Engagement Manager

Cedar Management Consulting International; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

Cedar in Dubai seeks an Engagement Manager (Arabic Speaker) to lead day-to-day delivery of client engagements in the financial services sector, guiding workstreams and coaching junior team members.

You will work closely with Principal/Associate Director and Director-level colleagues to ensure high-quality outputs, manage client relationships, and deliver outstanding outcomes for regional institutions while helping Cedar expand its market presence in the GCC.

Qualifications

• 4-7 years of experience in management consulting, ideally in financial services.
• Fluency in Arabic and English is mandatory.
• Strong understanding of the financial services sector (banking, insurance, asset management).
• Proven ability to structure complex analysis and communicate clearly in writing and presentations.
• Experience coaching junior team members and delivering feedback.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day delivery of consulting engagements, coordinating workstreams and keeping projects on time and on scope.
• Lead structured problem-solving exercises, develop analytical frameworks, and synthesise findings into client-ready outputs.
• Supervise and coach Consultants and Interns, providing real-time feedback and ensuring quality of work.
• Prepare and deliver client presentations, reports, and workshop materials to a high standard.
• Maintain regular communication with client counterparts and support senior stakeholder interactions alongside Directors.
• Identify risks and issues, elevate them, and propose practical solutions.

Skills

Arabic

English

Consulting

Job description

Cedar is a Forbes ranked global management consulting firm with a heritage closely associated with the founders of the Balanced Scorecard. Since 1985, Cedar's teams have been assisting clients in areas of strategy, process, strategic human capital, and technology, with a strong focus on the financial services sector. Cedar's group unit, IBS Intelligence (www.ibsintelligence.com), based in the UK, has been the definitive source for research, news-analysis and advisory specialised in Financial Technology markets for over 30 years. Cedar Hill Capital is an independent FinTech venture capital fund with a sharp lens on B2B FinTech and Financial Services-infrastructure companies. The Innovation Lab in Dubai and Mumbai brings banks and suppliers together with an opportunity to access the relevant Middle East and India market opportunity.

THE ROLE

The Engagement Manager (Arabic Speaker) plays a central role in the delivery of Cedar's consulting work. You will manage the day-to-day execution of client engagements, lead workstreams, and guide junior team members - working closely with Principal/Associate Director and Director-level colleagues to ensure we deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the day-to-day delivery of consulting engagements, coordinating workstreams and keeping projects on time and on scope.
• Lead structured problem-solving exercises, develop analytical frameworks, and synthesise findings into clear, client-ready outputs.
• Supervise and coach Consultants and Interns, providing real-time feedback and ensuring the quality of their work.
• Prepare and deliver client presentations, reports, and workshop materials to a high standard.
• Maintain regular communication with client counterparts and support senior stakeholder interactions alongside Directors.
• Identify emerging issues or risks within engagements and elevate appropriately, proposing solutions.
• Contribute to knowledge management and internal initiatives as the practice grows.

ABOUT YOU

• 4-7 years of experience, with at least 3 years in management consulting in a financial services context.
• Fluency in Arabic and English is mandatory.
• Solid understanding of the financial services sector - experience across banking, insurance, asset management, or related areas.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple workstreams and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to structure and communicate complex analysis clearly, both in writing and in presentations.
• Experience managing junior team members and delivering feedback effectively.
• High attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, and a drive to produce excellent work.
• Experience in or exposure to the GCC or broader Middle East market is advantageous.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A hands-on delivery role at the heart of Cedar's financial services practice in Dubai.
• Exposure to high-profile, complex engagements with leading institutions across the region.
• A clear path to Principal / Associate Director for strong performers.
• A collaborative team environment with strong mentorship from senior leadership.
• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience