Head of Operations

About Art Dubai GroupArt Dubai Group is a public-private partnership with Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) founded in 2007, and has grown to become the most experienced cultural programming company in the Gulf.

Comprising more than 30 initiatives, including the region’s leading art and design fairs and festivals, it is a provider of industry expertise to the business and government sectors, alongside year-round commissioning and professional development programmes.

The group’s flagship initiatives include Art Dubai, the Middle East’s pre-eminent international art fair; Downtown Design, the region’s leading design fair with a focus on high quality and original design; Dubai Design Week, the region’s largest design festival; and Prototypes for Humanity, the world’s largest and most diverse assembly of academics addressing social and environmental challenges.

About the Role

We are seeking a Head of Operations to lead Art Dubai Group's cross-company functions and drive operational excellence across the organization, with end-to-end accountability for operational performance and team management.

In this pivotal role, you will lead Operations, Finance, HR, IT, CRM, Travel Management and Office Management - building efficient, compliant, and scalable operations that support our growing portfolio of initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the cross-company functions spanning Operations, Finance, HR, IT, CRM, Travel Management and Office Management - driving operational excellence and efficiency company-wide.
• Manage financial operations in collaboration with the Finance team, including FP&A and General Accounting.
• Drive the HR function, including recruitment, staff development, and performance management, ensuring alignment with the company’s values and objectives.
• Oversee the management of office spaces and storage facilities, ensuring they meet the company’s needs and safety standards.
• Ensure that IT infrastructure and systems are robust, secure, and up-to-date, aligning with operational needs.
• Oversee the CRM team and ensure the company database is continually enhanced and is secure.
• Continuously improve operational processes and implement best practices across all departments.
• Continuously review suppliers and secure cost savings through negotiation of better prices and finding synergies is costs.
• Work closely with legal advisors to ensure that all operations are compliant with local regulations and industry standards.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in operations or business management, with proven leadership of cross-functional teams, particularly Operations, Finance, IT and HR.Excellent organizational and project management skills; ability to prioritize multiple competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, hands-on, and solutions-focused approach.
• Leadership experience with the ability to manage and develop a team.
• Experience within the creative industries, events, or cultural sectors is preferred.

How to apply

Please share your CV via this job posting.

Please note that this is an on-site role requiring office attendance five days a week.