Chief Operating Officer

eFinancialCareers; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to oversee critical business functions, including investor relations, marketing, fund operations, and finance oversight. The successful candidate will have a minimum of 15 years of experience and a proven track record in senior leadership roles, driving operational success and strategic growth. This role calls for a strong communicator with expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks and optimizing operational efficiencies.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years in senior finance or fund operations.
• Experience as COO or in senior leadership in investment management.
• Proven success in leading cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage investor communications and relationships.
• Oversee the firm’s marketing strategy and brand positioning.
• Lead all fund operations including NAV oversight.
• Manage financial services providers and ensure compliance.

Skills

Operational leadership

Problem-solving mindset

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Client-first mentality

Adaptability

Tools

ERP systems (ideally SAP)

Job description

The Chief Operating Officer will assume full responsibility for overseeing key business functions critical to the firm’s operational success and strategic growth. This includes leadership across investor relations, fund operations, legal and compliance, marketing, finance, and digital strategy.

Key Responsibilities

1- Investor Relations

• Manage investor communications and relationships.
• Support RFP (Request for Proposal) and DDQ (Due Diligence Questionnaire) processes.
• Maintain a centralized investor information database.
• Assist investment teams in fundraising efforts.

2- Marketing & Communications

• Oversee the firm’s marketing strategy and brand positioning.
• Ensure alignment of communications across stakeholders.
• Ensure firm-wide regulatory compliance.
• Manage relationships with external legal counsel.
• Oversee legal risk management and contract governance.

4- Fund Operations & Administration

• Lead all fund operations including NAV oversight, trade lifecycle management, reconciliations, and regulatory reporting.
• Streamline administrative workflows and operational efficiency.
• Drive digital transformation initiatives and technological improvements.
• Leverage AI and data analytics to enhance internal processes and client servicing.

5- Finance Oversight

• Manage third-party financial services providers, including fund administrators.
• Oversee budgeting, annual audits, and performance reporting for portfolio companies.
• Ensure robust financial controls and monitoring frameworks are in place.

Experience :

• Minimum of 15 years in senior finance, fund operations, or middle / back office functions.
• Prior experience as COO or equivalent senior leadership role in investment management, asset management, or broader financial services.

Technical Expertise :

• Deep understanding of fund operations, including NAV, trade lifecycle, reconciliations, and compliance.
• Proficient in using ERP systems (ideally SAP) and financial platforms.
• Skilled in performance metrics, data analytics, and scalable system implementation.

Qualifications :

Leadership & Communication :

• Proven success in leading cross-functional teams and change management.
• Strong communicator capable of explaining complex financial concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic Orientation :
• Demonstrated ability to manage risk, optimize operations, and contribute to strategic planning.
• Strong grasp of regulatory frameworks and industry best practices.

Skills and Competencies

• Operational leadership and problem-solving mindset
• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Proactive in identifying inefficiencies and risk mitigation
• Client-first mentality with a drive for excellence
• Adaptability to evolving technology and regulatory landscapes