Audit Director (Operation & Projects) - Internal Audit Department

Position description:

The Audit Director (Operation & Projects) is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and delivery of Internal Audit engagements covering operations, construction projects, contract management, commercial activities, and project lifecycle controls across the Group. Ensure audits are delivered in line with approved audit plan and methodology, with formal reporting and agreed action plans. The role provides independent, objective assurance and advisory services to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control processes in line with the Internal Audit Charter. Partners with the c-suite provide insights that make a positive difference to the Group.

Note: POSITION WILL BE INITIALLY BASED IN DUBAI AND LATER WILL BE MOVED TO RIYADH, KSA (applicants must be flexible to relocate to Riyadh in future)

Responsibilities:

1. Lead the development and execution of audit engagements covering operations, construction projects, and contract management in line with the risk-based audit plan.

2. Plan, scope, and deliver end-to-end audits (planning, fieldwork, reporting, and follow-up) ensuring adherence to Internal Audit methodology and standards.

3. Assess the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, and governance processes across operational and commercial activities.

4. Evaluate controls over contract administration, variation orders, claims management, and contractual compliance.

5. Provide assurance on project execution, cost controls, procurement, subcontracting, and commercial management processes.

6. Identify and assess key risks including contractual non-compliance, cost overruns, claims leakage, and operational inefficiencies.

7. Deliver high-quality audit reports with clear root causes, risk impact, and practical, actionable recommendations with agreed timelines.

8. Monitor and follow up on management action plans to ensure timely remediation of audit findings.

9. Provide advisory support to management on operational, contractual, and commercial risk matters while maintaining independence.

10. Engage with senior stakeholders (Projects, Commercial, Procurement, Legal) to communicate audit insights and strengthen control environment.

11. Escalate significant issues where risk exposure is unacceptable or outside defined risk appetite.

12. Lead, mentor, and develop audit team members, ensuring adequate competencies and performance within the function.

13. Contribute to continuous improvement of audit methodologies, tools, and data-driven auditing capabilities.

14. Support the Head of Internal Audit / CAO/ in delivering board-level reporting and insights to the Audit & Compliance Committee

15. Presents regular and ad-hoc management reports on new opportunities, highlight critical issues and challenges, and provide strategic insight to inform key decision-making.

16. Responsible for administering the Speak-Up Policy of the Group.

Position requirements

Minimum qualifications

Bachelor degree – Business Administration , Projects, Engineering or any related field

• A recognized professional certification such as CIA, CPA, ACA, CISA, CFE or equivalent Must

Minimum experience

Minimum of 10 years of experience in progressive and more complex industry preferably with experience leading a range of internal audit activities across the construction industry.

Competencies (knowledge, skills, general abilities)

• Strong understanding of:

• Operational risk and controls

• Contractual frameworks and claims

• Ability to influence, communicate and lead discussions with ACC, C-suite and Senior management

• Proven ability in business process improvement.

• Proven ability in leading internal audit teams.

• In-depth knowledge of governance, risk and control frameworks and concepts, including the IIA's International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF)

• Strong relationship management skills, based on credibility, rapport and trust.

• Strong business acumen and industry knowledge.

• Advanced critical thinker, providing objective assurance and insight to management.

• Strong coaching skills.