Head of Central Operations

About the Role

A leading bank in the UAE is seeking an experienced Head of Central Operations to lead and transform their operations function based in Abu Dhabi. This strategic leadership position involves overseeing the centralization of operational activities, enhancing service delivery, embedding technology-driven efficiencies, and establishing a robust operational control framework aligned with the bank's growth strategy.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Drive strategic leadership across the Central Operations division, fostering operational excellence and supporting broad organizational transformation goals.
• Spearhead initiatives to simplify, standardize, and optimize operational workflows to increase efficiency, scalability, and improve customer outcomes.
• Lead automation and digitization efforts by identifying opportunities to reduce manual processes using technology and improved workflows.
• Collaborate with Technology, Risk, Compliance, and business units to implement enhanced processes and new operating models effectively.
• Develop and monitor performance metrics and governance frameworks to boost productivity, service quality, and operational resilience.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by applying best practices, Lean methodologies, and operational excellence programs.
• Ensure strong operational controls are in place, complying with internal governance and regulatory requirements.
• Guide and support a diverse operations team by fostering talent growth and a collaborative high-performing culture.
• Provide operational support for strategic business initiatives, acquisitions, and change management programs to ensure readiness and smooth execution.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Banking, Operations Management, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of 12 years' experience in banking operations, particularly in Central Operations, Shared Services, Operations Excellence, or Business Transformation.
• Proven success in leading large-scale automation, digitization, or operational transformation projects within the banking sector.
• Deep expertise in operating model design, process improvement, workflow automation, and managing service delivery.
• Demonstrated capability to deliver tangible enhancements in operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and cost reduction.
• Strong influence skills and experience leading cross-functional transformation and change initiatives among senior stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership, project management, analytical, and communication abilities.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) is a plus.
• Fluency in English is essential; Arabic language skills are highly desirable.

Additional Information

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their applications directly in response to this announcement.