Operations Manager

About the Role

Arabian Wanderers is growing into new markets, and this position is meant for an experienced operations leader who can own the company’s core delivery engine. The role is both strategic and hands-on: you will shape how trips are run, while also being present in the field to ensure every experience across the UAE and other destinations meets a high standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit, train, and schedule freelance guides, astronomers, and yoga instructors for B2C, school, and corporate programs.
• Spend time on-site leading major activations such as school outings, corporate events, and busy weekend departures with large guest groups.
• Support the Operations Supervisor in coordinating all backend trip logistics, including transport, 4x4 vehicles, support staff, tents, equipment, and catering for camping experiences in the UAE.
• Work with local operations leads in Oman, Jordan, and Socotra to align responsibilities across all trips.
• Maintain consistent service quality, safety standards, and guest experience across every destination.
• Partner with the sales team by delivering product training, building itineraries, preparing cost breakdowns, and joining presentations for schools and corporate clients.
• Create and enforce operating procedures for quality, health, and safety across all workflows.
• Collect guest feedback regularly and turn it into practical service improvements.
• Make sure liability waivers are completed for all trips in every destination.
• Design SOPs that simplify, standardize, and automate operations wherever possible.
• Manage contracts with third-party vendors and suppliers.
• Keep operating expenses as controlled and efficient as possible.

Requirements

• Background in a senior operations or leadership position.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams across different functions.
• Prior exposure to travel, tourism, adventure, or events work is preferred.
• Experience working across multiple countries or regions is preferred.
• Strong planning, coordination, and troubleshooting abilities.
• Comfort with fieldwork and outdoor environments.
• Genuine interest in outdoor activities and experiences.
• Confident speaking with corporate clients, schools, and varied internal teams.
• Valid driving license.
• Currently based in the UAE, or open to relocating there.
• Passport eligibility that permits travel to Oman, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.

What We Offer

• Salary that will be aligned with the candidate’s experience.
• Equity participation in a rapidly growing adventure business.
• Visa support will be provided.
• A high-responsibility role with strong ownership and scope to grow.
• The chance to build the operational structure of a company expanding across the region.