About the Role
The Manager - Commercial Governance is responsible for managing and strengthening governance, compliance, audit, quality assurance, and policy management across the Commercial and Property Revenue functions. The role ensures that all commercial activities, policies, procedures, and systems comply with internal governance frameworks, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
The position plays a key role in supporting audit activities, monitoring compliance standards, evaluating commercial tender submissions, driving corrective actions, and ensuring continuous improvement across commercial operations.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Governance & Compliance
- Review, maintain, and enhance commercial governance frameworks, policies, procedures, and operating manuals.
- Ensure commercial activities are conducted in accordance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and established governance standards.
- Monitor compliance across all commercial operations and recommend improvements to strengthen controls and operational effectiveness.
- Promote a culture of compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement across the Commercial Group.
Audit Management & Quality Assurance
- Support the Senior Manager in managing internal and external audits.
- Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to gather required documentation, evidence, and information for audit reviews.
- Prepare and formalize audit responses and action plans.
- Monitor and track audit findings, ensuring timely closure of corrective and preventive actions.
- Maintain comprehensive records of audit observations, compliance reports, and management responses.
Commercial Performance & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders and commercial partners.
- Engage with business units to understand operational requirements, industry developments, and performance indicators.
- Support governance initiatives by ensuring alignment between business objectives and compliance requirements.
- Assist in identifying opportunities to enhance commercial processes, controls, and operational efficiency.
Commercial Tender Governance
- Support the evaluation of technical submissions for commercial tenders and procurement activities.
- Ensure tender processes comply with governance standards, approval requirements, and organizational policies.
- Participate in tender evaluation committees and provide governance-related recommendations.
Reporting, Analysis & Continuous Improvement
- Prepare governance, compliance, audit, and quality assurance reports for management review.
- Compile and analyze statistical data, performance metrics, and benchmarking information against industry standards and best practices.
- Develop reports summarizing compliance findings, risks, recommendations, and improvement opportunities.
- Monitor trends and emerging regulatory requirements impacting commercial operations.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Finance, Management, or a related discipline.
Preferred Qualifications
- PMP Certification or equivalent project management qualification.
- Certifications in Governance, Risk Management, Compliance, Internal Audit, or Quality Management are advantageous.
Experience
- 5-7 years of professional experience in Commercial Governance, Compliance, Audit, Risk Management, Commercial Operations, or related functions.
- Experience working within aviation, airports, retail, commercial real estate, hospitality, or large-scale commercial environments is preferred.
- Experience coordinating internal and external audits and managing corrective action plans.
- Exposure to commercial tenders, procurement governance, and contract compliance is highly desirable.
Required Skills & Competencies
Technical Skills
- Strong understanding of governance, compliance, audit, and quality management principles.
- Knowledge of commercial policies, procedures, controls, and regulatory frameworks.
- Ability to interpret and analyze financial and operational data.
- Understanding of UAE and GCC business regulations and governance requirements.
- Knowledge of airport retail, duty-free, F&B, or commercial concession environments is advantageous.
- Strong reporting, documentation, and analytical capabilities.
Behavioral Competencies
- Accountability
- Business Focus
- Delivering Commitments
- Problem Solving & Judgement
- Stakeholder Management
- Communication & Influencing Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability
- Initiative
- Innovation
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Compliance adherence across commercial operations.
- Timely closure of audit findings and corrective actions.
- Successful completion of internal and external audit requirements.
- Accuracy and effectiveness of governance reporting.
- Policy and procedure review completion rates.
- Stakeholder satisfaction and governance compliance scores.
- Continuous improvement initiatives implemented.
Working Conditions
- Primarily office-based environment.
- Regular interaction with internal departments, auditors, commercial partners, and regulatory stakeholders.
- May be required to participate in governance reviews, audits, tender evaluations, and business meetings as needed.
This role is ideal for a governance and compliance professional who can drive operational excellence, strengthen commercial controls, and ensure adherence to best practices across a dynamic commercial environment.
