Director of Operations

mustard & linen; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the creative industry is seeking a Director of Operations to lead operational transformation and support growth. This strategic role requires a strong operator with experience in financial management and team dynamics. The ideal candidate will work closely with the CEO to drive efficiency and scalability across departments.

Qualifications

• 8–15+ years in senior operational roles.
• Experience in creative industries valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal operations and set scalable processes.
• Implement standardized financial systems and drive performance metrics.
• Manage monthly budgeting with cost analysis and forecasting.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Decision-Making

Financial Management

Job description

As mustard&linen is entering a new growth phase, we areseeking an experiencedDirector of Operationsto lead our operational transformation, support scale, and bring structural clarity to our systems.

Role Overview

TheDirector of Operationswill work directly with the CEO to translate vision into strategy and oversee the daily operations of the company. This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring a strong operator who can balance the agility of a growing firm. The ideal candidate has experience leading operational excellence inacreativeindustryand a deep appreciation for efficiency, team dynamics, and business scalability.

Responsibilities

1. Lead all internal operations and set up scalable processes across departments.
2. Implement standardized financial systems, including fixed fee structures, invoicing models, and contractual clarity.
3. Drive performance metrics, KPIs, and forecasting models.
4. Support organizational redesign including team optimization and resource allocation.
5. Partner with the CEO and Business Development team on client delivery, resourcing, and strategic planning.
6. Organize the Design team and oversee financial team’s operational efficiency on a weekly basis.
7. Lead project coordination with the client’s Procurement Team by developing fee proposals and variation orders, keeping track of all projects.
8. Adapt AI to minimize time throughout the departments of mustard&linen.
9. Implement ERP system into the organization.
10. Manage monthly budgeting with the Financial Controller, including cost analysis, forecasting, and business planning when required.

Candidate Profile

• Proven track record in senior operational roles (8–15+ years).
• Experience in creative industries (architecture, interior design, etc.) is highly valued.
• Strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, and fee structuring.
• Excellent communication, team leadership, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-evolving environment with high ambiguity.
• Experience in client relations (procurement team – potential & existing clients).
• Background in restructuring and scaling organizations.
• Passion for design, innovation, and collaborative leadership with a background in Interior or Architectural firms.