Head of Operations

Aventus; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in Dubai is seeking a Head of Operations to oversee client onboarding, KYC/AML compliance, and manage outsourced operational activities. The ideal candidate will have over 4 years of experience in a regulated environment, ensuring smooth operations and regulatory adherence while promoting continuous process improvements.

Qualifications

• 4+ years managing operations within a regulated financial services organization.
• Proven ability to manage outsourcing and vendor relationships.
• Solid understanding of customer service operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead all operational functions and manage outsourced teams.
• Ensure efficient client onboarding and compliance processes.
• Align and streamline operational processes across entities.

Skills

Client onboarding procedures

AML/KYC compliance

Vendor management

Operational efficiency

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline

Certifications in operations, compliance, or project management

Job description

Title: Head of Operations

Location: Dubai

About the Client

Our client, a leading financial services firm, is seeking a Head of Operations to oversee client onboarding, KYC/AML compliance, and outsourced operational activities. The role ensures regulatory adherence and smooth coordination of local IT and support functions within the regional office. This position provides strategic oversight of operational workflows while supporting continuous process improvement across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all operational functions, including oversight of services provided by group-wide outsourced teams.
• Ensure client onboarding, KYC/AML checks, and customer support processes are efficient, compliant, and meet internal standards.
• Align and streamline operational processes across multiple entities, maintaining clear documentation and promoting continuous improvements.
• Supervise local IT operations, including system access, incident management, and integration with group IT infrastructure.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies, supporting reporting, governance, and business continuity initiatives.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of experience managing operations within a regulated financial services organization.
• Proven ability to manage outsourcing arrangements, vendor relationships, and operate within a global organizational structure.
• Solid understanding of client onboarding procedures, AML/KYC compliance, and customer service operations.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks, conduct standards, and outsourcing guidelines.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline; professional certifications in operations, compliance, or project management (e.g., ICA, ACAMS, PRINCE2) are advantageous.