Senior Director of Operations

We are advising on a senior operational leadership appointment for a high-profile, Abu Dhabi based strategic initiative.

This role sits one level below the C-suite and will lead core internal functions including HR, Commercial, Procurement, Finance, Legal, Real Estate and IT, ensuring robust governance, financial discipline and operational scalability.

The appointment is suited to an experienced Director / VP-level leader seeking a broader institutional remit within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

The Senior Director of Operations will

• Shape and execute operational strategy aligned to long-term institutional objectives
• Oversee performance frameworks, KPIs and reporting across multiple functions
• Ensure strong financial oversight, budget governance and cost optimisation
• Lead process optimisation and digital enablement initiatives
• Manage vendor ecosystems and service delivery standards
• Act as a trusted operational advisor to senior leadership

This is a strategic yet hands-on leadership role requiring both executive presence and operational depth.

We are seeking individuals who demonstrate

• 15+ years’ progressive experience in operations, corporate services or transformation
• Senior leadership experience at Director / VP / Head of level
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, with direct budget ownership
• Experience overseeing Finance, HR, Procurement, Real Estate and IT functions
• A background within UAE government, sovereign-backed entities, regulated environments or complex institutions
• A track record of driving performance, governance and organisational improvement
• Experience in a start-up environment will be highly advantageous

Emirati nationals are of particular interest, though all suitably qualified candidates will be considered.