Director of Risk Advisory Services | Cape Town | Permanent

Lead the growth and strategic direction of a high-performing Risk Advisory Services practice while advising senior clients on governance, risk management, compliance and internal audit. This is an opportunity for an experienced risk advisory leader to combine technical depth, commercial acumen and people leadership in a senior role with significant client and business impact.

The Director: Risk Advisory Services will be responsible for shaping and executing the practice strategy in alignment with broader business objectives, while maintaining trusted relationships with key clients and overseeing the delivery of high-quality advisory and internal audit engagements. The role will balance strategic leadership with operational oversight, ensuring engagements are delivered to the required quality, scope, timeline and budget standards.

The successful candidate will also play a key role in identifying new market opportunities, growing the client portfolio and strengthening the commercial performance of the practice. Internally, the role will focus on developing high-performing teams, mentoring future leaders and creating a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous learning.

Our client is a leading professional services organisation with an established advisory offering and a strong reputation for delivering trusted solutions to complex organisations. The business operates in a professional, collaborative and performance-driven environment where client service, quality, commercial growth and the development of people are central to its culture.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute strategic initiatives to expand the Risk Advisory Services practice in line with firm objectives

• Lead and oversee the delivery of risk advisory and internal audit solutions to a high professional standard

• Act as a trusted senior advisor to clients on governance, risk management, compliance and internal audit matters

• Manage complex client engagements and portfolios, ensuring delivery within agreed scope, timelines and budgets

• Ensure adherence to relevant risk frameworks, methodologies and regulatory requirements

• Manage financial performance, budgets and operational priorities across the portfolio

• Identify new business opportunities and lead initiatives to grow and diversify the client base

• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior client stakeholders and decision-makers

• Mentor, develop and retain high-performing professionals and future leaders

• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, accountability and exceptional client service

• Contribute to the overall quality, risk management and operational performance of the practice

What You Bring

• An honours degree in Internal Audit, Accounting, Finance or a related discipline

• A full professional qualification such as CIA or an equivalent professional designation

• CISA qualification is advantageous

• At least 12 years' experience in risk advisory and/or internal audit

• At least 5 years' experience in a senior leadership role, ideally at Senior Manager level or above

• Strong industry exposure to Mining and Telecommunications

• Strong knowledge of risk management frameworks and regulatory compliance

• Demonstrated experience managing complex engagements and client portfolios

• Proven business development and commercial growth capability

• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen

• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills

• The ability to lead, develop and empower high-performing teams

• High levels of integrity, ethical judgment, discretion and accountability

What Success Looks Like

• Sustainable revenue growth and improved profitability across the Risk Advisory Services portfolio

• Strong client satisfaction, trusted relationships and high levels of client retention

• Consistent delivery of complex engagements within agreed scope, timelines, quality standards and budgets

• A growing and diversified client portfolio supported by effective business development

• A high-performing, engaged and developing team with strong talent retention

• Effective application of risk frameworks, methodologies and regulatory requirements

• Strong operational performance and contribution to the wider firm's strategic objectives

• A collaborative culture that reflects exceptional client service, quality and professional integrity