Chief Executive Officer

Confidential; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading training solutions provider in Dubai seeks a Chief Executive Officer to guide strategic growth, oversee operational excellence, and drive innovation in training initiatives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in executive leadership, particularly in the learning and development sector, and must be adept in building client relationships and managing financial plans. The role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of training solutions across corporate and government sectors.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience in executive leadership.
• At least 5 years in learning and development, consulting or education sectors.
• Proven track record in business growth and strategic execution.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a long-term growth strategy.
• Oversee program delivery, curriculum development, and trainer performance.
• Monitor key financial metrics and ensure profitability.

Skills

Strategic planning

Business development

Client engagement

Financial management

Talent development

Digital transformation

Education

MBA or Master's in Education

Job description

A GCC-based training solutions provider is looking for a Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization in the region.

Strategic Leadership

Develop and execute a long-term growth strategy that positions the company as a market leader in training and development services across corporate, government, and regional sectors.

Business Growth & Profitability

Drive sustainable revenue growth through service innovation, market expansion, operational efficiency, and high-impact client relationships across all three lines of business. Build brand loyalty by engaging clients across multiple lines of business.

Operational Excellence

Oversee high-quality program delivery, curriculum development, trainer performance, and learner outcomes to ensure excellence across all services.

Market Positioning & Brand Elevation

Strengthen the company’s brand as a thought leader in L&D by leveraging data, technology, and research to differentiate from competitors.

Organizational Culture & Talent Development

Build and maintain a high-performance culture that aligns with learning, innovation, and continuous improvement. Maintain and cultivate the company's corporate culture, ensuring it remains consistent and evolves as we expand.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Direction & Leadership

• Develop, refine, and execute a multi-year strategic plan in alignment with the Board’s vision.
• Identify emerging trends in corporate learning, AI, Learning Technology, and workforce development to ensure future readiness.
• Lead partnerships, M&A, and geographic expansion where relevant.

2. Business Development & Client Engagement

• Oversee key account relationships with corporate, government, and institutional clients.
• Build and maintain a strong network with C-suite stakeholders, L&D leaders, and policy influencers.
• Champion proposal development, tenders, and public-private collaborations to secure high-value contracts.

3. Financial Stewardship

• Prepare and manage the annual budget, forecasts, and financial plans to achieve revenue, margin, and EBITDA targets.
• Monitor key financial metrics and ensure profitability, cost control, and risk mitigation.
• Work with CFO to secure investment or funding if required.

4. Product & Service Innovation

• Oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of high-quality training programs tailored to market demand.
• Champion digital transformation, including blended learning, AI-powered tools, LMS platforms, and content digitization.
• Ensure services are aligned with international standards and measurable ROI for clients.
• Identify world-class products, services, or technology that might enhance our offering to clients and keep us ahead of the competition.

5. Talent & Organizational Development

• Build and lead a high-calibre executive and management team.
• Promote a strong performance culture and implement L&D initiatives for internal staff.
• Establish KPIs across departments, including sales, delivery, and content teams.

6. Governance, Compliance & Risk

• Ensure full compliance with regulatory, legal, and accreditation requirements.
• Maintain effective reporting to the Board and manage relationships with external auditors and government entities.
• Mitigate operational and reputational risks through robust internal controls.

7. Brand, Marketing & Thought Leadership

• Oversee marketing strategy, brand positioning, digital presence, and public relations.
• Represent the company at high-profile conferences, government roundtables, and international forums.
• Lead content publication strategy to position the company as a knowledge leader in the L&D sector.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 15 years of experience in executive leadership, with at least 5 years in L&D, consulting, or education sectors.
• Proven track record in business growth, strategic execution, and team leadership.
• Strong understanding of corporate training, workforce development, and digital learning tools.
• Experience working with public sector clients, particularly in the GCC or international markets, is a plus.
• MBA, Master’s in Education, or relevant qualifications preferred, but not a must.