Chief of Staff to the CEO

Client of Hanson Search Ltd; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 800,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Abu Dhabi-based strategic investment organisation is seeking a Chief of Staff to the CEO to act as the CEO's trusted partner and connective tissue of the executive office. You will drive priorities, manage key stakeholder relationships and ensure leadership alignment to turn strategy into delivery.

The role demands exceptional judgment, discretion and credibility when interacting with senior leaders internally and externally, with an MBA or relevant qualification as an advantage and Arabic

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in strategy consulting or equivalent at CEO/board level.
• Experience working with C-suite or board members in UAE or GCC.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and written communication skills.
• Discretion and credibility to interact with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Act as strategic adviser and thought partner to the CEO with briefings and recommendations.
• Drive delivery of strategic initiatives and hold teams accountable.
• Manage the CEO's office, governance cycles and board preparation.
• Coordinate high-level stakeholder engagement with government entities and partners.
• Lead or oversee special projects from organisational change to partnerships.

Skills

Strategy consulting

CEO Office

C-suite liaison

Governance

Stakeholder management

Arabic language

Education

MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification

Job description

We are partnering with a prominent Abu Dhabi-based strategic investment organisation on the appointment of a Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive Officer. This is a rare opportunity to work at the centre of decision making, partnering closely with the CEO to turn strategy into delivery.

The role: Chief of Staff to the CEO.

As Chief of Staff you will be the CEO s most trusted partner and the connective tissue of the executive office. You will drive priorities, manage key stakeholder relationships, and ensure the leadership team is aligned and focused. The role demands exceptional judgement, discretion and the ability to operate with credibility at the most senior levels internally and externally.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as strategic adviser and thought partner to the CEO preparing briefings analysis and recommendations on priority matters
• Drive the delivery of strategic initiatives tracking progress and holding teams to account on behalf of the CEO
• Manage the CEO s office including governance cycles executive committee meetings and Board preparation
• Coordinate high-level stakeholder engagement with government entities partners and senior delegations
• Lead or oversee special projects from organisational change to new partnerships
• Ensure seamless communication and alignment across the executive leadership team

Requirements

• Extensive experience in strategy consulting, a CEO or Chairman s office, government or a senior corporate strategy role
• Experience working closely with C-suite or Board-level leaders in the UAE or wider GCC
• Outstanding analytical, problem-solving and written communication skills
• The diplomacy, discretion and presence to represent the CEO with senior stakeholders
• A strong academic background; an MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is an advantage, as is Arabic language capability