Group Audit Director

Job Description

Hays have partnered with a leading holding group who are searching for a Group Operation and Projects Audit Director to join their team in Dubai. The Operations & Projects Audit Director is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and delivery of internal audit engagements covering operations, construction projects, contract management, commercial activities, and project lifecycle controls across the group.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of audit engagements covering operations, construction projects, and contract management in line with the risk-based audit plan.

Plan, scope, and deliver end-to-end audits (planning, fieldwork, reporting, and follow-up) ensuring adherence to internal audit methodology and standards.

Assess the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, and governance processes across operational and commercial activities.

Evaluate controls over contract administration, variation orders, claims management, and contractual compliance.

Provide assurance on project execution, cost controls, procurement, subcontracting, and commercial management processes.

Identify and assess key risks including contractual non-compliance, cost overruns, claims leakage, and operational inefficiencies.

Deliver high-quality audit reports with clear root causes, risk impact, and practical, actionable recommendations with agreed timelines.

Monitor and follow up on management action plans to ensure timely remediation of audit findings.

Provide advisory support to management on operational, contractual, and commercial risk matters while maintaining independence.

Engage with senior stakeholders (Projects, Commercial, Procurement, Legal) to communicate audit insights and strengthen control environment.

Escalate significant issues where risk exposure is unacceptable or outside defined risk appetite.

Lead, mentor, and develop audit team members, ensuring adequate competencies and performance within the function.

Contribute to continuous improvement of audit methodologies, tools, and data-driven auditing capabilities.

Support the Head of Internal Audit / CAO in delivering board-level reporting and insights to the Audit & Compliance Committee.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related field is essential.

Recognised professional certification such as CIA, CPA, ACA, or equivalent is required.

PMP certification is mandatory.

Minimum of 10 years' experience in internal audit, working within construction or engineering sectors.

In-depth knowledge of governance, risk, and control frameworks and concepts, including the IIA's International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF).

Ability to influence, communicate, and lead discussions with ACC, C-suite, and senior management.

This role will be based in Dubai but will involve frequent travel to KSA.

Fluent Arabic speaker is required.

The organisation is offering a competitive benefits package.