Operations Director (Middle East)

The opportunity

As part of our continuing expansion of the EMEA business, and particularly the Middle East, we have an exciting opportunity for a senior practitioner and market name to take up the new role of Operations Director (Middle East).

Reporting to the UAE Country Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing and continually improving operations across the region ensuring that we maximise efficiency and consistency in all areas including financial and service metrics. The candidate will be responsible for coordinating such efforts working with Country Heads and the EMEA Senior Management Board (SMB) to maximise the Region’s potential.

This is a hybrid role combining operational management with an appropriate caseload, which is anticipated to be 50/50 but may vary depending on the business requirements.

The role will be office based and entail regular travel across the Middle East region.

Summary of responsibilities

• Working with the Country Managers and the EMEA SMB you will devise and lead the execution of the Middle East strategy for operational delivery identifying key areas for improvement in financial metrics, service delivery and process efficiency.
• Project Lead on new operational efficiencies in relation to systems and processes.
• Lead on recruitment pipeline and planning working with Country Managers and the Commercial Development Director.
• Working with the Country Managers lead on the development and delivery of a robust Quality Assurance and Audit programmes.
• Promote the use of and assist with the operational deployment of Specialists and adjacent Technical Services as appropriate and when highlighting the Middle East proposition.
• Maintain a highly positive and professional profile in the market from a practitioner perspective to include attending and presenting at industry events.
• Ensure the development and delivery of accurate and quality Client MI in an effective and efficient manner.
• Work closely with the newly appointed Commercial Development Director on pricing strategy and ensuring that opportunities are appropriately on boarded and then delivered with suitable escalation procedures.
• Maintain strong links with appropriate UK Heads and Technical Leads to ensure successful operational delivery of opportunities.
• Promote and lead on Thought Leadership Opportunities within the teams such that we raise the profile of individuals within the team and promote the McLarens offering to the widest audience.

Ideal requirements of the role

• Excellent communication and inter-personal skills
• Experience of managing a high performing remote team of senior personnel
• Previous experience in operational delivery roles
• A proven track record of building strong working relationships, externally and internally
• Strong stakeholder management with the ability to balance multiple deadlines
• Personal pride in delivering outputs on time, with a focus on quality and communication
• Enthusiasm and ambition to grow the role and the team, to continue achieving positive outcomes and growth targets
• Industry qualified.
• A willingness to travel where required.