recommending improvements to strengthen compliance, efficiency, cost control, and operational performance.

The position will work closely with plant management, process owners, finance, supply chain, procurement, operations, and other stakeholders to identify control gaps and support continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Risk Assessment and Audit Planning

• Conduct risk assessments across manufacturing operations and develop risk-based internal audit plans.
• Assess risks related to production, supply chain, inventory, procurement, finance, operations, and regulatory compliance.
• Define audit objectives, scope, timelines, resources, and audit procedures for manufacturing engagements.
• Coordinate audit plans and activities with plant leadership, process owners, and relevant business functions.
• Identify emerging operational and financial risks and incorporate them into audit planning.

Manufacturing Process and Internal Control Assessment

• Review manufacturing processes and evaluate the effectiveness of operational and financial internal controls.
• Assess the design and operating effectiveness of internal control systems.
• Identify control weaknesses, process gaps, compliance risks, and opportunities for operational improvement.
• Evaluate controls within ERP systems, manufacturing applications, and operational technologies.
• Review processes related to production, inventory management, procurement, supply chain, and cost management.
• Recommend practical actions to strengthen internal controls and improve process efficiency.

Audit Execution and Engagement Management

• Lead and manage manufacturing internal audit engagements from planning through reporting and follow-up.
• Manage and guide audit teams in conducting fieldwork, testing controls, gathering evidence, and documenting audit procedures.
• Review audit workpapers, evidence, findings, and recommendations to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Validate audit findings with process owners and relevant stakeholders.
• Lead special audits and reviews related to operational inefficiencies, production losses, control weaknesses, and other business risks.
• Ensure audit engagements are completed according to approved schedules, standards, and quality requirements.

Operational Performance and Process Improvement

• Analyze manufacturing KPIs and operational performance indicators to identify risks, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
• Review production performance, inventory controls, procurement processes, cost efficiency, and operational effectiveness.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, process effectiveness, cost control, and operational excellence.
• Provide practical and value-added recommendations to improve manufacturing processes and internal controls.
• Monitor management actions taken in response to audit recommendations.

Audit Reporting and Governance

• Prepare clear and comprehensive internal audit reports covering findings, risks, root causes, and recommendations.
• Communicate significant control weaknesses, compliance issues, and operational risks to senior management.
• Present audit results and recommendations to plant leadership and relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor corrective actions, key risk indicators, and outstanding audit findings.
• Conduct post-audit reviews to verify implementation of agreed corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate audit documentation, records, and engagement files.
• Support continuous auditing and risk-monitoring activities.

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop internal audit team members to improve technical capabilities and performance.
• Identify high-performing employees and support their professional development and career growth.
• Address performance issues through appropriate coaching, guidance, and performance management.
• Allocate audit assignments based on skills, experience, workload, and business priorities.
• Promote a professional, objective, collaborative, and performance-driven audit culture.
• Ensure fair and consistent performance evaluation of team members.

Business Planning and Performance

• Translate corporate objectives into effective internal audit plans and business initiatives.
• Develop annual and development plans aligned with organizational goals and risk priorities.
• Monitor audit plan performance and take corrective action when required.
• Prepare periodic reports on audit progress, findings, risks, corrective actions, and performance.
• Monitor audit-related budgets and expenses to achieve effective cost management.
• Ensure audit activities deliver measurable value to the organization.

Responsibility and Decision-Making

• Take full responsibility for assigned internal audit operations and deliverables.
• Anticipate potential operational, financial, and compliance risks and recommend proactive controls.
• Make timely and appropriate decisions within the authority of the role.
• Escalate significant risks and unresolved control issues to senior management when required.
• Maintain independence, objectivity, confidentiality, and professional judgment throughout audit activities.

Business Process Improvement and Automation

• Develop and maintain effective audit systems, policies, procedures, and work instructions.
• Identify opportunities to automate audit processes, reporting, monitoring, and control testing.
• Use relevant ERP, data analytics, and IT solutions to improve audit effectiveness.
• Promote the effective use of automated systems and technology within the internal audit function.
• Support digital transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Quality and Compliance

• Ensure internal audit activities follow approved auditing procedures, standards, policies, and professional best practices.
• Maintain high-quality audit documentation, evidence, reporting, and review processes.
• Ensure audit recommendations are practical, measurable, and aligned with business objectives.
• Support compliance audits and reviews of regulatory and company requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of audit information.

Health, Safety and Environment

• Promote a safe, secure, and legally compliant working environment.
• Ensure audit activities conducted at manufacturing facilities comply with applicable health, safety, environmental, and security requirements.
• Consider HSE risks and controls when assessing manufacturing operations.

Academic Qualification

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as CIA, CPA, ACCA, or equivalent may be an advantage.

Work Experience

• 6–10 years of relevant experience
• Experience in internal audit, manufacturing audit, operational audit, risk management, compliance, or internal controls is preferred.
• Manufacturing or industrial-sector audit experience is highly relevant.

Technical and Functional Skills

• Internal Audit Management
• Manufacturing Audits
• Audit Planning
• Risk Assessment
• Audit Best Practices
• Internal Audit Controls
• Audit Reporting
• Auditing Procedures and Standards
• Compliance Audits
• Operational Audits
• Internal Control Evaluation
• Post-Audit Reviews
• Risk Management
• ERP and IT Controls
• Process Improvement
• Audit Team Management
• Security and Control Audits
• Data Analysis and Reporting

Job Location

Saudi Arabia