Senior Manager – Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC)
Standard Title: Risk & Compliance Manager
Company: Confidential Government Entity
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Workplace Type: On-site
Employment Type: Full-time
Seniority Level: Mid–Senior Level
Job Purpose
The Senior Manager – Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) is responsible for leading the design, implementation, and continuous enhancement of governance structures, enterprise risk management, and compliance systems. The role ensures that institutional practices align with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and approved governance frameworks, while supporting organizational effectiveness, risk resilience, ethical conduct, and sound decision-making.
Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities
1. Governance Framework & Institutional Oversight
- Develop, review, and maintain governance frameworks, charters, policies, and procedures to ensure clarity of authority, roles, and accountability.
- Ensure consistent application of governance principles across all organizational levels.
- Provide advisory support to executive management and governance committees on governance-related matters.
- Oversee documentation and enforcement of delegation of authority matrices and decision-rights frameworks.
- Promote ethical standards, conflict-of-interest management, and institutional integrity.
2. Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
- Establish and lead an integrated Enterprise Risk Management framework covering strategic, operational, financial, regulatory, and reputational risks.
- Direct risk identification, assessment, prioritization, and aggregation processes.
- Maintain and update the enterprise risk register and ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
- Define risk appetite and tolerance levels in coordination with senior leadership.
- Monitor emerging risks and ensure proactive mitigation strategies are in place.
- Prepare comprehensive risk reporting for senior management and oversight committees.
3. Compliance & Regulatory Management
- Develop and implement organization-wide compliance programs, policies, and controls.
- Ensure full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, directives, and supervisory requirements.
- Monitor regulatory developments and assess their impact on organizational policies and operations.
- Coordinate with regulators, oversight bodies, and external stakeholders as required.
- Oversee management of compliance breaches, investigations, corrective actions, and preventive measures.
- Promote compliance awareness, training, and a culture of accountability.
4. Internal Controls, Audit & Assurance
- Design and strengthen internal control frameworks to safeguard assets, ensure data integrity, and enhance operational effectiveness.
- Coordinate with internal and external audit functions during planning, execution, and follow-up.
- Review audit findings and ensure timely implementation of remediation plans.
- Monitor control effectiveness and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support quality assurance efforts to enhance compliance, efficiency, and governance maturity.
5. Leadership, Capability Building & Stakeholder Management
- Lead, coach, and develop direct reports and GRC professionals.
- Build internal capabilities in governance, risk management, and compliance across departments.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
- Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to embed GRC practices into core business processes.
- Contribute to organizational resilience, sustainability, and long-term value creation.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Law, Risk Management, or a related discipline (Master's degree preferred).
- 8–12 years of progressively responsible experience in governance, risk, compliance, audit, or related functions.
- Prior experience within government entities or regulated environments is strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of governance principles, risk management methodologies, and compliance frameworks.
- Professional certifications are an advantage (e.g., CRMA, CIA, CISA, CERM, CGR, ISO 31000).
Core Competencies & Skills
- Strategic thinking and sound professional judgment.
- Advanced analytical, risk assessment, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong leadership, communication, and influencing abilities.
- High ethical standards, independence, and confidentiality.
- Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
- Fluency in Arabic and English.
Alignment & Compliance (Headlines Only)
- Saudi Vision 2030
- National Governance Frameworks
- Regulatory & Supervisory Authority Requirements
- Public Sector Accountability & Transparency Standards
Recommended Industries
- Government Administration
- Investment Management
- Real Estate
- Retail
Job Functions
- Risk & Compliance
- Accounting / Auditing
- Quality Assurance
