Deputy General Manager or General Manager – Internal Audit

About Shalina Healthcare:

We are one of the largest, privately owned pharmaceutical businesses across Africa, with recent expansions into multiple, new lines of business, including Diagnostics and Consumer Healthcare.

Over the last 40 years, operating across 18+ countries, we have made it our mission to provide quality medicines to those who need them the most. We manufacture and distribute branded prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical and consumer products across a broad range of therapeutic categories, including antimalarials, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, respiratory treatments, gastrointestinal medicines, nutrition, oral care, dermatology, sexual well-being, and antiseptic liquids & soaps. With leading brands, dedicated teams, and a commitment to influencing the well-being of people, Shalina has become a household name in Africa.

With a team of over 2,500 employees, we have a track record few can match. Our brands are among the most trusted in Africa. While we are proud of our history, we also have big ambitions for the future. Our vision for 2030 is to become the health champion of Sub-Saharan Africa. To achieve this, we are looking for the right people to join us and create a lasting impact not just within our company but on the communities, we serve—people who align with our Core Values and share our passion for our Mission.

What you become a part of:

As the Head of Internal Audit, you will report directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the Group Managing Director (MD)/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO). You will oversee internal audit activities across all operating units, including manufacturing locations, ensuring robust governance, risk management, and control processes.

This role involves working closely with senior leadership, manufacturing teams, and various departments to assess risks, optimize operations, and ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations. You will also play a pivotal role in standardizing processes, investigating fraud, and conducting market-specific audits to drive operational excellence and accountability.

What to expect:

Internal Audit Strategy :

• Develop and execute a comprehensive internal audit plan by market and activity, aligned with the organization’s strategic goals and risk profile.
• Oversee internal audit activities across all operating units, including manufacturing locations, ensuring critical business processes and geographies are covered.

Risk Management & Market Risk Identification :

• Identify and assess key organizational risks , including market-specific risks, operational, financial, compliance, and IT-related risks.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop and implement risk mitigation strategies , addressing both market-specific and organizational risks.

Audit Execution :

• Conduct audits in-market and via desk-based reviews to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of systems, processes, and controls.
• Perform fraud investigations to identify, analyse, and address potential fraudulent activities across the organization.
• Standardize processes and develop SOPs to ensure consistency and compliance across all locations and markets.

Compliance & Governance :

• Ensure adherence to internal policies, procedures, and external regulations across operating units and manufacturing locations.
• Monitor compliance with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and corporate standards, providing timely recommendations for corrective actions.

Reporting, Remediation & Training :

• Prepare and issue detailed reports on audit findings, risks, and recommendations to the CFO and Group MD/ CEO.
• Oversee the implementation of remedial actions to address audit findings and ensure risks are effectively mitigated.
• Provide training and awareness programs to improve organizational compliance and strengthen internal controls.

Fraud Investigation :

• Lead investigations into suspected fraud, ensuring thorough analysis and reporting of findings to senior management.
• Develop preventive measures and internal controls to reduce exposure to fraudulent activities.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management :

• Partner with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing teams, to understand business operations and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.
• Foster strong relationships with senior leadership, divisional heads, and external auditors to ensure alignment on internal audit objectives.

Team Leadership & Development :

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing internal audit team , fostering a culture of accountability and continuous learning.
• Provide training and development opportunities to enhance team capabilities and ensure alignment with organizational goals.

Process Improvement :

• Identify opportunities to optimize processes, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen internal controls across all units, including manufacturing sites.
• Leverage technology and data analytics to improve the quality and efficiency of audit processes.

Essential qualifications, experience and skills:

Qualifications :

• Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or equivalent professional certification is required.
• Additional certifications in risk management or fraud detection (e.g., CISA, CFE) are highly desirable.

Experience :

• 15+ years of progressive experience in internal audit, risk management, or compliance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong exposure to multinational organizations or businesses operating in emerging markets, preferably in the pharmaceutical or FMCG sectors.
• Proven ability to lead audits across multiple geographies and functional areas of an organization, including manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution.

Skills :

• Expertise in internal auditing methodologies, risk assessment frameworks, and control evaluation techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide actionable recommendations.
• Proficiency in using audit tools and data analytics to enhance audit quality and efficiency.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.