Director - Operational Resilience

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Director of Operational Resilience to join a rapidly growing financial services business based in Dubai. This role will focus on regulatory-driven operational risk management, with an emphasis on complying with newly issued UAE Central Bank regulations over the next 12–24 months. You will lead delivery efforts and help grow our GCC presence through targeted business development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Regulatory Implementation:
  Lead the delivery of operational resilience programs in alignment with UAE Central Bank's new operational risk management regulation.
• Leadership & Strategy:
  Build and scale a high-performing team, starting with 2–3 staff and expanding as needed. Set strategic direction for operational resilience engagements.
• Client Engagement & Delivery:
  Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for operational resilience across client engagements, providing leadership in risk assessments, continuity planning, and resilience frameworks.
• Business Development:
  Support Regional Director in identifying and winning new business opportunities in the GCC region, especially within banking and financial services.
• Market Coverage:
  Operate from Dubai with regional coverage including Qatar, Riyadh, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Occasional travel required.
• Collaboration:
  Work closely with consulting partners (Big Four and boutiques) and financial institutions to design and implement resilience solutions.

Candidate Profile

Essential Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in operational resilience, risk management, or regulatory compliance within the banking sector.
• Proven experience implementing regulatory frameworks related to operational risk or resilience.
• Strong stakeholder management and leadership skills, capable of building and managing teams in high-pressure environments.
• Delivery-oriented with an entrepreneurial mindset; able to operate in a fast-paced, evolving market.
• Previous GCC experience (preferred) or strong understanding of financial services in emerging markets.
• Practitioner background in banking highly desirable.

Desirable:

• Existing network across the GCC financial services landscape.
• Experience working with or for regulatory bodies or top-tier consultancies.
• Proficiency in Arabic is a plus but not required.