Operational Audit Senior Manager

Job Purpose

Operational Audit Head is responsible for leading comprehensive risk-based audits across critical operational functions such as Maintenance, Engineering, Projects, Safety (Airside and Terminal), Fire and Rescue, and Aviation Security etc. The role ensures that operational processes comply with regulatory standards, internal policies, and safety requirements, while identifying risks and opportunities for process improvement .

Position Accountability Description

Strategic Leadership

1. Develop and implement a risk-based audit strategy specifically focused on critical operational areas, ensuring comprehensive audit coverage in high-risk domains such as operations, compliance, and internal controls. This includes creating a dynamic audit plan that addresses complex areas such as Aviation Security, Fire and Rescue, and Safety Airside/Terminal etc.
2. Ensure the operational audit plan aligns with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements, addressing key risks that could affect the organization’s safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.
3. Collaborate closely with senior operational management to assess emerging risks in critical areas, such as engineering projects, safety, and technical affairs, and ensure that audit efforts are focused on mitigating those risks.
4. Lead the operational audit team in conducting thorough evaluations of safety protocols, maintenance standards, and technical operations, ensuring compliance with industry-specific safety regulations and internal policies.
5. Ensure audit findings contribute directly to improved operational performance, providing actionable recommendations that enhance safety, efficiency, and risk management within the organization.

Operational Excellence

1. Direct the execution of detailed operational audits in areas such as maintenance practices, project management, technical affairs, fire and rescue operations, and aviation security, ensuring audits are performed with rigor and technical depth.
2. Ensure the development of audit programs that assess the effectiveness of operational controls, focusing on areas such as engineering project management, safety compliance (airside and terminal), and technical maintenance.

1. Ensure audit reports provide actionable, operationally focused recommendations that lead to measurable improvements in areas such as project delivery, maintenance efficiency and safety compliance.
2. Manage the process of Monitoring and Implementation of Audit Recommendations by ensuring rigorous follow-up on prior audit recommendations, facilitating timely and effective corrective actions. This includes tracking progress and providing periodic updates to senior management, thereby ensuring that identified risks are adequately mitigated and internal controls are strengthened.
3. Coordinate with the Functional Audit Head to ensure alignment of audit activities, particularly in overlapping areas such as project management and compliance, while maintaining a distinct focus on operational risks and controls.
4. Manage and execute special reviews and projects requested by the Head of Internal Audit, ensuring that all audit objectives are clearly defined, and requirements are met.

Stakeholder Management

1. Cultivate robust relationships with senior leadership, department heads, and external stakeholders, serving as a trusted advisor on matters pertaining to audit findings, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness.
2. Based on direction from the Head of Internal Audit engage in formal discussions with external auditors to ensure that operational audits meet external requirements and standards, while identifying synergies with external audit activities to streamline assurance processes.
3. Collaborate with relevant key stakeholders to implement audit recommendations, driving operational changes that reduce risk exposure, improve compliance, and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization’s key processes.
4. Build and sustain a culture of transparency and accountability, ensuring that audit recommendations are acted upon in a timely manner and that management is held accountable for implementing meaningful improvements.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

1. Ensure that all operational audits are aligned with IPPF Standards issued by the IIA and regulatory requirements specific to aviation and safety operations, including compliance with GACA Requirements.
2. Conduct internal quality assessments of the operational audit process, ensuring the consistency and thoroughness of audit execution, particularly in areas with significant regulatory oversight.
3. Ensure the operational audit unit is in compliance with global regulatory frameworks ensuring that audits cover all legal obligations, and that the organization is fully compliant with applicable laws.
4. Maintain the operational audit unit independence and objectivity, ensuring that no conflicts of interest arise, and that all audit findings are based on thorough, evidence-based analysis, protecting the integrity and credibility of the functional audit unit.

Team Leadership and Development

1. Lead and mentor a specialized team of operational audit professionals, ensuring that team members possess the necessary technical skills and certifications such as (e.g., CIA, CISA, CFE) required to execute complex audits in specialized areas.
2. Develop and implement a comprehensive talent development strategy, ensuring that auditors are continuously trained in advanced auditing methodologies.
3. Foster a high-performance culture, where auditors are encouraged to challenge conventional thinking, embrace innovative audit techniques, and contribute to the continuous improvement of audit processes and methodologies.

Financial Management

1. Under the instruction of the Head of Internal Audit, participate in the preparation of the operational audit unit’s budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently based on a risk-based prioritization of audits in areas such as safety, security, maintenance, etc.
2. Monitor resource allocation, ensuring that audits in high-risk operational areas, such as safety, security, maintenance, etc are sufficiently resourced to ensure thorough audit execution.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

1. Lead the integration of advanced technologies into the operational audit process, including the use of data analytics to enhance the depth and efficiency of operational audits.
2. Continuously review and improve audit methodologies, ensuring they reflect the latest trends and best practices in aviation safety, maintenance auditing, and engineering project risk management.

Ensure that the operational audit function remains agile and adaptive, responding to changes in operational risk profiles, safety regulations, and industry standards, and adjusting audit approaches accordingly.

Minimum Job Requirements

Education Background: Bachelor’s degree: Accounting or equivalent.

Relevant Experience: Minimum 8 years of total experience in internal auditing.

Professional Licenses, Accreditations & Certifications: Preferred to maintain any of the following professional certificates: Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Governance, Risk and Compliance Auditor (GRCA), etc.