Compliance Officer - Automotive

Job Purpose

This role is responsible for making sure the automotive business units comply with the Principal’s business conduct guidelines, as well as all relevant laws and regulations in the operating territory. The position involves creating and rolling out a compliance framework, running awareness sessions for employees at all levels, reviewing operations for compliance gaps, recommending corrective actions, and coordinating follow-through. The Compliance Officer also maintains close coordination with the Principal’s compliance team, tracks regulatory changes, and serves as the main point of contact for compliance reviews and audits from the Principal or external bodies.

Key Accountabilities

Compliance Framework and Principal Relationship Management

Develop and execute a compliance structure that covers the core requirements set by Principals and regulators, helping strengthen the organization’s overall compliance practices.

Manage and preserve effective working relationships with Principal compliance teams and act as the central coordinator for all compliance reviews and audits conducted by Principals or outside agencies, including examples such as QMS (ISO9001), HSE audits, Distributor Retail Standards, and homologation applications in MOIAT.

Compliance Reviews and Investigations

Carry out routine compliance reviews to confirm that business activities align with the compliance framework.

Agree on corrective measures for identified gaps and monitor implementation to ensure action plans are completed on time.

Work with the Group Compliance Team on investigations, identify possible breaches of the framework, and document findings and recommendations.

Use data analysis tools and techniques to support investigations and clearly explain potential deficiencies or breaches.

Compliance Training

Help improve awareness of compliance by designing and delivering training programs that explain why compliance matters and how it applies across different roles, including selected business partners.

Internal Audit Coordination and SOP Review

Coordinate all internal audit activities by ensuring information is shared promptly and communication remains effective between Internal Auditors and the Business Unit.

Support timely completion of internal audit action plans and assist Business Units in implementing the required measures.

Help Business Units create or update SOPs and guidelines using best practices to improve processes, productivity, and operational efficiency.

Compliance Advisory

Advise the business so that operations remain aligned with the compliance framework.

Review and provide feedback on proposed contracts, transactions, offers, and similar business matters from a compliance standpoint.

Qualifications

A master’s degree in business management (MBA) is preferred.

Certification in Corporate Compliance and Ethics is required.

Background in internal audit is preferred.

Experience and Skills

The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of experience in retail automotive business operations and overall professional experience of 10 years or more.

Experience in delivering training sessions to employees at different levels is necessary.

Hands-on experience in compliance reviews or audits will be a strong advantage.

Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are essential, and Arabic proficiency is considered an added benefit.

Additional Information

Location: Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates.