Head of Operations

Overview

This senior leadership position is based in the United Arab Emirates with a global financial services firm operating fully remotely. The Head of Operations will be instrumental in shaping and expanding the operational framework of a technology-driven, global financial organization, focusing on efficiency, compliance, and exceptional service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement a robust operations strategy aligned with the company’s goals, emphasizing scalability, quality, efficiency, and compliance.
• Lead multiple operational divisions such as payments, treasury, reconciliations, business operations, and card operations.
• Take ownership of the operational performance by setting clear metrics, controls, and driving ongoing improvements to maintain superior service levels.
• Accelerate process improvement initiatives, automation, and operational transformation through the adoption of structured methodologies, technology, data analytics, and AI-based solutions.
• Develop and standardize operating procedures for enhanced consistency, efficiency, and operational transparency.
• Cultivate and mentor a high-performing operations team fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous enhancement.
• Work closely with compliance, risk management, and financial crime departments to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Implement operational risk management practices including monitoring, reporting, controls, and audit preparedness.
• Collaborate with leaders across technology, data, HR, and client service teams to achieve seamless business integration.
• Manage digital asset settlement operations end-to-end, including reconciliation, wallet oversight, custody controls, and crypto-fiat transaction processes.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years progressive experience leading operations in regulated financial sectors such as banking, fintech, or wealth management.
• Proven ability in managing and expanding several operational functions including payments, treasury, settlements, and business operations.
• Expertise in operational transformation, scalable process design, automation, and continuous process improvement.
• In-depth knowledge of financial regulations, AML frameworks, compliance standards, and financial crime prevention.
• Demonstrated success in leading and developing multidisciplinary, high-performing teams.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, stakeholder engagement, and complex problem-solving skills.
• Strategic thinker capable of translating business goals into effective operational plans.
• Experience in cryptocurrency, blockchain, or digital asset operations is highly preferred.
• Comfortable and effective working autonomously in a fully remote, global environment with reliable internet and a dedicated workspace.

Benefits and Work Environment

• Fully remote work allowing location independence.
• Flexible work hours granting autonomy over scheduling.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and role responsibilities.
• Generous paid time off policies supporting work-life balance and well-being.
• Collaborate with a global and high-performing team on impactful tech-centric projects.
• Annual professional development budget for learning resources including courses, books, and conferences.
• Opportunity to contribute to pioneering solutions shaping the future landscape of financial services.

Additional Information

This role operates under a partner company responsible for managing applications and subsequent recruitment processes. The recruitment process involves unbiased AI-powered application screening to identify the best candidates, with final hiring decisions made by the partner employer's internal team.

Applicants should have access to a dedicated workspace and stable high-speed internet to ensure productivity in a fully remote setting.