Senior Manager Internal Audit (Master Planning & Infrastructure)

Established in 2004, Dubai Holding is a global investment company with investments in more than 34 countries and a combined workforce of nearly 45,000 individuals. In line with the vision of Dubai's leadership and economic diversification strategy, Dubai Holding companies have nurtured sectors, irrevocably transforming Dubai's socio-economic landscape and positioning Dubai as a diversified, globally integrated economy.

Dubai Holding is committed to the diversification of Dubai's non-oil economy. Our portfolio, valued at over AED 280+ billion, spans 10 sectors, including real estate, hospitality, leisure & entertainment, ICT, design, education, media, retail, manufacturing & logistics, and science.

For the Good of Tomorrow

Dubai Holding is currently seeking Senior Manager – Internal Audit (Master Planning & Infrastructure) reporting to the Executive Director Internal Audit. The role holder provides independent assurance on the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal controls across the Group's master planning, land development, infrastructure, and capital project activities. The role leads complex audit engagements throughout the project lifecycle, offering strategic, technical, and commercial insights to senior management and the Audit Committee. It also supports the development and delivery of the Group's risk-based Internal Audit Plan while ensuring compliance with professional internal audit standards and methodologies.

Key Accountabilities:

Internal Audit Planning & Risk Assessment

• Lead the development of risk-based audit plans covering master planning, infrastructure development, land portfolios, and major capital projects.
• Assess emerging strategic, operational, financial, regulatory, and execution risks associated with long-term development and infrastructure programmes.
• Advise Internal Audit leadership on key risks, control themes, and industry developments impacting the Group.
• Support enterprise-wide risk assessment exercises and provide subject matter expertise on infrastructure, engineering, and development-related risks.
• Identify opportunities for data-driven auditing and continuous assurance.

Audit Execution – Master Planning & Infrastructure Reviews

• Lead and execute risk-based internal audit engagements covering master planning, infrastructure development, design, procurement, construction, contract management, and project delivery activities.
• Evaluate governance, project controls, budgeting, scheduling, cost management, change management, and risk management processes to ensure effectiveness and value for money.
• Assess compliance with contracts, regulatory requirements, technical standards, planning approvals, and internal policies and procedures.
• Identify control deficiencies, operational risks, root causes, and improvement opportunities, and develop practical, risk-based recommendations to strengthen governance and controls.
• Prepare high-quality audit reports, communicate findings to senior management, and monitor the implementation and effectiveness of agreed corrective actions.

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Lead discussions with auditees and project stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of master planning, infrastructure, and project delivery processes, governance, and controls.
• Communicate audit observations clearly and prepare well-supported audit reports with practical, risk-based recommendations for improvement.
• Partner with process owners and senior management to agree on corrective and preventive action plans that address identified risks and control gaps.
• Present key audit findings, risk exposures, and recommendations to senior management, promoting informed decision-making and accountability.
• Build strong working relationships with stakeholders while maintaining independence and providing trusted assurance on governance, risk management, and internal controls.

Issue Tracking & Follow-Up

• Monitor and follow up on the implementation of agreed audit recommendations to ensure timely and effective resolution of identified issues.
• Validate the adequacy and effectiveness of corrective actions, confirming that risks and control gaps have been appropriately addressed.
• Escalate overdue actions and high-risk issues to senior management to support timely remediation and effective risk management.
• Maintain accurate tracking of audit observations, action plans, and follow-up activities, and report the status of outstanding issues to senior management.

Continuous Improvement & Standards Compliance

• Ensure all audit activities are conducted in accordance with Internal Audit policies, methodology, and applicable professional standards.
• Drive continuous improvement of audit methodologies, tools, and practices to enhance the effectiveness of master planning and infrastructure audits.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory developments, and emerging risks in master planning, infrastructure, engineering, and project management.
• Promote the adoption of leading practices and innovative audit techniques to strengthen governance, risk management, and internal controls.

Who we are looking for:

• 12+ years of relevant internal audit experience within land estates, large-scale infrastructure development, construction, or capital project environments
• Experience in blue-chip organizations, professional services firms, or large multi-disciplinary groups preferred
• Strong experience auditing land asset management, master planning, development projects, and end-to-end project lifecycle activities including procurement, contract administration, and execution
• Big 4 audit experience is highly desirable
• Experience working internationally, with exposure to diverse regulatory frameworks and construction practices, particularly across the Middle East and Asia

Education / Professional Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Infrastructure Engineering, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related discipline from an accredited and recognized university
• Master's degree in engineering, Project Management, Business Administration (MBA), or a related field
• Professional certification such as RICS, PMP, PE, CEng, or equivalent
• Internal audit or risk certification such as CIA, CRMA, or equivalent (preferred)

Technical Competencies:

• Internal audit methodology (IIA Standards), risk-based audit approach, and audit technology (TeamMate+ or equivalent)
• End-to-end audit of the project lifecycle, including tendering, procurement, contract administration, project execution, variations, and close-out processes.
• Strong understanding of construction and infrastructure project controls, including contracts (FIDIC or equivalent), BOQs, specifications, and delivery frameworks.
• Cost and financial review expertise, including analysis of preliminaries, variation orders, prolongation claims, liquidated damages, final accounts, and cost benchmarking.
• Knowledge of construction methodologies, engineering practices, and project management controls within master planning and infrastructure environments. Knowledge of UAE legal and regulatory frameworks, and QHSE standards relevant to infrastructure and projects
• Advanced Excel, data analysis, CAAT tools, and AI-enabled audit analytics.

As much as we would be delighted to entertain all applicants, due to high volumes of applications only successful applicants will be contacted within 14 business days.

This job description is not all inclusive. Dubai Holding reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Dubai Holding is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.