Strategic Operations Manager

MidChains Limited; Al Ain; On-site; AED 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

MidChains Limited in Abu Dhabi is seeking an Executive Operations Manager to partner with the CEO, coordinate cross-functional operations across compliance, technology, finance, and marketing, and drive strategic initiatives that support growth.

Based in our Abu Dhabi office, you will lead executive calendar management, HR administration, office operations, regulatory liaison with VARA and CBUAE, and manage high-impact projects from launch to scale, enabling a clear pathway to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• 4-6+ years of experience in management consulting or similar roles within financial services, fintech, or institutional environments.
• Proven track record of executive stakeholder coordination and high-level meetings.
• Experience in UAE business environment with understanding of regulatory landscape and operations.
• Background in financial services with exposure to compliance matters.
• Ability to draft memos and presentations from scratch.
• Discretion with confidential information and cyber security awareness.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex executive calendar coordination, meeting scheduling, and high-level communications for the CEO, Board, and Senior Management Team.
• Lead strategic initiatives and cross-functional project management on behalf of the CEO.
• Build and manage relationships with UAE regulators including VARA and Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE).
• Oversee HR operations including talent acquisition, onboarding, and performance management.
• Manage office operations and administration, facilities management, vendor relationships, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate board meeting preparation, investor relations support, and strategic planning processes.
• Lead high-stakes projects including new product launches, market expansion initiatives, and regulatory submissions.
• Act as strategic liaison between the CEO and internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders.
• Support executive travel coordination, events, and corporate hospitality.
• Drive process improvement and organizational transformation initiatives.
• Champion change management for senior leadership readiness and growth.
• Handle confidential information and regulatory documentation with discretion.

Skills

Executive coordination

Stakeholder management

Regulatory affairs

Project management

Communication

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 Howard and 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 Executive Operations Manager is a newly created role in MidChains for an ambitious professional with ambition to grow into a Chief of Staff 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 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 Executive Operations Manager will work directly with the CEO and senior leadership team, providing accelerated professional development and clear pathways to executive leadership.

Job 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:

• 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.

Bonus Points

• Experience working with UAE financial regulators, particularly VARA or Central Bank of UAE, with exposure to compliance and regulatory affairs.
• Background in cryptocurrency, digital assets, or blockchain technology companies in regulated environments.
• Direct experience in a firm working with the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) or similar regulatory bodies in financial services compliance (ADGM, DIFC, DMCC etc.).
• Previous exposure to HR administration, office management, or operational coordination in financial services environments.
• Arabic language capabilities and deep understanding of regional business culture and practices.
• Professional certifications in project management, business administration, or financial services office operations.
• Degree in Business Administration, or related field with interest in crypto.