Manager - Operational Control & Governance

Role: Manager - Operational Control & Governance
Location: Abu Dhabi

Role Purpose:

The Manager - Operational Control & Governance plays a key role within the Internal Control function of Group Operations. This position is responsible for implementing and maintaining a robust control review framework to ensure operational processes comply with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal policies. The role supports risk mitigation, process improvement, and promotes a culture of compliance and governance across the organization.

Key Accountabilities of the role:

• Control Reviews

Conduct comprehensive reviews of policies and procedures (P&Ps) to ensure alignment with regulatory, industry, and internal standards.

• Compliance Assessments

Evaluate operational compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal governance frameworks.

• Risk Assessments

Assess the effectiveness of existing controls, identify operational risks and vulnerabilities, and recommend mitigation strategies.

• Process Improvements

Collaborate with stakeholders to identify opportunities for control enhancements and provide actionable recommendations for process optimization.

• Stakeholder Engagement

Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure consistency in control practices and promote adoption of best practices.

• Training & Awareness

Deliver guidance and training sessions on control and compliance topics to strengthen organizational understanding and adherence to established policies.

• Reporting

Prepare and present detailed reports on control review outcomes, compliance status, and progress updates to operational leadership and key stakeholders.

• Data Analytics

Utilize data analysis tools and techniques to identify trends, anomalies, and areas of concern within operational processes.

Specialist Skills / Technical Knowledge Required for this role:

• Advanced MS Excel & PowerPoint Skills
  Ability to build dashboards, perform data analysis, and create impactful presentations for senior stakeholders.
• Interpersonal & Stakeholder Management Skills
  Strong communication and relationship-building capabilities to engage effectively with Division Heads, senior management, and cross-functional teams.
• Team Leadership & Management
  Experience in leading teams, managing performance, and fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Presentation & Reporting Skills
  Proficiency in preparing and delivering structured reports and presentations to executive committees and governance forums.
• Problem Solving & Analytical Thinking
  Ability to apply sound judgment and structured thinking to resolve complex control and risk-related issues.
• Audit & Compliance Knowledge
  Familiarity with audit processes, regulatory requirements, and compliance frameworks relevant to banking operations.
• Operational Risk Management Tools & Frameworks
  Understanding of ORM methodologies including RCSA, issue tracking, and risk heat mapping.
• Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Systems
  Experience in using GRC platforms for tracking actions, managing risks, and reporting.
• Policy & Procedure Review Expertise
  Ability to assess and enhance control elements embedded within operational policies and procedures.
• Project & Initiative Support
  Capability to contribute to high-profile projects and strategic initiatives, ensuring control and risk considerations are embedded.