Diju Thomas
Document Control Leadership for Complex Project Environments
I build structured, audit-ready document management systems aligned with ISO 9001, ISO 15489 and ISO 19650, transforming complex project environments into controlled, compliant, and intelligently governed information ecosystems. With over 20 years of experience across engineering and construction, I design and lead document control frameworks that ensure integrity, revision discipline, and sustained audit readiness.
The Problem I Solve
Most organizations treat
document control as an afterthought.
Unstructured drives, version conflicts, failed audits, and teams spending hours searching for the right document or worse, working from the wrong one.
I design governance frameworks, automated workflows, and high-performing teams that transform document chaos into a competitive advantage, aligned with ISO 9001, ISO 15489 and ISO 19650, audit-ready and built to scale.
About
Who I Am
With over 20 years of experience in document control, information governance, and ISO compliance, I have built and led document control functions across large-scale construction, security, and infrastructure projects in the UAE and the wider GCC region. My work sits at the intersection of systems thinking, quality assurance, and people development. I do not just manage documents; I design the frameworks, workflows, and governance structures that make organizations audit-ready, operationally efficient, and resilient to change. I hold an IRCA-certified ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor qualification and apply ISO principles not only during audits but in the daily architecture of how teams manage information. From automating approval workflows to building executive dashboards in Power BI, I bring a data-informed approach to a discipline that is often underestimated. Beyond operations, I design and deliver structured training programmes for cross-functional teams, translating complex compliance requirements into practical and actionable capability. I believe sustainable quality is built through people as much as through processes.
My Approach
Philosophy
Systems Before Documents
A document is only as strong as the system that governs it. I design the architecture first, including naming conventions, folder structures, and approval matrices, so the documents follow with clarity and control.
People Make Systems Work
Even the best EDMS will fail if the team does not understand it. Training is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing investment in sustainable quality and operational discipline.
Data-Informed Governance
Document control generates valuable data. I use Power BI, Power Query, and Excel to transform that data into actionable insight for leadership, not just compliance reporting.
Audit-Ready by Default
I build processes that are audit-ready from day one rather than assembled under pressure before an inspection. ISO alignment, guided by principles such as ISO 9001, ISO 15489 and ISO 9001:2015, is a design principle, not a checkbox.
Technology Stack
Digital Systems & Automation
The tools I use to build governance frameworks that scale.
EDMS
- Aconex
- SharePoint
- Primavera Expedition
- IBM Maximo
Data & Analytics
- Power BI
- MS Access
- Advanced Excel
- Google Sheets
Process & Governance
- ISO 9001
- ISO 15489
- ISO 19650
- PMBOK
Automation & Workflow
- Power Automate
- SharePoint Workflows
- Excel Macros
- App Script
What Colleagues Say
Recommendations
From LinkedIn — colleagues across construction, security, and infrastructure projects.
“Diju delivered highly effective, hands-on Excel training across departments, covering dashboards, PivotTables, and real-world data applications. His clarity, engagement, and practical systems thinking consistently earned outstanding feedback and repeat sessions.”
Aasia Al Marzooqi
HR - Training and Development Manager · Etimad
“Diju developed advanced Excel dashboards that improved project visibility across milestones, budgets, and procurement cycles. His analytical approach enabled faster decision-making, early risk identification, and stronger reporting discipline in construction environments.”
Shibu Varghese MCIOB, PMP
Senior Project/Program Manager · Infrastructure Projects · Etimad
“Diju led the development of a comprehensive Project Management System aligned with PMBOK and ISO standards, strengthening governance and audit readiness. His practical implementation approach ensured usability across cross-functional teams.”
Tareq Alhammadi
Senior Project Manager (PMP) · Etimad
“Diju introduced structured productivity improvements, including an invoice approval tracking system and advanced Outlook workflow practices. His disciplined, process-driven mindset consistently enhanced communication and operational control.”
Mohamed Alhosani
Project Manager | Complex Infrastructure & Security Projects · Etimad
Signature Achievements
What I've Built
Proven impact across mega-projects in the Middle East.
Career History
Professional Experience
Document Control Supervisor
Etimad Strategic Security Solutions LLC
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Jan 2016 – Present
Key Impacts
- ▸Led team of 10 controllers across 4 programs and 40+ projects
- ▸Automated invoice workflow — 50% time saved, 20% fewer errors
- ▸Reduced document search time by 40% via structured drive reorganization
- ▸Built ISO 9001-aligned management system across all programs
Tools & Systems
Lead Document Control Specialist (Onshore Projects)
ATS Group Ltd
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Jan 2011 – Dec 2015
Key Impacts
- ▸Standardized document control procedures across multiple engineering projects, improving version control integrity and reducing document discrepancies.
- ▸Implemented structured shared drive governance aligned with ISO 9001 principles, increasing retrieval speed and audit traceability.
- ▸Developed advanced Excel-based trackers and reporting tools that improved transmittal tracking accuracy and management visibility.
- ▸Strengthened coordination between engineering, procurement, and quality teams by enforcing consistent document workflows and approval matrices.
- ▸Improved audit readiness by eliminating duplicate records and enforcing controlled document numbering conventions.
Tools & Systems
Senior Document Controller
Morganti Group Inc.
Dubai, UAE
Jan 2007 – Dec 2011
Key Impacts
- ▸Managed high-volume construction documentation in a multinational project environment, ensuring controlled distribution and compliance with contractual requirements.
- ▸Reduced document turnaround time by optimizing transmittal workflows and improving communication between site and head office teams.
- ▸Introduced structured filing methodologies that minimized information loss and strengthened project closeout documentation quality.
- ▸Supported project audits and inspections by maintaining accurate revision histories and document registers.
- ▸Enhanced reporting accuracy for project management through improved tracking of drawings, RFIs, and submittals.
Tools & Systems
Document Controller
Abdulla Fouad Holding Co.
Saudi Arabia
Jan 2003 – Dec 2007
Key Impacts
- ▸Established foundational document control processes in alignment with corporate quality standards, ensuring consistent record management practices.
- ▸Maintained structured registers for drawings, vendor documents, and project correspondence, improving tracking accuracy.
- ▸Supported engineering and procurement functions by ensuring timely document circulation and controlled revisions.
- ▸Contributed to smoother project execution by minimizing document-related delays and miscommunications.
- ▸Developed strong cross-department coordination skills while managing multi-discipline project documentation.
Tools & Systems
Core Competencies
What I Do Best
Click any competency to see my specialized approach.
Strategic Skills
Technical Domains
Recognition
Appreciations
Select any document to view the full certificate.
In-House MS Excel Training
ISO Certification Achievement
Performance Appreciation – 2025
Performance Appreciation – 2020
Letter of Appreciation – ATS Newsletter
Recommendation – Contracts Manager
Credentials
Education & Certifications
Education
BSc (Information Technology)
Sikkim Manipal University
2012
Certifications
ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor (QMS)
IRCA
Ref: A18037
Project Management Professional (PMP) Training
Etimad Holding
Ready to collaborate?
Let's Connect
Whether you're looking for a Document Control Leader, a corporate trainer, or a systems auditor — I'd be glad to connect and explore how I can add value to your next project.
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