Operations Lead, DEEP Qatar

About the organization

ESMT Berlin is an internationally recognized business school headquartered in central Berlin. Established by 25 global companies, it provides master’s, MBA, PhD, and executive education programs delivered in Berlin and across international, online, and blended settings. The school’s mission is rooted in collaboration across teams to develop entrepreneurial leaders who think globally and act responsibly.

DEEP, the Institute for Deep Tech Innovation, is ESMT’s innovation platform focused on helping science-based ventures grow. It supports scientists in commercializing technologies, helps deep tech startups expand internationally, and connects research institutions with startup and innovation communities. DEEP currently runs initiatives in Healthcare, Natural Capital, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and Compute, and is expanding into Qatar.

Role summary

This is an on-site role in Doha for the Operations Lead of DEEP Qatar. The position is expected to begin in August–September 2026 and is structured as a 40-hour work week. The Operations Lead will serve as the operational anchor for DEEP Qatar, ensuring the local site runs smoothly, supporting budget monitoring, and providing operational assistance to DEEP Academy, DEEP Pioneers, and CDL Doha.

The role requires strong familiarity with business customs and cultural context in Qatar and the wider GCC. In the first year, the focus is on building operating foundations in a new market; later, the responsibility shifts toward scaling and strengthening that setup as the programs mature.

Key responsibilities

• Keep the Qatar entity running in compliance with local day-to-day obligations across accounting, HR, legal, IT, and office administration.
• Work with the company secretary and external legal counsel on governance and operational matters.
• Oversee banking operations, including account administration, vendor payments, and expense management systems.
• Handle office leases, supplier agreements, and vendor relationships.
• Coordinate the logistics for onboarding new employees locally.
• Track program budgets across initiatives, reconcile spending with budget allocations, and share regular updates with the Director.
• Support the Program Manager with project-level budget oversight.
• Provide operational support to DEEP Academy, DEEP Pioneers, and CDL Doha, including assistance with Academy curriculum refinement and ecosystem day preparation.
• Coordinate with the Berlin team on shared services, operational alignment, and reporting.
• Build and maintain business systems and workflows that support the Director and broader team in business development, partnerships, and delivery.
• Manage tools such as CRM platforms, pipeline tracking, internal reporting, and operational processes.
• Bring local insight on Qatari and GCC business practices, decision-making norms, and cultural nuances to help the team navigate the market effectively.
• Brief the team on the regional startup and innovation ecosystem, including accelerators, networks, and communities relevant to scouting for Pioneers and CDL.
• Keep track of local vendors that may support program delivery and share useful intelligence with the team.
• Lead local equipment management, including IT hardware, screens, AV equipment, and connectivity.
• Resolve everyday local IT and infrastructure issues so the team can work smoothly without interruptions.

Candidate profile

The ideal candidate is a hands-on operator with a strong understanding of how business works in Qatar and across the GCC. You should be comfortable running an entity, monitoring budgets, and creating practical systems, while also recognizing important local signals early and acting on them. The role calls for someone who can work independently in a small, growing team without an established playbook.

Must-have qualifications

• 5 to 8 years of professional experience, with substantial time spent living or working in Qatar or the wider GCC.
• Strong understanding of local business customs, practices, and decision-making patterns in the region.
• Experience managing operations in an international organization, including budget tracking and financial reporting.
• Working knowledge of Arabic.
• Prior experience launching new operations or entering new geographies.
• Comfort working in a small, scaling team with limited structure or precedent.

Preferred experience

• Direct exposure to the Qatari government or sovereign / quasi-government institutions.
• Experience in a startup, accelerator, university, or innovation ecosystem.
• Background in setting up and managing CRM, pipeline tracking, or other operational systems.
• Experience managing IT, vendors, and suppliers in a lean team environment.

Additional experience that would help

• Connections with QSTP, Qatar Foundation, QRDI, QIA, or major Qatari universities.

Why join

ESMT offers a collaborative international workplace with employees from more than 55 nationalities. The organization values initiative, independence, and work that creates lasting impact. It is an equal opportunity employer committed to a fair and inclusive environment where people of all backgrounds and identities are welcomed and respected.

Application requirements

Applicants should submit the following through the online application form:

• CV, including relevant certificates and references.
• Salary expectations and the earliest possible start date.
• A short response to the question: what you enjoy about creating operational structure from scratch, and why you want to channel that energy into a fast-moving startup ecosystem in Qatar rather than a traditional corporate environment.

Contact

ESMT Berlin
Viktoriya Rodina, Human Resources Coordinator
Schlossplatz 1, 10178 Berlin
Tel: 030 21231 0