Head of Executive Office

Client of Carter Knight; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Head of Executive Office role in Abu Dhabi for a leading semi-government organisation. You will work closely with the CEO, Chair, and senior leadership to drive strategic priorities, coordinate cross-functional projects and ensure high-quality Board and executive outputs.

The role requires strong communication, executive support skills, and the ability to translate complex challenges into actionable recommendations within a fast-paced governance environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience within a top-tier consulting firm, followed by in-house experience within the public or private sector.
• Strong written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to prepare executive and Board-level materials.
• Excellent structured thinking, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience working directly with senior executives, Board members, and leadership teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities across a broad range of strategic and operational topics.

Responsibilities

• Partner closely with the CEO, Chair and executive leadership on strategic priorities and executive initiatives
• Prepare, review and quality-control Board papers, presentations, briefing notes and executive communications
• Translate complex business challenges into clear, structured and actionable recommendations for senior stakeholders
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional projects across both strategic and operational priorities
• Manage high-priority requests and special projects on behalf of executive leadership
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and effective execution across key initiatives
• Support governance processes and contribute to the continued development of the Executive Office function

Skills

Executive support

Board communications

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Project coordination

Job description

We are supporting a leading semi‑government organisation in Abu Dhabi in their search for a Head of Executive Office to work closely with the CEO, Chair and executive leadership team. This highly visible leadership role operates at the centre of the organisation, providing strategic and operational support to executive leadership while driving cross‑functional initiatives and ensuring the highest quality of Board and executive outputs. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting decision‑making, coordinating strategic priorities and managing projects that span multiple business functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner closely with the CEO, Chair and executive leadership on strategic priorities and executive initiatives
• Prepare, review and quality‑control Board papers, presentations, briefing notes and executive communications
• Translate complex business challenges into clear, structured and actionable recommendations for senior stakeholders
• Lead and coordinate cross‑functional projects across both strategic and operational priorities
• Manage high‑priority requests and special projects on behalf of executive leadership
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and effective execution across key initiatives
• Support governance processes and contribute to the continued development of the Executive Office function

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years experience within a top‑tier consulting firm, followed by in‑house experience within the public or private sector
• Strong written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to prepare executive and Board‑level materials
• Excellent structured thinking, analytical, and problem‑solving capabilities
• Experience working directly with senior executives, Board members, and leadership teams
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities across a broad range of strategic and operational topics
• Outstanding stakeholder management skills and the confidence to operate in a fast‑paced executive environment
• Candidates must be based in Abu Dhabi or willing to relocate