Senior Manager Governance & Compliance

Role Overview

Senior Manager – Governance & Compliance at Wasl, reporting to the Head of Business Excellence in the Business Transformation & Business Excellence division. Grade 4.

Company Overview

Wasl was founded on May 25, 2008, from the union of the Dubai Development Board and Real Estate Department, with a mission to transform Dubai into a more captivating destination for residents, businesses, and visitors. Today, Wasl stands as one of Dubai's largest and most diversified real estate management companies, overseeing an expansive portfolio of landmark assets entrusted by DREC and other esteemed partners. Wasl is an active contributor to Dubai's thriving economy, fostering enduring relationships with valued stakeholders through a customer-centric approach rooted in trust, respect, and innovation in asset management.

Role Purpose

The Senior Manager – Governance & Compliance is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the organization's compliance program to ensure adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, internal policies, Standard Operating Procedures, and ethical standards. This leadership role provides strategic direction for compliance management and drives digital adoption across operations.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive compliance strategy aligned with regulatory requirements and organizational objectives.
• Advise respective Committees and Executive Management on compliance risks, controls, and governance matters.
• Lead regulatory engagement, audits, and inspections, ensuring transparent and professional relationships with regulators.

Policy Definition & Governance

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive enterprise policy framework across all functions.
• Ensure alignment of policies with strategic goals, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
• Establish governance structures and mechanisms to enforce policy adherence, including audits, reviews, and reporting.
• Collaborate with department heads to institutionalize policies and procedures effectively.

Audit Support

• Support internal audits and regulatory compliance efforts across business units to rectify gaps within existing policies, SOPs, and other governance documentation.

Monitoring, Auditing & Reporting

• Design and implement compliance monitoring and internal control systems to ensure ongoing regulatory adherence.
• Prepare regular compliance reports for senior management and the board.
• Drive effective monitoring, reporting, and escalation mechanisms for compliance breaches.
• Investigate and oversee resolution of compliance issues, ensuring appropriate corrective actions.

Process Improvement & Optimization

• Identify opportunities to improve business processes, enhance quality, reduce costs, and increase productivity.
• Design and implement process frameworks, KPIs, and performance dashboards.
• Drive digitization and automation across the organization to improve operational efficiency and organizational compliance.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Build and manage a high-performing compliance team with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
• Collaborate with Legal, Risk Management, Internal Audit, HR, and business units to ensure coordinated governance.
• Act as the compliance champion, promoting ethical behaviour in all business decisions.
• Foster a culture of compliance, ethics, and accountability throughout the organization.

Performance Metrics

• Number of policies and procedures reviewed and updated.
• Number of audit findings and percentage of non-conformities closed within SLA.
• Percentage of core processes executed without deviation from approved SOP/policy.
• Implementation of Governance & Compliance framework with controls embedded across SOPs/policies.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred.

Experience

• 12+ years of progressive business excellence, process excellence, compliance, legal, audit, or risk management experience.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing compliance functions.
• Experience working in highly regulated industries such as financial services, real estate, healthcare, energy, or government entities.
• Proven track record of regulatory engagement, policy development, and compliance program implementation.
• Proven track record in policy development, risk governance, and compliance.

Skills & Competencies

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of global and regional regulatory frameworks.
• Expertise in AML, data protection, anti-bribery, sanctions, and corporate governance.
• Industry-specific compliance expertise.
• Familiarity with compliance technologies, GRC tools, and monitoring systems.
• Strong knowledge of international quality frameworks and enterprise governance models.

Leadership & Management

• Ability to influence, guide, and build consensus with executive leadership and regulators.
• Strong people management skills, with experience building and mentoring compliance teams.

Analytical & Risk Management

• Strong problem-solving and investigative skills.
• Ability to identify risks proactively and design practical mitigation strategies.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate complex regulatory requirements in a clear and actionable manner.
• Skilled in engaging with regulators, auditors, and stakeholders at all levels.

Personal Attributes

• High ethical standards, integrity, and sound judgment.
• Resilient under pressure with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strategic thinker with attention to detail.

Additional Information

Reporting Structure

• Direct Reports: 3
• Total Reports: 3

Internal Working Relationships

• CXOs
• Departmental Heads
• Human Resources department
• Information Technology department
• Other departments as required

External Working Relationships

• Government and Regulatory Entities
• Industry Partners and Associations
• Technology Vendors
• Consultants and Advisors
• Suppliers and Service Providers
• Other external organizations as required