Head of Operations

IMPETUS EXECUTIVE; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Head of Operations to manage end-to-end operational activities, ensure compliance, and lead a team. The role requires 7–10 years of experience in financial operations and a strong understanding of post-trade infrastructure. The candidate must have excellent leadership and communication skills, with proficiency in both operational systems and compliance standards. This position offers the opportunity to enhance operational efficiency and promote innovation within the organization.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of progressive experience in financial operations, at least 3–5 years in a managerial role.
• Proven track record in managing operational teams and overseeing settlement processes.
• Fluency in English; Arabic is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and maintain operational workflows.
• Oversee Senior and Junior Operations Officers to align with service expectations.
• Identify opportunities to enhance operational systems.

Skills

Operational efficiency

Team leadership

Process improvement

Compliance knowledge

Communication skills

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, or Economics

Master’s degree (MBA or MSc in Financial Markets)

Tools

Operational systems

CSD platforms

Data reporting tools

Job description

The Head of Operations is responsible for the end-to-end management and oversight of our client’s operational activities, including clearing, settlement, custody, and participant services. Reporting to the Assistant Director, Operations and IT, the Head of Operations ensures that all functions are performed with accuracy, reliability, and in compliance with applicable regulations and standards. During the pre-live phase, they coordinate testing activities and validate the policies and procedures of the operational team.

Key Responsibilities

• As the lead for operations, the Head of Operations is accountable for establishing and maintaining procedures, ensuring high service standards, optimizing operational efficiency, and promoting innovation within the post-trade environment.
• Operational Oversight: manage daily operational workflows, including trade settlement, safekeeping, and corporate actions, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and internal policies.
• Team Leadership: oversee Senior and Junior Operations Officers, aligning their work with service level expectations and organizational priorities.
• Process Improvement: identify opportunities to enhance operational systems and procedures to improve service quality and strengthen risk controls.
• Performance Monitoring: track operational KPIs and provide timely updates to the Assistant Director, Operations and IT.
• Compliance & Risk Alignment: work closely with compliance and risk teams to ensure alignment with procedures and support internal and external audits.
• Technology Coordination: assist with system upgrades or process automation initiatives in collaboration with IT. During pre-live testing, manage the testing plan and, together with the Senior Operations Officer, ensure successful validation of system functionality.
• Stakeholder Communication: maintain effective communication channels with participants, custodians, and clearing members to address operational matters and ensure service satisfaction.

Ancillary Responsibilities

• Represent operations in cross-functional forums including Audit, Legal, Risk, and Compliance.
• Monitor industry and regulatory developments and contribute to policy updates or operational readiness assessments.
• Serve as deputy for the Assistant Director, Operations and IT in their absence for operational matters.

People Management Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop operations staff to meet performance and career development goals.
• Define clear roles, responsibilities, and training plans for direct reports.
• Foster teamwork and collaboration to ensure a culture of accountability and service excellence.
• Manage staff evaluations and succession planning to maintain operational continuity.

Qualifications and Experience

Threshold Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree (e.g., MBA or MSc in Financial Markets) is preferred.
• Solid understanding of post-trade infrastructure, including settlement cycles, custody, corporate actions, and reconciliation.
• Familiarity with CPMI-IOSCO Principles and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Proficiency in operational systems, CSD platforms, and data reporting tools.

Years & Nature of Experience

• 7–10 years of progressive experience in financial operations, with at least 3–5 years in a managerial role within a CSD, custodian bank, clearing house, or similar financial market infrastructure.
• Proven track record in managing operational teams and overseeing complex settlement and custody processes.
• Experience in implementing operational controls, managing risk incidents, and supporting regulatory audits.
• Involvement in system migrations, automation projects, or operational transformation initiatives.
• Ability to liaise effectively with market participants and internal stakeholders to resolve operational issues and improve service delivery.
• Ability to perform under pressure.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken); Arabic is a plus.

Technical & Industry Knowledge

• Familiarity with securities industry operational flows and experience implementing complex IT infrastructures is required.
• Strong management skills, capable of coordinating multiple and complex activities, planning ahead, and advising the Director on operational decisions.
• Solid experience in either IT or operations, with preference for IT.
• Experience in system integration to ensure smooth operation of client infrastructure.
• Awareness of operational and IT-related risks, with the ability to mitigate them through effective policies and procedures.
• Ability to mentor and guide junior staff, setting measurable career paths and development plans.