Role Purpose

The Director – Operations & Development will lead the establishment, management, and continuous improvement of the organisation's operational framework, ensuring that strategic priorities are translated into disciplined execution and measurable results.

Operating with a remit similar to a lean Chief Operating Officer, the role will initially be highly hands-on, personally establishing core workflows, project management disciplines, performance dashboards, budget controls and operating processes.

The Director will oversee the overall operational performance of the team, coordinate cross-functional priorities and ensure projects, programmes and institutional initiatives are delivered effectively, on time and within budget.

As the organisation develops, the role will also assess operational capability requirements and build the appropriate structures, systems and support functions required for sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Institutional Build-Out

Establish and manage the organisation's overall operating model, workflows, governance and operational rhythms.
Develop practical processes, procedures and controls that support efficient day-to-day operations.
Personally lead the implementation of operational tools and disciplines during the organisation's development stage.
Identify operational gaps and recommend improvements to systems, structures and resources.
Build scalable operating practices capable of supporting future organisational growth.

Portfolio & Project Management

Establish and maintain a central view of all strategic projects, initiatives, programmes and deliverables.
Develop project trackers, implementation plans, milestones, dependencies and accountability mechanisms.
Monitor progress against agreed timelines and proactively address delays, risks and delivery challenges.
Coordinate priorities across multiple teams and stakeholders.
Ensure clear ownership and accountability for key initiatives.

Performance Management

Develop and maintain management dashboards, KPIs and performance reporting.
Establish regular operational and performance review meetings.
Track organisational and departmental performance against agreed objectives.
Provide management with clear visibility of progress, risks, priorities and required interventions.
Drive follow-through on decisions and agreed actions.

Budget & Resource Management

Coordinate annual operational planning and budgeting.
Monitor budgets, expenditure, commitments and financial performance.
Ensure resources are appropriately allocated against organisational priorities.
Work closely with finance, procurement and relevant support functions.
Support management in identifying efficiencies and optimising operating costs.

Team & Organisational Oversight

Coordinate the overall operational performance of the Club team.
Ensure effective collaboration and information flow across functions.
Support the General Manager in establishing priorities and monitoring team delivery.
Identify organisational capability and manpower requirements as operations expand.
Support the development of clear roles, responsibilities and accountability structures.

Governance & Reporting

Establish effective governance, escalation and decision-making processes.
Prepare management reports, operational updates and executive-level presentations.
Maintain appropriate documentation of key decisions, actions and performance.
Ensure risks, issues and dependencies are identified and escalated appropriately.

Development & Continuous Improvement

Identify opportunities to improve organisational efficiency, productivity and quality.
Introduce appropriate tools, systems and technology to improve operational visibility and execution.
Support the development of partnerships, initiatives and new organisational capabilities where required.
Benchmark operating practices and introduce relevant best practices.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate should be a hands-on senior operator with a strong record of turning organisational priorities into structured, measurable execution.

The role is particularly suited to candidates who have helped establish, scale or professionalise an organisation, business unit, government entity, foundation, association or similarly dynamic environment.

Candidates whose experience is primarily advisory, consulting or strategy development without direct responsibility for implementation and operational ownership would be less suitable.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Operations, Finance, Engineering or a related discipline.
Master's degree or MBA is advantageous.
Ideally 15+ years of relevant professional experience, including significant responsibility for operations, PMO, programme management, business management or organisational performance.
Demonstrated experience establishing operational processes, project management disciplines and performance frameworks.
Strong experience managing multiple projects and organisational priorities simultaneously.
Experience managing or coordinating budgets and financial performance.
Experience overseeing multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders.
Proven ability to operate effectively in an evolving or fast-growing organisation.
Experience within government, semi-government, institutional, communications, media or similarly fast-paced environments is advantageous.
Media experience is preferred but not mandatory.

Core Competencies

Operational Leadership
Portfolio & Programme Management
Project Execution
Performance Management & KPIs
Organisational Build-Out
Budget & Financial Management
Process Design & Improvement
Team Leadership
Stakeholder Management
Executive Reporting & Governance

Director of Operations & Development - Emirati Applicants