Operations Director

We are supporting a confidential search for a Director of Operations to join a growing, government-backed organization based in Ras Al Khaimah.

About the Role

This is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing and strengthening key operational functions across the organization, including government relations, HR, legal, compliance, licensing/registry operations, and internal processes. The original scope places the role as a key member of the leadership team reporting directly to the CEO. The successful candidate will play a key role in building scalable operational frameworks, improving cross-functional collaboration, strengthening governance, and ensuring the organization operates efficiently and in line with UAE regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee core operational functions across the organization
• Develop and implement operational frameworks, policies, SOPs, and end-to-end processes
• Drive collaboration between departments and resolve operational challenges
• Manage senior relationships with government entities, regulators, partners, and key stakeholders
• Oversee licensing, registration, compliance, and governance-related activities
• Improve service delivery through process optimization and technology-enabled workflows
• Establish KPIs and performance dashboards to monitor operational effectiveness
• Identify and mitigate operational risks
• Build, lead, and develop high-performing teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Law, Public Policy, or a related discipline

Required Skills

• 8+ years of progressive operational leadership experience
• Strong understanding of the UAE regulatory and government landscape
• Proven experience managing multiple functions and cross-functional teams
• Strong senior stakeholder and government relationship management experience
• Experience developing operational frameworks and driving process improvement

Preferred Skills

• Experience within a government entity, free zone, regulatory authority, business setup environment, or similarly complex organization is highly preferred