Director of Operations

Virtua; Dubai; Hybrid; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A global executive search firm is seeking a Head of Operations to oversee internal processes and client engagement. This role requires a strong leader with a track record in operations within recruitment or professional services. The candidate will partner with the CEO to drive the firm’s growth and culture. This hybrid position offers an opportunity to impact the organization significantly while working in an entrepreneurial environment.

Benefits

Exposure to global clients

Direct collaboration with CEO

Entrepreneurial work environment

Qualifications

• Proven operations leadership experience in recruitment or professional services.
• Strong ability to build relationships with senior executives.
• Hands-on and strategic problem-solving approach.

Responsibilities

• Build and enhance internal processes for operational efficiency.
• Act as a representative in client-facing situations.
• Partner with the CEO to foster a collaborative culture.

Skills

Operations leadership

Customer-facing skills

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Tools

Microsoft 365

CRM tools

Reporting tools

Job description

The Role – Head of Operations

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer

Virtua Executive Search is a founder-led, UK-headquartered executive search firm with a strong international footprint across sports, fashion, retail, and consumer brands. With a proven track record of delivering high-impact leadership talent across EMEA, GCC, Asia, and beyond, Virtua partners with some of the world’s most recognisable and ambitious organizations.

As we expand our global operations and continue to grow our presence in Dubai, Virtua is investing in building a robust internal infrastructure that supports operational excellence, client delivery, and long-term scalability.

This is a hybrid role that requires a balance of hands-on operational management and client-facing commercial leadership. We are looking for a seasoned leader who brings gravitas, maturity, and a calm and collected approach to professionalising a high-growth startg-up.

The successful candidate will bring both strategic oversight and practical execution skills to help build the foundations for scale, while embodying Virtua’s culture of excellence and entrepreneurial mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Infrastructure

• Build and enhance internal processes to support the efficiency of our global executive search operations.
• Develop frameworks for financial reporting, compliance, and business performance tracking.
• Oversee office management, vendor relationships, and business support functions.
• Drive the adoption of systems and tools (CRM, reporting, scheduling) to create scalability and efficiency.

Commercial & Client-Facing Support

• Act as a senior representative of Virtua in client-facing situations, supporting the CEO with key accounts and pitches.
• Help identify and pursue new business opportunities, contributing to growth across international markets.
• Ensure a high level of service delivery and operational excellence across client projects.

People & Culture

• Partner with the CEO to embed a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability across the firm.
• Support in hiring, onboarding, and mentoring internal team members as the business scales.
• Lead initiatives that improve team performance, engagement, and development.

The Person

• We are seeking a highly commercial, entrepreneurial, and operationally strong leader with the following profile:
• Proven track record in operations leadership within a recruitment, professional services, or commercial environment.
• Strong customer-facing skills, able to build trust and relationships with senior executives and clients.
• Hands-on approach to solving problems while keeping a strategic, long-term perspective.
• Highly organized, process-driven, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, founder-led, entrepreneurial environment.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft 365 and business systems (CRM, reporting tools).
• Demonstrated ability to balance operational rigour with commercial growth priorities.

Why Join Virtua Executive Search

• Be part of a growing, international boutique executive search firm with a strong reputation in sports, fashion, and retail.
• Work directly with the CEO, shaping the firm’s growth strategy and building its operational backbone.
• A highly entrepreneurial environment where your impact will be visible and transformative.
• Exposure to a global client base across multiple markets and industries.