Head of Audit IND

1. Job Purpose

This role establishes and leads Group Internal Audit's presence within OSBI, supporting the delivery of high-quality assurance across Group and local entities. Operating under a dual reporting structure, it involves close engagement with senior leaders across GIA and OSBI. The role centres on shaping and managing the OSBI-based audit team, maintaining a strategic understanding of the evolving risk landscape, and partnering with UK colleagues to lead and support audits of controls, risk management, and governance—primarily at Group level. It also offers scope to drive strategic initiatives that advance GIA's capability in data, AI, and automation. Success will hinge on strong stakeholder collaboration and proactive networking across OSBI and the wider organisation.

The role is based in Bangalore with approximately a 10% requirement for travel to the UK.

1. Core Responsibilities

2. Lead and shape the OSBI Internal Audit team, building a credible and agile audit footprint within the Indian operation.

3. Drive talent strategy—from hiring and development to long-term workforce planning—ensuring alignment with Group-wide audit capability initiatives.
4. Foster a high-performing, inclusive culture rooted in collaboration, curiosity, and continuous learning.
5. Develop and maintain a dynamic risk assessment framework for OSBI that complements the wider Group audit universe.
6. Collaborate with UK colleagues to design and deliver a responsive, proportionate, and forward-looking audit plan that spans both Group and local priorities.
7. Lead and contribute to integrated audits, working within cross-functional teams to provide holistic and actionable assurance.
8. Maintain a cadence of strategic engagement with OSBI leadership, enabling transparent business monitoring and proactive risk sensing.
9. Champion experimentation and capability-building efforts in strategic areas such as Data, AI, automation, and digital tooling—leveraging proximity to local domain specialists to accelerate progress.
10. Contribute to global GIA transformation initiatives, helping shape the future of internal audit.
11. Deliver well-planned, high-quality audits with insightful findings and practical solutions.
12. Use a 'no surprises' approach—engaging early and collaboratively with stakeholders to facilitate swift remediation.
13. Produce clear, balanced, and impactful reporting that drives meaningful conversations and decisions.
14. Prepare high-quality reporting and MI for Group and local governance bodies.
15. Stay abreast of industry trends and regulatory shifts, promoting a learning mindset across the audit function.
16. Role-model feedback, coaching, and mentoring to nurture talent and drive collective growth.
17. Ensure adherence to all internal standards, training requirements, and regulatory obligations.

18. Act as a role model for our values-led behaviours, consistently demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and respect.

19. Experience Requirements

Essential:

• 15 years'experience in either internal audit, risk, and controls roles (majority internal audit experience preferred), including at least 5 years of experience in leadership roles.
• At least 5 years'experience working in roles in Financial Services with a significant part of this to include experience in UK regulated firms.
• At least 5 years of people management and/or demonstrable coaching and development.
• At least 3 years of experience performing audit and assurance services in a digital and data-driven business.

Desirable:

• Developing, implementing, and applying AI use cases in audit and assurance settings.

• Knowledge Requirements

Essential:

• Strong knowledge of the UK banking regulatory environment (including PRA and FCA).
• Strong knowledge of retail savings and lending products, services, and supporting processes.
• Strong level of digital and data literacy.
• Good level of common cloud technologies, risk, and controls.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite.

Desirable:

• Good level of common cloud technologies, risk, and controls.

• Skill and Competency Requirements

• Internal audit, risk management, and controls: Extensive experience in delivering core assurance activities—driving strong risk management and control practices through rigorous, insightful audit work.

• Leadership and management: Proven track record of leading and motivating high-performing teams. Skilled in audit execution, quality assurance, and shaping a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Digital, data, and AI literacy: Able to engage credibly with senior stakeholders on digital, data, and AI risks. Brings a proactive, exploratory mindset with hands-on experience applying AI in audit settings.
• Oral and written communication: Communicates clearly, confidently, and with impact—tailoring messaging to resonate across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Critical thinking, professional judgement, and insight generation: Synthesises diverse information sources to form sound professional judgements. Generates meaningful insights that support timely, risk-aware decision making.
• Collaboration, influence, and persuasion: Builds trusted relationships and leverages them to influence outcomes. Partners with stakeholders to co-create practical, relevant solutions rooted in credible assurance.
• People management: Experienced in managing and developing talent across a range of levels and contexts. Effective in navigating challenging performance situations while supporting growth.
• Domain: Recognised subject matter expertise in a specialist area—adding depth, value, and clarity to audit coverage through targeted assurance and guidance.