Director of Operations

Director of Operations AI First Challenger Bank

Discover the opportunity

We have once again exclusively partnered with a leading financial services organisation who are building a groundbreaking new venture in the UAE. Our client is developing a mobile app designed with an AI-first approach for the modern digital world. This is not just another digital bank but a platform built from the ground up to leverage artificial intelligence for the next generation of users.

For this position, we are seeking an operations professional who has deep experience within the digital-first fintech space. We are looking for individuals who have helped scale well-known digital, mobile challenger, or neobanks, who understand the unique pace of a high-growth challenger bank.

Discover the role

As the Operations Lead, you will build and run the operating model for this AI-driven venture. You will ensure operational readiness and smooth customer servicing while navigating regulatory compliance and efficient process design. Your focus will be on transitioning the business from the build phase to a live environment ensuring every function is optimized for an automated AI-driven world.

You will be the bridge between technical innovation and operational excellence, leading the charge on how a modern bank should function in an era of total digital transformation.

Discover the requirements

• 10+ years of experience in digital banking operations
• Extensive background working within a digital-first fintech or neobank environment
• Deep experience with AI and automation practices applied to banking operations
• Proven ability to set up operations and standard operating procedures for new digital ventures
• Strong understanding of KYC, AML fraud and operational control units
• Experience leading workforce planning and the onboarding of operational teams
• Ability to align with compliance, legal, and risk teams to ensure full auditability
• Excellent coordination skills to manage go-live readiness and the transition from build to run
• Expertise in delivering operational performance through execution discipline