About the job

Hays is partnering with a government-backed Investment Group in Abu Dhabi to appoint a Director - Executive Operations & PMO into the Group CEO's office. This is a new role with real influence and a clear mandate.

You will sit in one of the most senior offices in the organisation, working directly with the Chief of Staff. You will take strategic initiatives, work out what the leadership team wants to achieve, build the structure and plan, and drive them through to delivery across the group.

• Key responsibilitiesOwn strategic initiatives end to end, from an open brief to a structured plan to delivery
• Translate senior leadership priorities into clear objectives and milestones
• Lead the research and analysis behind planning and decision-making
• Engage stakeholders across business functions on a project basis, building alignment and accountability
• Prepare high-calibre presentations and briefing materials for the Group CEO's office
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Chief of Staff, anticipating needs and working at pace

• Requirements: 12+ years of experience in strategic initiatives, transformation, business management or project delivery
• Background in financial services, investment banking or private equity, or in a CEO office or strategic initiatives role across multiple business entities
• A track record of personally delivering initiatives, not only advising on them
• Experience working with senior executives and managing complex, cross-functional programmes
• Bachelor's degree in business, economics, finance, public policy or a related field. An MBA is highly desirable, and CPA, CFA, PMP are a plus
• GCC experience is a strong advantage, ideally combined with international exposure
• Must be willing to relocate to Abu Dhabi

• Personal qualitiesSuccinct, sharp and impactful in communication
• Quick on the uptake and comfortable in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment
• Charismatic, with executive presence and the ability to tell a compelling story
• Assertive, switched on and collaborative
• Hands-on, strategic and operational, with a strong sense of ownership