Operations Lead

VertoFX; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm in the UAE is seeking a strategic partner to enhance operational efficiency across all functions. This role involves creating frameworks to align initiatives with the company’s vision, ensuring solid execution through collaboration and process automation.

Qualifications

• 8-12 years in operations, strategic programs, or consulting.
• Experience in building systems and scaling operations.
• Fluent in English; Arabic is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Own business dashboards and drive key initiatives.
• Identify inefficiencies and lead process improvements.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives from planning to delivery.

Skills

Strategic Execution

Process Improvement

Project Management

Collaboration

Systems Thinking

Tools

Notion

Asana

Airtable

Slack

HubSpot

Job description

Zest Equity is seeking an exceptional operator to build the operational backbone of the business. This role is not conventional — we're looking for a strategic partner, a third brain to the Co-Founders, who brings clarity, structure, and executional excellence across all functions.

As a core team member, you'll be embedded throughout the organization, owning both strategic initiatives and tactical execution. You'll design and implement systems, processes, and operating rhythms to support our growth and ensure scalable, sustainable success.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Execution

• Own business dashboards and reporting to focus on high-impact work
• Act as a thought partner on strategic decisions and initiatives
• Ensure alignment between execution and the company's long-term vision
• Drive key initiatives with discipline and accountability

Process Design & Automation

• Identify inefficiencies and lead process improvements to streamline operations
• Build frameworks and operating cadences for focus and alignment
• Implement tools and systems that enhance collaboration and reduce friction
• Promote structured documentation and automation to mitigate single points of failure

Project & Program Management

• Lead cross-functional initiatives from planning to delivery
• Apply frameworks like Kanban, Agile, or OKRs to organize workflows
• Bring clarity, structure, and accountability across teams

Org & Team Operations

• Ensure governance, compliance, and proper reporting
• Manage internal operations: hiring, onboarding, performance cycles, planning
• Support team leads in developing their functions
• Help foster a high-performance culture balancing speed and precision

Requirements

• 8-12 years in operations, strategic programs, or consulting, preferably with Series A-B+ startups or scale-ups
• Proven success in building systems from scratch and scaling operations
• Experience in private markets or capital transactions is a plus (e.g., SPVs, investor onboarding, compliance workflows)
• Proficient in tools like Notion, Asana, Airtable, Slack, HubSpot
• Familiar with frameworks such as Agile, Lean, Kanban, OKRs
• Fluent in English; Arabic is a strong plus
• Regional experience in MENA or strong cultural understanding

Key Attributes

• A builder who thrives in ambiguity and designs systems from scratch
• Reliable and accountable, owning outcomes end-to-end
• A systems thinker balancing big-picture and detailed execution
• Fast but intentional, focused on impact
• A collaborative leader who elevates operational standards
• Motivated by mission-driven work, eager to shape private markets in the region