Head of Internal Audit

Head of Internal Audit ROLE PROFILE GENERAL Date June 2026 Location Aggeneys, Northern Cape, South Africa Operations BMC Shared Services Job Grade E1 (Paterson) / M3 (Vedanta) ROLE CONTEXT The BMC Shared Services Business Unit provides centralised Finance, HR, Commercial, Legal and Corporate Affairs support to Vedanta Zinc International’s operations at Gamsberg , Black Mountain Mine (BMM) and VZI Projects . These operations operate within a complex regulatory, operational and financial environment requiring robust governance, risk management and internal control frameworks. The Head of Internal Audit leads the independent internal audit function, providing assurance over governance, risk management and internal controls across all VZI operations. The role ensures alignment with Vedanta Group Internal Audit Standards and supports the Deputy Chief Financial Officer and senior leadership in strengthening governance, mitigating risk and driving control effectiveness. The role is operationally based in Aggeneys (Northern Cape) and requires close engagement with on-site mining, processing, engineering and project teams. It operates within a high-risk, production-driven environment, requiring a strong practical understanding of mining operations, site-based control environments and regulatory compliance within the South African mining sector . PURPOSE OF THE ROLE Reporting to the Deputy Chief Financial Officer , the Head of Internal Audit is responsible for establishing and leading an independent, risk ‑ based internal audit function across VZI operations. The role ensures effective governance, internal control integrity, risk management and compliance with statutory, regulatory and Vedanta Group requirements. It provides objective assurance and advisory services to enhance operational efficiency, safeguard assets, and support sustainable value creation. RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Internal Audit Strategy & Planning · Develop and implement a risk-based internal audit strategy aligned to VZI and Vedanta Group priorities. · Prepare annual and multi-year audit plans covering all operations, functions and risk areas. · Conduct enterprise-wide risk assessments to prioritise audit focus areas. · Ensure alignment with Vedanta Group Internal Audit frameworks and standards. · Present audit plans to senior leadership for approval. 2. Audit Execution & Assurance · Lead and oversee execution of financial, operational, compliance and IT audits. · Evaluate adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls across all business units. · Identify control gaps, inefficiencies and governance weaknesses. · Ensure audits are conducted in accordance with professional auditing standards. · Provide independent assurance over critical operational processes, projects and systems. 3. Risk Management & Internal Controls · Assess the effectiveness of risk management frameworks across VZI operations. · Evaluate design and implementation of internal control systems across site-based functions. · Support management in strengthening control frameworks and mitigation plans. · Monitor high-risk areas including production, procurement, payroll, contractor management and capital projects. · Promote a culture of governance, accountability and risk awareness at operational level. 4. Compliance & Regulatory Assurance · Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulatory requirements and internal policies. · Evaluate adherence to South African mining legislation, including the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA), environmental and labour regulations. · Conduct compliance audits across HSE, ESG, Finance, HR and operational areas. · Identify potential regulatory, financial and reputational risks. · Support readiness for regulatory inspections, external audits and assurance reviews. 5. Audit Reporting & Insights · Prepare clear, structured audit reports highlighting findings, root causes and recommendations. · Provide actionable insights to operational and executive management. · Track and report on closure of audit findings and agreed corrective actions. · Report key audit outcomes, control deficiencies and risk exposures to the Deputy CFO and senior leadership. · Support Board, Audit Committee and EXCO reporting requirements. 6. Advisory & Continuous Improvement · Provide advisory support on process improvements, system implementations and operational initiatives. · Participate in major business projects, capital programmes and transformation initiatives. · Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, governance and internal controls. · Promote best practices in internal controls, compliance and risk management. · Drive continuous improvement within the internal audit function. 7. Stakeholder Engagement & Governance · Engage with General Managers, operational leadership and Shared Services functions. · Build strong relationships across Mining, Processing, Engineering, Commercial, HR and IT. · Support coordination with external auditors, regulators and assurance providers. · Ensure alignment between internal audit, risk management and external audit functions. · Act as a trusted advisor on governance, risk and control matters. 8. Systems, Data & Digital Audit Capability · Leverage data analytics and digital tools to enhance audit effectiveness. · Implement continuous auditing and monitoring techniques. · Assess IT controls, ERP systems (SAP) and digital platforms. · Ensure data integrity, cybersecurity controls and system governance. · Drive digitisation and innovation within the audit function. 9. Safety, Risk & Compliance · Complete Visible Felt Leadership (VFL), Gemba Walks, PTOs and risk assessments as required. · Ensure audit practices align with VZI safety standards and statutory requirements. · Embed safety and operational risk awareness within audit activities. · Promote zero harm and compliance culture across the organisation Organisational Fit · Alignment with VZI’s values of trust, entrepreneurship, innovation, excellence, integrity, respect and care. · Commitment to strong governance, ethical conduct and transparency. · Ability to operate independently while influencing across all levels of the organisation. · Alignment with zero harm, operational excellence and sustainability objectives. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Qualifications · Degree in Accounting, Auditing, Finance or related field. · CA(SA), CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) or equivalent professional qualification required. · Postgraduate qualification in Risk Management, Compliance or Governance advantageous. · Valid South African work permit where required (mandatory for expatriate appointments). · Code B driver’s licence. Experience · 10–12 years’ experience in internal audit, risk management or assurance. · Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role. · Demonstrated experience within the South African mining or heavy industrial environment. · Strong understanding of the mining value chain, including mining, processing, engineering, maintenance and capital projects. · Proven experience operating in site-based operational environments. · Experience engaging with executive leadership, Audit Committees and senior stakeholders. · Sound knowledge of South African regulatory requirements, including: o Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) o Environmental legislation o Labour and employment frameworks Technical Competence · Strong knowledge of internal audit standards (IIA), governance and risk management frameworks. · Expertise in internal control design, testing and evaluation. · Understanding of IFRS, compliance frameworks and audit methodologies. · Proficiency in SAP or equivalent ERP systems, audit tools and data analytics. · Practical understanding of mining methods, operational risks and site control environments. · Knowledge of HSE, ESG and operational risk frameworks within mining. · Experience auditing contractor management, production processes, shutdowns and capital projects. Behavioural · High integrity, independence and ethical judgement. · Strong analytical, investigative and problem-solving skills. · Ability to challenge constructively and influence senior stakeholders. · Strong communication and presentation skills. · Leadership presence suited to a site-based operational environment. · Results-driven with a continuous improvement mindset.