Profile Snapshot
Title: Senior Manager, Governance, Risk & Compliance
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Position Type: Full Time
Reporting To: Head of Governance, Risk & Compliance
Department: Governance, Risk & Compliance
Overview:
The Senior Manager of Governance, Risk & Compliance leads the company's internal investigations and whistleblower program across all GCC markets. The role ensures that allegations related to ethics, misconduct, food safety, operational integrity, and regulatory compliance are handled with independence, confidentiality, and rigor. Operating within a multi-country manufacturing and distribution environment, the position supports the Head of GRC in strengthening governance, enhancing risk visibility, and ensuring compliance with UAE, GCC, and Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority (ADAA) reporting and disclosure requirements.
How Will You Make An Impact
Internal Investigations & Whistleblower Case Management
- Lead the full lifecycle of whistleblower and sensitive internal investigations across GCC operations, including food safety breaches, quality control concerns, fraud, conflicts of interest, and employee misconduct.
- Conduct interviews, evidence collection, digital forensics coordination, and root cause analysis across multiple jurisdictions.
- Ensure investigations comply with UAE SCA and ADX governance requirements, UAE Labour Law, ADAFSA food safety regulations, ADAA reporting and disclosure standards, SFDA regulations, Qatar Ministry of Public Health standards, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait food safety and governance frameworks, and GCC labour laws and whistleblower provisions.
- Maintain secure, auditable case files suitable for internal audit, ADAA review, or regulatory inspection.
- Prepare investigation summaries and disclosures aligned with ADAA reporting expectations.
Governance, Risk & Compliance Leadership
- Identify systemic risks across production, quality assurance, supply chain, and distribution operations in all GCC markets.
- Recommend enhancements to policies, controls, and governance frameworks to reduce compliance, safety, and operational risks.
- Lead risk assessments related to food safety, contamination, product integrity, fraud, and regulatory compliance.
- Monitor regulatory developments from GCC authorities and advise the Head of GRC on implications.
- Ensure compliance with ADAA's accountability framework, including reporting obligations, disclosure requirements, and governance standards applicable to Abu Dhabi entities.
Whistleblower Program Development
- Strengthen reporting channels for employees, suppliers, and partners across all GCC manufacturing and distribution sites.
- Develop triage protocols tailored to food safety and operational risk scenarios in each jurisdiction.
- Promote a speak-up culture through training, awareness, and anti-retaliation initiatives.
- Implement dashboards and analytics to identify emerging risks and recurring themes across the region.
Use of Tooling & Systems
- Manage and optimize the company's case management system (e.g., EthicsPoint, Navex, Convercent, or equivalent).
- Coordinate with IT Security to ensure proper use of digital forensics tools and evidence preservation protocols.
- Leverage GRC platforms for risk assessments, control tracking, and compliance reporting.
- Ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and secure access protocols across all investigation-related systems.
Qualifications, Experience & Skills
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in Law, Business, Food Safety, or related field preferred.
- 10+ years of experience in compliance, investigations, internal audit, legal, or risk management, ideally within manufacturing, FMCG, food production, or regulated industrial environments.
- Demonstrated experience with GCC regulatory frameworks, including food safety, labour, corporate governance, and whistleblower-related regulations.
- Proven experience preparing reports, disclosures, and submissions to the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority (ADAA).
- Strong understanding of UAE SCA/ADX requirements, HACCP, ISO 22000, and regional food safety standards.
- Professional certifications such as CCEP, CFE, CIA, or HACCP Lead Auditor are advantageous.
Key Competencies
- Integrity and strong ethical judgment.
- Strategic thinking with operational awareness.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Cultural awareness and adaptability.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and transparency.
Grow with Agthia For the Better
Agthia Group is one of the region's leading Food & Beverage companies, with a growing international footprint. We are a publicly listed company on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and part of ADQ, one of region's largest holding companies.
Rooted in Abu Dhabi since 1978, we've grown into a global presence, operating in countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan. We've built a diverse portfolio of over 35 market-leading brands across Water & Food, Snacking, Protein & Frozen, and Agri-Business touching the lives of millions of consumers in more than 65 global markets. With sustainability at the core of our innovations, we've pioneered several world-first products, setting new benchmarks in industry and meeting the evolving needs of communities worldwide.
Over 12,000 people from more than 67 nationalities are at the heart of shaping our purpose driven future, supported by an agile environment which encourages collaboration, creativity, and the freedom to make a real difference. With a competitive benefits package, genuine opportunities to advance, and a focus on continuous learning and development, we're committed to supporting your growth as we work together to deliver excellence For the Better.
Join us and be part of a team that's not just shaping the future of food and beverage but also making a meaningful impact on the world. Together, let's grow For the Better.
