COO - Strategic Banking Operations (UAE)

Confidential Company; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Company in the UAE seeks a Chief Operating Officer to shape and drive the operational strategy across banking activities, ensuring regulatory compliance and strong service delivery.

The role requires extensive banking operations experience, transformation expertise, and a track record of leading teams in UAE or international environments; you will oversee onboarding, payments, clearing, and risk controls while advancing digital initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years of banking experience, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role in UAE.
• Proven experience in banking operations, transformation and process improvement.
• Strong experience interacting with regulators, auditors and senior management.
• Experience with foreign banks or multinational banking groups is preferred.
• Mandatory Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, Banking, Finance or related discipline.
• Preferred Master's Degree / MBA; PMP certification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Bank's operational strategy in alignment with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and group standards.
• Lead and oversee banking operations including customer onboarding, deposits, payments, clearing and settlement.
• Drive digital transformation, automation, process re-engineering, and implementation of new banking technologies.
• Ensure regulatory compliance; lead inspections, reviews, and remediation activities.
• Oversee outsourcing, vendor management, and service delivery relationships.
• Support growth initiatives, new product launches, expansion, and cross-functional projects.
• Lead talent development, succession planning, leadership coaching, and Emiratization efforts.
• Maintain strong operational risk management, internal controls, and business continuity.

Skills

Banking operations

Transformation

Regulatory interaction

Vendor management

Digital banking

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, Banking, Finance

Master's Degree / MBA

PMP certification

Job description

Confidential Company in the UAE seeks a Chief Operating Officer to shape and drive the operational strategy across banking activities, ensuring regulatory compliance and strong service delivery.

The role requires extensive banking operations experience, transformation expertise, and a track record of leading teams in UAE or international environments; you will oversee onboarding, payments, clearing, and risk controls while advancing digital initiatives.