Operations Director – AI Infrastructure
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Data Center & AI Infrastructure
Reporting Line: Senior Leadership
Role Overview
We are partnering with a fast‑growing AI infrastructure company to appoint an experienced Operations Director to lead the execution, governance, and operational control of large‑scale AI and data center infrastructure initiatives across the UAE.
This critical leadership role is responsible for ensuring seamless project delivery, regulatory compliance, and audit readiness, while managing complex vendor ecosystems and government relationships. The successful candidate will serve as the operational backbone of the organization as it scales sovereign AI computing capabilities in the region.
Key Responsibilities
1. Infrastructure Project Execution & Vendor Management
- Lead the end‑to‑end coordination of external partners, including data center design consultants, construction firms, IT vendors, and local utility providers.
- Ensure all infrastructure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to required technical and quality standards.
- Act as the primary escalation point for vendor performance, schedule risks, and delivery issues.
2. Documentation Control & KYC / Audit Readiness
- Establish and maintain a centralized document control framework covering all infrastructure and corporate operations.
- Ensure systematic archiving of engineering contracts, government approvals, licenses, leases, and financial records.
- Maintain continuous readiness for KYC, compliance audits, and due‑diligence reviews conducted by global banks, institutional investors, and sovereign wealth funds.
- Enforce strict documentation discipline across all operational activities.
3. Entity Compliance & Government Relations
- Serve as the primary custodian of UAE entity compliance, managing interactions with Free Zones, municipal authorities, and regulatory bodies.
- Ensure all corporate licenses, permits, certifications, and land approvals remain valid and compliant at all times.
- Oversee local PRO services to manage visas, labor documentation, and administrative requirements for employees and expatriate executives.
- Proactively manage regulatory risks and compliance timelines.
4. Administrative & Executive Logistics Oversight
- Provide high‑standard logistical and administrative support for visiting board members, global investors, and senior government stakeholders.
- Manage executive travel, accommodation, transportation, and meeting arrangements in line with professional and diplomatic standards.
- Support senior leadership with operational readiness for high‑visibility engagements.
Candidate Requirements
Experience
- 7–10 years of UAE‑based experience in a senior operations role such as Operations Director, Senior Project Manager, or PMO Lead.
- Background in large enterprises, multinational technology companies, or heavy/mission‑critical infrastructure sectors.
- Proven experience supporting data center (IDC) projects or complex, regulated infrastructure environments is highly preferred.
Core Competencies
- Strong execution mindset with the ability to translate plans into tangible results within complex vendor and regulatory ecosystems.
- Deep understanding of contract management, documentation standards, compliance, and KYC requirements.
- Proven ability to operate effectively within UAE regulatory frameworks and bureaucratic environments.
- Confident, authoritative leadership style capable of holding external contractors and service providers accountable.
- Excellent problem‑solving skills and sound judgment under pressure.
Language Requirements
- Native‑level fluency in English (spoken and written) for business communication and negotiation.
- Arabic fluency is highly advantageous.
