Head of Strategic Initiatives

Confidential Careers; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Careers seeks a Head of Strategic Initiatives in Dubai to shape the strategic direction and operating model of a growing research and innovation ecosystem. You will guide high-priority programmes, advise senior leadership and drive organisational transformation across multiple teams.

The role requires 12-15+ years in strategy/transformation, strong governance skills, and experience with large stakeholder groups and research environments. Dubai-based, senior leadership position.

Qualifications

• 12-15+ years in strategy consulting, corporate strategy or transformation
• Leadership experience in guiding strategic programmes
• Expertise in strategy development, operating model design and governance
• Experience with research institutions or government entities advantageous
• Exposure to research commercialisation or technology transfer advantageous
• Proven ability to manage strategic portfolios and influence senior stakeholders
• Strong financial and commercial acumen and executive communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree; MBA preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead the Strategic Initiatives function and oversee the end-to-end portfolio of strategic programmes across the organisation.
• Partner with executive leadership to define, sequence and prioritise strategic initiatives aligned with growth roadmap.
• Drive cross-functional projects spanning strategy development, operating model design and governance.
• Provide strategic advisory on organisational transformation, IP and technology transfer with stakeholders.
• Benchmark international research institutions and translate best practices into actionable frameworks.
• Establish governance, quality standards and executive reporting for initiatives.
• Advise senior leadership on strategic priorities and governance decisions.
• Lead and develop a team of strategy professionals for delivery excellence.
• Present strategic recommendations to executives, governance committees and external stakeholders.

Skills

Strategy development

Portfolio management

Executive communication

Cross-functional leadership

Governance

Organisational transformation

Analytical rigour

Leadership experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Economics/Public Policy

MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification

Job description

CONFIDENTIAL OPPORTUNITY | Head of Strategic Initiatives | Dubai, UAE

We are seeking an experienced Head of Strategic Initiatives to join a forward-looking research and innovation organisation in Dubai.

This senior leadership role will shape the strategic direction, governance and operating model of a growing research and innovation ecosystem. Working closely with executive leadership, the successful candidate will lead a portfolio of high-priority strategic initiatives, guide organisational development and drive the execution of programmes that support the Institute's long-term growth and impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Strategic Initiatives function and oversee the end-to-end portfolio of strategic programmes across the organisation.
• Partner with executive leadership to define, sequence and prioritise strategic initiatives aligned with the organisation’s growth and development roadmap.
• Drive complex, cross-functional projects spanning strategy development, research centre activation, operating model design and governance.
• Provide strategic advisory on organisational transformation, commercialisation, intellectual property and technology transfer in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Benchmark international research institutions and translate global best practices into actionable strategies and operating frameworks.
• Establish methodologies, quality standards, project governance and executive reporting mechanisms for strategic initiatives.
• Advise senior leadership on strategic priorities, governance decisions and long-term organisational development.
• Lead, coach and develop a growing team of strategy professionals, fostering analytical rigour, delivery excellence and continuous improvement.
• Present strategic recommendations and progress updates to executive leadership, governance committees and key external stakeholders.

Candidate Profile

• 12-15+ years of experience in strategy consulting, corporate strategy or transformation, including leadership experience.
• Proven track record of leading complex strategic programmes and advising senior executives.
• Strong expertise in strategy development, operating model design, governance and organisational transformation.
• Experience working with research institutions, scientific organisations, government or semi-government entities would be highly advantageous.
• Exposure to research commercialisation, intellectual property, technology transfer or innovation ecosystems is an advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to manage strategic portfolios, lead multidisciplinary teams and influence senior stakeholders.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, analytical capabilities and executive communication skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Public Policy or a related discipline; an MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification is preferred.

Location: Dubai, UAE

Seniority: Head of Function

This is an opportunity to shape the strategic foundations of a growing research and innovation ecosystem, translating ambitious organisational priorities into robust governance, scalable operating models and measurable long-term impact.