Foreground is partnering with a diversified Saudi holding company operating across manufacturing, trading, and construction to appoint a technically strong and strategically positioned Director of Internal Audit, based in Khobar. The role is designed to provide independent, board-level assurance across financial controls, compliance adherence, operational efficiency, and risk governance in alignment with best practices and regulatory expectations under the Kingdoms evolving corporate oversight landscape.

Role Purpose

To lead the internal audit function across all group entities, delivering objective evaluations of governance frameworks, internal controls, regulatory compliance, and operational processes, while advising senior management and the board on risks and remediation strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the annual risk-based internal audit plan, aligned with board priorities, regulatory obligations, and business complexity across manufacturing, trading, and project delivery units.
• Oversee audit fieldwork, reporting, and issue resolution across financial controls, inventory and procurement, project costs, tax, compliance, and cybersecurity.
• Report directly to the Audit Committee with full independence, providing recommendations that strengthen internal controls and reduce operational and financial risks.
• Establish standardized policies and audit frameworks across subsidiaries, including international operations if applicable.
• Lead fraud prevention and detection programs, whistleblower investigations, and forensic audits when required.
• Work closely with external auditors, regulators, and internal stakeholders to align on governance practices and audit observations.
• Introduce audit analytics, dashboards, and risk heat maps to improve reporting accuracy and board insight.
• Build, mentor, and lead an internal audit team with coverage across all key business units and geographies.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 12+ years of audit and internal controls experience, with at least 5+ years in a senior or head of internal audit role within a diversified group or industrial company.
• Strong knowledge of IIA Standards, COSO, and Saudi regulatory frameworks related to audit, compliance, and corporate governance.
• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline, CPA, CIA, or CA qualification required.
• Hands-on experience auditing manufacturing processes, large-scale procurement, or project-based operations.
• Proven track record working directly with audit committees and senior leadership in Saudi Arabia.

Preferred Skills & Traits

• Independent and objective mindset, with high integrity and executive presence.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, capable of influencing at board level.
• Fluent in English, Arabic is highly preferred.