Executive Director of Operations

Solutions+ (A Mubadala company); Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in sustainability is seeking an Executive Director of Operations to oversee and improve daily operations, manage teams, and drive organizational effectiveness. This role requires a strategic leader with a minimum of 10 years of experience in operations and a strong background in program management. The ideal candidate will possess excellent leadership and financial skills, and be fluent in English, with Arabic proficiency preferred. Occasional travel may be required for this position.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in operations or program management.
• Strong track record in leading large-scale initiatives, preferably in public sector.
• Proven experience managing teams and complex administrative functions.

Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic deputy and advisor to the Chief Sustainability Officer.
• Lead internal operations including planning, budgeting, and HR.
• Oversee execution of programs ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

Skills

Leadership experience

Program management

Financial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or public administration

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Key focus

The Executive Director of Operations will serve as the operational lead and deputy to the Chief Sustainability Officer. This role focuses on overseeing daily operations, managing internal teams, ensuring program execution, and driving organizational effectiveness. The Executive Director will act as a central figure in translating strategic priorities into operational action and ensuring delivery across all workstreams.

Key Responsibility

• Act as a strategic deputy and trusted advisor to the Chief Sustainability Officer, supporting leadership priorities and decision-making.
• Lead and manage the internal operations, including planning, budgeting, HR, procurement, and compliance.
• Oversee the execution of programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and timelines.
• Coordinate across workstreams, manage internal governance processes, and ensure smooth functioning of cross-functional teams.
• Lead performance monitoring, reporting, and internal evaluation to ensure high-impact delivery.
• Engage with high-level stakeholders across government, private sector, and civil society to support program alignment and operational needs.
• Develop and implement systems and processes that improve efficiency, collaboration, and organizational performance.
• Represent in internal and external forums as required, ensuring clear communication and follow-up on operational priorities.

· Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in operations, strategic delivery, or program management.
• Strong track record in leading large-scale or multi-stakeholder initiatives, preferably in public sector, sustainability, or social impact sectors.
• Proven experience managing teams, internal operations, and complex administrative functions.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong financial acumen and understanding of governance and compliance frameworks.
• Fluent in English; Arabic proficiency is highly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, or related field (Master’s degree is a plus)

Key Competencies

• Strategic Execution: Ability to translate vision into action and drive structured implementation.
• Leadership: Inspires teams, leads with clarity, and builds a strong internal culture.
• Operational Excellence: Skilled in setting up systems, processes, and ensuring efficiency in delivery.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Communicates effectively with diverse stakeholders and maintains trusted relationships.
• Adaptability: Comfortable navigating dynamic environments and responding to evolving priorities.
• Decision-Making: Confident and data-informed in taking initiative and making timely decisions.
• Discretion & Trust: Handles sensitive matters with integrity and serves as a reliable extension of the CSO.

·Working Conditions:

This role may require occasional travel to different emirates and flexibility in working hours to accommodate project needs and stakeholder availability.