VP, Operational Risk and Control

AimGulf; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 400,000 - 560,000; Full time

Job summary

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) in Abu Dhabi seeks a VP for Operational Risk and Control to lead the Operational Internal Control & Governance framework. You will plan, direct, and oversee risk assessments, controls, and governance, driving improvements and aligning risk appetite with business goals.

The role requires extensive leadership experience, strong regulatory knowledge, and the ability to partner with senior executives to strengthen risk culture and performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• MBA or MSc preferred or related discipline.
• Professional certifications in operational risk management desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage operational risk management strategies to safeguard assets and reputation.
• Design and implement control frameworks to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to set risk appetite and tolerance levels.
• Lead development of risk metrics and KPIs for the organization.
• Promote risk awareness and training across Operations and Governance.
• Conduct risk assessments and evaluations to identify emerging risks.
• Drive process improvements to reduce risk exposure and improve efficiency.
• Report to Head of OICG & APM on department performance and state of affairs.
• Assist head in recruitment for OICG department and provide evaluations.
• Oversee risk across units and coach managers and supervisors.
• Govern policy implementation and controls across the department.
• Demonstrate compliance with values and ethics within the bank.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and cost reduction.
• Ensure AML and Central Bank guidelines are followed and deviations reported.
• Operate within group policies and governance frameworks.
• Make decisions per approved authorization matrix.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Executive leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA or MSc preferred

Professional certifications in operational risk

Job description

Job Title: VP, Operational Risk and Control

Job Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Date Posted: 1 October 2026

Job Reference/ID: 2359

Job Description / Role:

The VP of Operational Internal Control & Governance will plan, direct, coordinate, and oversee Operational Risk Framework in the Group Operation and Credit administration by improving the quality of Risk Assessments and Internal Controls. Consistently work independently towards enhancing operational efficiency as well as support in managing operational risk.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive operational risk management strategies to safeguard the bank’s assets and reputation.
• Lead the design and execution of effective control frameworks to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to establish risk appetite and tolerance levels, aligning with overall business objectives.
• Provide strategic direction for the development and enhancement of risk metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Foster a risk-aware culture by promoting awareness, education, and training initiatives in Group Operations and Credit Administration.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and control evaluations to identify emerging risks and implement proactive measures.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in operational processes to optimize efficiency and minimize risk exposure.
• Report to the Head of OICG & APM on a regular basis regarding the state of affairs of the department, Group Operation and Credit Administration.
• Assist Head of OICG & APM in recruitments and interview process for OICG- Operational Internal Control & Governance department.
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations of OICG staff.
• Oversee the identification, assessment, and mitigation of operational risks across various business units and processes.
• Lead and manage a team of managers and supervisors, providing guidance, coaching, and support to drive performance and employee development.
• Manage and govern effective implementation of OICG functional policies, procedures and controls covering all areas of assigned department activity so that all relevant procedural/legislative requirements, fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost-effective service.
• Always demonstrate compliance to organisation’s values and ethics to support the establishment of a value drive culture within the bank.
• Implement robust tools / processes for identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability of systems, processes and practices considering global standards, productivity improvement and cost reduction.
• Assist in ensuring Anti money laundering, Central Bank Guidelines and other internal policies / procedures are strictly followed and any deviations are reported to levels prescribed.
• Functions within the framework and boundaries of Group policies as well as overall organizational and governance frameworks.
• Authorized to take decisions as per the approved authorization matrix.

Experience Required:

• Extensive experience (+ years) in operational risk management and control within the financial services industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Education Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Advanced degree (MBA, MSc) preferred or related discipline.
• Professional certifications in the field of Operational risk management or equivalent are highly desirable.

Skills Required:

• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and industry best practices related to operational risk.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to influence and collaborate at the executive level.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to articulate complex concepts to diverse audience.

Employment / Job Type: Full Time

Nationality: UAE National (Emiratisation)

About the Company:

The largest bank in the United Arab Emirates by assets, formed in 2017 through the merger of National Bank of Abu Dhabi and First Gulf Bank. Listed in Abu Dhabi, FAB serves retail, corporate, investment, and private banking clients through a network spanning the Gulf, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Company Industry: Banking

Department / Functional Area: Operational Internal Control & Governance

Closing Date: 30 October 2026