Head of Operations – GCC

UBL UAE; Dubai; On-site; AED 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

UBL UAE is seeking a Head of Banking Operations – GCC to lead strategic and operational delivery across GCC banking operations with a focus on governance, risk, and regulatory compliance. The role requires building a high-performing multi-location team and driving process improvements across core banking functions to support growth.

The incumbent will collaborate with Business, Technology, Risk, Compliance, Finance and other stakeholders to ensure resilience, service quality and customer-centric

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Banking, Finance, Business Administration or Operations (advantage if qualified).
• 12–15 years of banking experience with senior ops leadership.
• Strong GCC banking experience and knowledge of regulatory environment across GCC.
• Proven experience managing multi-location banking operations and large teams.
• Knowledge of banking products, transaction processing, and operational controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee banking operations across the GCC, ensuring delivery of high-quality services.
• Develop and implement the GCC Operations strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Establish governance, policies, controls, service standards and performance management across GCC.
• Oversee core banking ops including account opening, payments, settlements, and servicing.
• Drive efficiency, automation, standardisation, and process improvements to enhance speed and CX.
• Maintain robust operational risk management, internal controls, and audit remediation.

Skills

Leadership

Operational risk management

Process improvement

GCC banking experience

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Banking / Finance / Business Administration / Operations

Job description

Position Summary

The Head of Banking Operations – GCC will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Bank's banking operations in the GCC, ensuring efficient, controlled, and customer-focused delivery of operational services across relevant business lines and locations.

The role will be responsible for strengthening operational governance, process efficiency, service quality, risk and control frameworks, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience. The incumbent will work closely with Business, Technology, Risk, Compliance, Finance, and other stakeholders to drive operational excellence and support the Bank's growth strategy across the GCC.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee banking operations across the GCC, ensuring consistent, efficient, and high-quality delivery of operational services.
• Develop and implement the GCC Operations strategy in alignment with the Bank's overall business objectives and operating model.
• Establish strong operational governance, policies, procedures, controls, service standards, and performance management frameworks across GCC operations.
• Oversee core banking operations, including account opening and maintenance, payments, clearing, trade operations, lending/credit administration, treasury operations support, settlements, reconciliations, and customer servicing, as applicable.
• Drive operational efficiency, automation, standardisation, and process improvements to enhance turnaround times, productivity, and customer experience.
• Ensure robust operational risk management, internal controls, segregation of duties, and timely remediation of control gaps and audit findings.
• Maintain effective operational resilience and business continuity arrangements, including contingency planning and disaster recovery readiness.
• Ensure compliance with applicable GCC regulatory requirements, Group policies, internal controls, KYC/AML standards, and operational risk frameworks.
• Work closely with Technology and Digital teams to support system enhancements, automation, straight-through processing, and implementation of new products and platforms.
• Establish and monitor key operational KPIs, SLAs, service quality indicators, productivity measures, and operational risk metrics.
• Lead and develop a high-performing Operations team across GCC locations, with clear accountability, performance objectives, succession planning, and talent development.
• Partner with Business, Risk, Compliance, Finance, Technology, Legal, and other functions to ensure seamless delivery of banking services and effective resolution of operational issues.
• Manage relationships with key external stakeholders, service providers, correspondent banks, clearing institutions, and regulators, where required.
• Identify emerging operational risks and ensure timely escalation, mitigation, and resolution of material issues.
• Provide regular operational performance, risk, and transformation updates to senior management and relevant governance committees.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Banking, Finance, Business Administration, Operations, or a related discipline; relevant professional qualification is an advantage.
• Minimum 12–15 years of banking experience, with significant senior-level experience in banking operations.
• Strong GCC banking experience with knowledge of the operational and regulatory environment across GCC markets.
• Proven experience managing multi-location banking operations and large operational teams.
• Strong knowledge of banking products, transaction processing, payments, trade operations, lending operations, settlements, reconciliations, and operational controls.
• Strong understanding of operational risk, governance, internal controls, regulatory requirements, and business continuity.
• Demonstrated track record in process transformation, automation, operational