Associate Director - Recruitment Leadership

About the Role

We are seeking a driven and entrepreneurial Associate Director to spearhead the launch and expansion of our new office in Dubai. This senior role offers a unique chance to lead a dedicated team and shape the presence of an established international recruitment firm in the Middle East. The position demands ownership of business development, client engagement, and team leadership within specialist professional recruitment sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Initiate and grow the Dubai office operations.
• Secure new clients, particularly professional services firms and high-profile customers across the UAE and wider Middle East.
• Forge lasting relationships with senior-level decision makers.
• Manage delivery of executive and niche specialist recruitment projects.
• Recruit, mentor, and lead a dynamic recruitment team.
• Collaborate on strategic planning and regional expansion efforts.
• Engage closely with leadership on growth and development initiatives.

Candidate Profile

• A proven recruiter with ideally over five years' experience.
• Proficient in winning new business and cultivating client relationships.
• Entrepreneurial approach with the confidence to develop a new market independently.
• Leadership qualities or strong motivation to step into a leadership capacity.
• Commercially astute and business-minded.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Recruitment experience in consulting, economics, data, analytics, technology, or other specialized professional sectors is preferred but not mandatory. Success in any recruitment niche that demonstrates ability to build and grow a business is welcomed.

What We Provide

• Autonomous leadership to establish and expand the Dubai office.
• Support from a well-established international firm.
• Progression opportunities to senior leadership with business growth.
• Competitive salary supplemented by unlimited commission earnings.
• Potential equity or long-term incentives for exceptional candidates.
• Relocation assistance where applicable.
• Opportunity to build and shape your own team, making a lasting impact.