Head of Technology Risk, Compliance and Quality Assurance

Role : Head of Technology Risk, Compliance and Quality Assurance
Location : Abu Dhabi

Role Purpose:

The Head of Technology Risk, Compliance and Quality Assurance is responsible for leading governance, risk, compliance, quality assurance, and financial oversight functions within the Technology division. The role ensures that technology operations are aligned with enterprise risk appetite, regulatory requirements, and strategic objectives. A key mandate includes governing and overseeing the quality of relationships with business units, ensuring transparency, alignment, and accountability without direct involvement in delivery or operational execution.

Key Accountabilities of the role

Technology Risk and Assurance Management

• Establish and lead a comprehensive technology risk management framework that encompasses risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and continuous monitoring, aligned with enterprise risk appetite and regulatory expectations.

• Maintain and govern the IT risk register, ensuring accurate mapping of identified issues to relevant risk categories and facilitating timely updates and reviews.

• Oversee the design, implementation, and optimization of control mechanisms to ensure effective risk mitigation across all technology domains.

• Develop and report Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) to provide actionable insights into the performance and resilience of technology processes.

• Govern the lifecycle of audit findings and self-identified issues, ensuring timely resolution, root cause analysis, and sustainable remediation.

• Conduct independent assurance reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of technology controls, processes, and risk posture.

• Coordinate and manage internal and external audit engagements, acting as the primary point of contact for audit teams and ensuring alignment with audit scope and objectives.

• Provide strategic oversight on risk-related initiatives, ensuring integration with broader governance and compliance programs.

Technology Compliance and Control Management

• Define and enforce security and configuration standards across all technology platforms.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory and industry mandates.

• Establish and maintain technology controls to mitigate emerging risks and meet evolving regulatory requirements.

• Continuously monitor and enhance control effectiveness to safeguard technology assets.

Technology ITSM Governance (Change, Release, Incident & Problem Management)

• Develop and implement ITSM processes covering Change, Release, Incident, and Problem Management, aligned with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

• Establish governance frameworks to ensure consistent application of ITSM controls across the Technology division.

• Monitor the effectiveness of ITSM processes from all angles—operational performance, compliance, risk exposure, and stakeholder satisfaction.

• Govern emergency change approvals and facilitate CAB meetings with a focus on control integrity.

• Ensure traceability and integrity of configuration items throughout their lifecycle.

• Oversee incident and problem management governance to ensure timely resolution, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.

Technology Governance and Process Management

• Establish and maintain a comprehensive governance framework for technology operations, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.

• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance IT policies, standards, procedures, and methodologies to promote consistency, accountability, and operational excellence.

• Oversee the definition and tracking of performance metrics and KPIs to evaluate the effectiveness and value delivery of technology services.

• Govern the design and optimization of core technology processes, ensuring they are efficient, well-controlled, and compliant with internal and external requirements.

• Lead the governance of IT problem management across divisions, ensuring structured root cause analysis, resolution tracking, and continuous improvement.

• Provide strategic oversight of IT workforce planning, talent development, and sourcing strategies to ensure the organization is equipped with the right capabilities.

• Manage administrative governance related to IT facilities, seating arrangements, and general support services, ensuring operational readiness and compliance.

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement across the Technology division, driving initiatives that enhance service quality, operational resilience, and stakeholder satisfaction.

Technology Finance Governance

• Lead the development of annual CapEx and OpEx budgets for the Technology division.

• Govern the implementation of financial plans, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.

• Monitor budget utilization, cost efficiency, and financial compliance.

• Oversee financial reporting, forecasting, and variance analysis.

• Collaborate with Finance and other stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability in financial planning and execution.

Business Relationship Governance and Oversight

• Establish governance frameworks to oversee the quality and effectiveness of Technology’s engagement with business units.

• Define and monitor relationship health indicators such as strategic alignment, responsiveness, and transparency.

• Facilitate governance forums and steering committees to ensure business representation in technology decision-making.

Provide oversight on business demand intake and prioritization processes.

• Ensure structured reporting and review mechanisms are in place to maintain accountability and alignment.

Lead Technology Risk Management

• Establish and oversee risk frameworks, registers, controls, and assurance activities.

Ensure Regulatory Compliance

• Define and enforce compliance standards and controls across technology platforms.

Govern ITSM Processes

• Implement and monitor Change, Release, Incident, and Problem Management processes.

Oversee Technology Governance

• Develop and manage IT policies, performance metrics, and process frameworks.

Manage Financial Governance

• Lead budgeting, financial planning, and cost control for Technology.

Govern Business Relationships

• Oversee engagement quality, strategic alignment, and governance with business units.

Provide Strategic Leadership

• Align governance, risk, compliance, and finance with enterprise objectives.

Specialist Skills / Technical Knowledge Required for this role:

• Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Expertise.

• Regulatory Compliance Knowledge.

• IT Governance Frameworks.

• IT Service Management (ITSM).

• Audit and Assurance Management.

• Technology Financial Planning & Oversight.

• Control Design and Optimization.

• Performance Metrics & KPI Management.

• Stakeholder Governance & Engagement.

• Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making