Chief Operating Officer

GESMA; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

GESMA seeks a Chief Operating Officer to lead and scale its AI-driven marketplace operations in Saudi Arabia. The role bridges strategy with flawless execution, building data-driven frameworks and expanding the provider network while optimizing automated workflows.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in executive ops within hyper-growth platform environments, deep AI and data analytics knowledge, and a track record in P&L management and scalable business models. MBA preferred.

Qualifications

• Platform marketplace leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of how AI, automation and data analytics impact operations.
• Proven ability to plan roadmaps, align stakeholders and scale complex models.

Responsibilities

• Design scalable operational roadmaps aligned with AI matching and platform tech.
• Oversee marketplace dynamics to ensure service quality and provider engagement.
• Foster a data-driven culture using analytics and automation to improve efficiency.

Skills

AI & tech fluency

Strategic leadership

Financial acumen

Regional & GCC knowledge

Leadership & execution

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field

MBA or advanced degree preferred

Job description

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Company: GESMA

About GESMA

GESMA is an AI-powered, on-demand platform connecting individuals and businesses with trusted service providers and companies. Built around intelligent AI matching, verified identities, and transparent performance, GESMA transforms how service work is discovered, booked, and executed. Inspired by the Arabic concept of قسمة (everyone’s share), our mission is to unlock fair access to economic opportunity. Launching in Saudi Arabia in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Future Work agenda, GESMA is built to scale globally.

The Role

We are seeking an innovative, tech-forward Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead GESMA’s operational ecosystem. The ideal candidate lives and breathes AI, marketplace dynamics, and scalable technology. Working closely with the CEO, you will bridge high-level strategy with flawless execution, building data-driven operational frameworks, scaling our provider network, and optimizing automated service workflows in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Scaling: Design and execute scalable operational roadmaps that integrate seamlessly with our AI matching algorithms and platform tech.

Marketplace Optimization: Oversee the dual-sided supply and demand dynamics, ensuring exceptional service quality, provider engagement, and customer retention.

Data & AI Integration: Foster a deeply analytical, data-driven culture; leverage platform insights and automation to optimize operational efficiency and cross-functional performance.

Financial & Resource Management: Manage P&L, operational budgeting, resource allocation, and cost optimization to ensure sustainable, high-growth unit economics.

Strategic Alignment: Drive operational initiatives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, building strong local partnerships while laying the foundation for global expansion.

Team Building: Recruit, mentor, and lead high-performing teams across operations, supply acquisition, customer experience, and vendor management.

Qualifications

Platform & Marketplace Experience: 8+ years of executive operations leadership, ideally within hyper-growth platform, marketplace, or tech-enabled service environments.

AI & Tech Tech-Fluent: Deep understanding of how AI, automation, and data analytics drive operational efficiency and customer experience.

Strategic & Financial Acumen: Proven track record in P&L management, strategic roadmapping, and scaling complex business models.

Regional & Global Vision: Experience in or deep familiarity with the GCC market and Saudi Vision 2030 digital economy initiatives.

Leadership & Execution: Exceptional leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills with a hands-on, builder mindset.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; an MBA or advanced degree is preferred.