Business Operations Manager

Professional.me; Dubai; On-site; AED 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment firm in Dubai is seeking a Business Operations Manager to oversee daily operations and ensure regulatory compliance. This role requires extensive experience in financial services, the ability to implement efficient processes, and strong leadership capabilities. Key responsibilities include improving workflows, managing vendors, and ensuring adherence to investment strategies. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the firm's operational excellence and strategic growth while collaborating with various teams to deliver high-quality support services.

Benefits

Opportunity for professional development

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in business operations management within financial services.
• In-depth knowledge of investment firm operations and compliance.
• Proven ability to improve complex workflows.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily business operations and ensure alignment with investment strategies.
• Implement policies to maximize efficiency and mitigate risks.
• Manage vendor relationships and lead operational due diligence.

Skills

Business operations management

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field

Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft Power BI

Salesforce

SAP

Job description

About the Client

Our client is a Dubai-based investment company focused on delivering strong financial performance and sustainable long-term value. Leveraging the UAE’s position as a global financial hub, the firm combines regional market expertise with international investment insight to build diversified portfolios across equities, real estate, private markets, and alternative assets. With a client‑centric philosophy, the company serves high‑net‑worth individuals, family offices, and institutional investors, emphasizing transparency, disciplined risk management, and customized strategies that preserve and grow capital in dynamic economic environments.

About the Role

The Business Operations Manager position is a mid‑to‑senior level role responsible for overseeing, streamlining, and optimizing the daily operations of an investment firm. This role is pivotal in ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and the seamless execution of business processes that support the firm's strategic objectives. The position requires a strong background in financial services operations, a deep understanding of investment industry standards, and the ability to drive continuous improvement in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate all aspects of daily business operations, ensuring alignment with the firm's investment strategies and regulatory requirements.
• Develop, implement, and refine operational policies, procedures, and best practices to maximize efficiency and mitigate operational risks.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for process improvement and cost optimization.
• Collaborate closely with portfolio managers, compliance officers, finance, and IT teams to ensure seamless workflow integration and information sharing.
• Manage vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and service level agreements to ensure high‑quality support services.
• Lead operational due diligence for new investment products, onboarding processes, and client account management.
• Ensure strict adherence to local and international regulatory standards, including AML, KYC, and data privacy requirements.
• Oversee the preparation and review of operational reports, management dashboards, and regulatory filings.
• Drive the adoption of technology solutions and automation tools to enhance operational efficiency and data accuracy.
• Mentor and develop operations staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Coordinate business continuity planning, risk management initiatives, and incident response protocols.

Required Experience & Skills

• Extensive experience (typically 5+ years) in business operations management within the investment, asset management, or broader financial services sector.
• In-depth knowledge of investment firm operations, including trade settlement, cash management, compliance, and client onboarding.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks relevant to investment firms in Dubai and international jurisdictions (e.g., DFSA, ESCA, FATCA, AML/KYC).
• Proven ability to analyze complex operational workflows, identify inefficiencies, and implement effective process improvements.
• Advanced proficiency in business process mapping, project management methodologies, and operational risk assessment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across multi‑disciplinary teams and present to senior leadership.
• High level of proficiency with business management software, CRM platforms, and data analytics tools (e.g., MS Excel, Power BI, Salesforce).
• Demonstrated experience in vendor management, contract negotiation, and service delivery oversight.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience with digital transformation initiatives and the implementation of automation technologies in operational settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Operations Management, or a related field is required.
• Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) or relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, CFA, CAIA, Six Sigma) are highly desirable.
• Formal training in regulatory compliance, risk management, or process improvement methodologies is advantageous.

Tools & Technologies

• Business management and workflow automation platforms (e.g., Salesforce, SAP, Oracle)
• Data analytics and reporting tools (e.g., Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, Advanced Excel)
• Document management and collaboration tools (e.g., SharePoint, Microsoft Teams)
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
• Financial and investment management systems (e.g., Bloomberg Terminal, FactSet, Eikon)
• Compliance and risk management platforms (e.g., World-Check, Actimize)

This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the operational effectiveness and strategic growth of a leading investment firm. The Business Operations Manager will play a key role in shaping operational excellence, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting the firm's reputation for reliability and innovation in the financial sector.

By applying to this position, you are granting us permission to process your CV and keep your profile on file for consideration for this and future opportunities.