Head of Operations (Dubai Branch)

Role Objective

Strategic Leadership and Branch Operations

• Provide overall leadership and oversight of branch operational activities.
• Monitor business, economic, regulatory, and competitive developments and advise senior management.
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with business objectives and growth plans.
• Maintain compliant operational policies and procedures.
• Lead operational transformation, continuous process improvement, and automation initiatives.

Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with CBUAE regulations, AML/CFT, KYC, FATCA, CRS, and other applicable requirements.
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement required operational, technology, and procedural amendments.
• Maintain internal controls and ensure adherence to audit recommendations.
• Oversee operational risk assessments and implement mitigation measures.

Technology and Digital Operations

• Lead branch technology operations and ensure the performance, availability, and security of IT systems and infrastructure.
• Oversee IT service delivery, incident management, problem resolution, and vendor management.
• Coordinate technology upgrades and digital initiatives with Head Office Technology teams.
• Implement cybersecurity controls, information security policies, and technology governance standards.
• Monitor system performance and minimize operational disruptions.

Financial Control and Reconciliation

• Oversee general ledger reconciliation, Nostro account reconciliation, suspense account monitoring, internal account balancing, and cash and vault management.
• Review branch financial reports, operational MIS, and exception reports.

People Management and Leadership

• Lead, develop, and mentor Operations, Trade Finance, Administration, Customer Service, and Technology teams.
• Assess organizational structure and workforce capabilities and recommend enhancements.
• Establish performance objectives and conduct regular performance reviews.

Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Banking and Finance, Information Technology, Accounting, or a related discipline from a recognized university.
• A master's degree in Banking, Finance, Business Administration, Management, Information Technology, or a related field is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 15-20 years of banking experience with exposure to branch operations, trade finance operations, banking technology, operational risk, customer service management, and regulatory compliance.
• Minimum 8-10 years in a senior management or leadership role.
• Strong understanding of UAE banking regulations and CBUAE requirements.
• Extensive experience managing trade finance products and operations.
• Experience leading technology implementations, digital transformation, and process automation initiatives.
• Proven experience managing large operational teams and complex banking environments.