Director - Operational Resilience

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Director of Operational Resilience to join a rapidly growing financial services business based in Dubai. This role will focus on regulatory-driven operational risk management, with an emphasis on complying with newly issued UAE Central Bank regulations over the next 12-24 months. You will lead delivery efforts and help grow our GCC presence through targeted business development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Regulatory Implementation:
  Lead the delivery of operational resilience programs in alignment with UAE Central Bank's new operational risk management regulation.
• Leadership & Strategy:
  Build and scale a high-performing team, starting with 2-3 staff and expanding as needed. Set strategic direction for operational resilience engagements.
• Client Engagement & Delivery:
  Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for operational resilience across client engagements, providing leadership in risk assessments, continuity planning, and resilience frameworks.
• Business Development:
  Support Regional Director in identifying and winning new business opportunities in the GCC region, especially within banking and financial services.
• Market Coverage:
  Operate from Dubai with regional coverage including Qatar, Riyadh, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Occasional travel required.
• Collaboration:
  Work closely with consulting partners (Big Four and boutiques) and financial institutions to design and implement resilience solutions.

Candidate Profile

Essential Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years' experience in operational resilience, risk management, or regulatory compliance within the banking sector.
• Proven experience implementing regulatory frameworks related to operational risk or resilience.
• Strong stakeholder management and leadership skills, capable of building and managing teams in high-pressure environments.
• Delivery-oriented with an entrepreneurial mindset; able to operate in a fast-paced, evolving market.
• Previous GCC experience (preferred) or strong understanding of financial services in emerging markets.
• Practitioner background in banking highly desirable.

Desirable:

• Existing network across the GCC financial services landscape.
• Experience working with or for regulatory bodies or top-tier consultancies.
• Proficiency in Arabic is a plus but not required.