Regional Director – Finance & Operations (Legal Sector)

Tiger Recruitment Ltd.; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Tiger Recruitment Ltd. is seeking a Regional Director of Finance & Operations for its Middle East practice, based in Dubai. The role combines strategic financial leadership with operational oversight across multiple offices and functions, reporting to senior partners.

You will drive profitability, cost control and governance, lead transformation initiatives, and partner with global business services to align regional priorities with the firm’s objectives.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of senior leadership experience in international law firms.
• Strong financial management, budgeting, forecasting and reporting.
• Experience overseeing multi-office operations in the Middle East.
• Ability to partner with Managing Partners and regional leadership.
• MBA or professional finance qualification advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement regional business plans to drive profitability and growth.
• Provide strategic financial and operational guidance across offices.
• Lead business transformation and process improvements.
• Collaborate with global finance and regional leadership.
• Ensure governance, risk management and compliance.
• Manage people leadership across regional teams.

Job description

Regional Director – Finance & Operations (Legal Sector)

Location: Dubai, UAE Industry: International Law firm Salary: Competitive and flexible, dependent on experience Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Tiger Recruitment is working with a leading international law firm seeking an experienced Regional Director of Finance & Operations to oversee its financial performance, business operations and strategic initiatives across the Middle East. This is a senior leadership appointment offering the opportunity to play a key role in shaping regional business strategy, improving commercial performance and driving operational excellence across multiple offices. The successful candidate will work closely with senior partners, regional leadership and global business services teams, providing strategic financial and operational guidance while ensuring the business operates efficiently and in alignment with wider organisational objectives. We are particularly interested in candidates who have developed their careers within major international law firms and have a strong combination of financial, commercial and operational leadership experience.

Key Responsibilities

Regional Strategy & Business Leadership

• Work closely with senior leadership to develop and implement regional business plans, supporting profitability, growth and long-term strategic objectives.


• Provide commercial insight and recommendations relating to business performance, market opportunities and resource allocation.


• Lead business improvement programmes, transformation initiatives and organisational change across regional operations.


• Collaborate with international leadership teams to ensure regional priorities are aligned with wider business objectives.


• Build strong relationships with partners and business services leaders, encouraging collaboration and effective decision-making.

Financial Management & Commercial Performance

• Oversee regional financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and profitability.


• Work closely with global finance teams to deliver accurate financial reporting, analysis and commercial insights.


• Identify opportunities to improve revenue performance, financial efficiency and overall profitability.


• Develop and implement cost management strategies while maintaining high standards of service.


• Monitor expenditure, assess financial risks and ensure effective allocation of resources.


• Enhance financial reporting processes and support data-driven decision-making across the business.

Operational Management

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight across regional business services and operational functions.


• Ensure the effective delivery of administrative, finance, technology and other support services across multiple offices.


• Review existing operational processes, identify inefficiencies and introduce improvements to enhance productivity and service delivery.


• Work with relevant stakeholders on office infrastructure, property requirements and workplace strategy.


• Establish operational policies, performance measures and reporting structures.


• Ensure regional offices operate efficiently and in accordance with applicable local regulations.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Oversee regional governance, risk management and regulatory compliance, working closely with relevant internal stakeholders.


• Ensure appropriate policies, procedures and internal controls are implemented and maintained across the business.


• Support regulatory compliance requirements, including anti-money laundering and financial crime prevention.


• Oversee business continuity planning and crisis management procedures to ensure operational resilience.


• Identify potential operational and regulatory risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.

People Leadership & Business Transformation

• Lead and develop regional business services teams, ensuring high standards of performance and service delivery.


• Work closely with HR leadership on organisational planning, employee engagement and talent development.


• Drive change management initiatives and support the implementation of new systems, processes and operational improvements.


• Encourage collaboration across departments and offices, building strong relationships with senior stakeholders.


• Promote a professional, inclusive and high-performing working environment.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum 10–15 years of relevant experience, including significant senior leadership experience within major international law firms.


• Previous experience working within an international law firm is essential.


• Strong financial management background, including budgeting, forecasting, profitability analysis, financial reporting and commercial planning.


• Proven experience overseeing wider business operations, ideally across multiple offices or jurisdictions.


• Experience working directly with Managing Partners, senior partners, CFOs and international leadership teams.


• Demonstrated success in business transformation, operational improvement and organisational change.


• Good understanding of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, operational risk and internal controls.


• Strong leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams and influencing senior stakeholders.


• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-management skills.


• Commercially astute, proactive and comfortable working in a fast-paced professional services environment.


• Bachelor's degree required; an MBA, professional finance qualification or other relevant postgraduate qualification would be advantageous.


• Previous Middle East experience would be highly advantageous.

Salary & Benefits

A competitive remuneration package is available, with flexibility depending on the successful candidate's experience, seniority and suitability for the position.

REF:CH226198