Manager - Chief of Staff

Tanqeeb; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

MidChains in Abu Dhabi seeks a Chief of Staff to partner with the CEO, owning cross‑functional priorities and driving operational excellence.

You will manage executive calendars, lead strategic initiatives across trading, compliance, and HR, and coordinate with UAE regulators. Based in the Abu Dhabi office, you will shape leadership development pathways and support growth initiatives across the organization. This role provides accelerated professional development toward senior leadership.

Qualifications

• 4–6+ years of experience as a management consultant or similar role in financial services or fintech.
• Proven track record coordinating executive stakeholders and high‑level meetings.
• Experience in UAE regulatory landscape and local business culture.
• Strong written and verbal communication with C‑level and board interactions.
• Demonstrated project management across multiple departments and deadlines.
• Discretion handling confidential information and sensitive regulatory matters.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate executive calendars, scheduling, and high‑level communications for the CEO.
• Lead cross‑functional strategic initiatives across operations, trading, compliance, and HR.
• Build and maintain relationships with VARA and the Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE).
• Oversee HR operations, talent acquisition, onboarding, and performance management.
• Manage office operations, facilities, vendor relations, and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare board meeting materials, support investor relations, and strategic planning.
• Drive change management and organizational development initiatives across departments.
• Support travel, events, and corporate hospitality; network with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Executive stakeholder management

Cross-functional leadership

Regulatory affairs

Strategic project management

Communication excellence

Job description

Company Description

MidChains is a pioneering institutional digital asset and cryptocurrency trading platform operating under the robust regulatory frameworks of the UAE in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. As one of the first fully regulated virtual asset trading platforms in the UAE, we are backed by sovereign wealth funds and leading international investors including Mubadala Investment Company, Lunate, Miami International Holdings, Brevan Howardand others.

Our platform serves institutions, brokerages, high-frequency traders, family offices, corporate treasuries and asset managers with comprehensive digital asset services including trading, custody, and OTC solutions. We pride ourselves on providing institutional-grade infrastructure while democratizing access to digital asset markets and services through our transparent, secure, and compliant operations.

Role Description

The Chief of Staff is a newly created role in MidChains for an ambitious professional with ambition to grow within the institutional crypto space. This is the natural next step for high-performing generalist management consultants who want to elevate their careers into a true management position with genuine strategic impact and cross-functional responsibility in a growing firm.

This is a dynamic and cross-functional role working across all business units of MidChains, including Operations, Trading, Compliance, Technology, Business Development, Finance, and Marketing. You will serve as the CEO's strategic partner while taking ownership of critical business operations including executive support, HR administration, and office management. As an integral member of the leadership team, you will be expected to manage multiple complex projects and priorities central to the company's continued growth and success. This role will be based in our Abu Dhabi office, serving as a stepping stone to senior leadership positions throughout the organization.

This role will be particularly focused on operational excellence and strategic leadership development across multiple business functions. Projects will include (but are not limited to) managing executive calendars and communications, leading regulatory affairs coordination with VARA and the Central Bank of UAE, overseeing organizational development and HR functions, and spearheading special projects that position you for advancement into senior roles across operations, business development, finance, or marketing. The Chief of Staff will work directly with the CEO and senior leadership team, providing accelerated professional development and clear pathways to executive leadership.

Responsibilities:

• Manage complex executive calendar coordination, meeting scheduling, and high-level communications for the CEO, Board, and Senior Management Team while ensuring optimal productivity and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead strategic initiatives and cross-functional project management on behalf of the CEO, developing expertise across trading operations, custody services, business development, and regulatory affairs.
• Build and manage relationships with UAE financial regulators including VARA and Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE), coordinating compliance matters and regulatory communications when requested by CEO or Head of Compliance.
• Oversee HR operations including strategic talent acquisition, onboarding processes, performance management systems, and employee engagement programs beyond traditional administrative support.
• Manage office operations and administration, ensuring smooth daily functioning including facilities management, vendor relationships, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate critical business operations including board meeting preparation, investor relations support, and strategic planning processes with direct impact on business outcomes.
• Lead high-stakes projects including new product launches, market expansion initiatives, and regulatory submissions that directly contribute to company growth.
• Act as strategic liaison between the CEO and internal teams, institutional clients, and external stakeholders, developing your own network and business relationships.
• Support executive travel coordination, event planning, and corporate hospitality while building exposure to business development activities.
• Drive process improvement and operational excellence initiatives across departments, gaining exposure to trading operations, custody workflows, and client onboarding.
• Champion change management initiatives and organizational transformation projects that prepare you for senior leadership roles.
• Manage confidential information and sensitive regulatory matters with discretion, including VARA compliance documentation and business-critical communications.

Qualifications & Skills:

• 4-6+ years of experience as a management consultant or similar role, ideally within financial services, fintech, or institutional environments, with clear ambitions for operational leadership.
• Proven track record of managing complex executive stakeholder coordination, conducting high-level meetings, and providing exceptional executive support in fast-paced environments.
• Experience working in UAE business environment with understanding of local regulatory landscape, business culture, and operational requirements.
• Strong background in financial services firms, particularly in firms conducting institutional trading, brokerage, asset management, or regulated financial environments with exposure to compliance matters.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills with ability to interact confidently and tactically with C-level executives, board members, and regulatory authorities while managing multiple priorities – ability to draft memos and presentations from scratch.
• Corporate cybersecurity awareness and training from previous roles.
• Demonstrated project management capabilities with experience leading initiatives that span multiple departments and stakeholders beyond traditional EA scope.
• Operational mindset with ability to think strategically about business processes, efficiency improvements, and organizational development.
• Growth-oriented professional with clear aspirations for advancement into a Chief of Staff position or senior operational, business development, finance, or marketing leadership roles.
• High level of discretion and ability to handle confidential business, regulatory, and personal matters with complete professionalism.
• Drive for results and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth institutional environment where you can make measurable operational impact.
• General common sense and logical process based problem solving and decision making.