CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (EMIRATI)

Industry: Banking / Financial Services
Location: UAE
Employment Type: Full-time
Nationality: UAE National (Emirati) with Family Book (Khulasat Al Qaid)
Maximum Age: 50 Years

A leading financial institution in the UAE is seeking experienced Emirati banking professionals for senior leadership positions within its UAE operations.

Position Overview

The Chief Operating Officer will be responsible for developing and executing the Bank's operational strategy, driving operational excellence, ensuring regulatory compliance, leading transformation initiatives, and strengthening service delivery across banking operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Bank's operational strategy in alignment with business objectives, regulatory requirements and Group standards.

• Lead and oversee banking operations, including:

  • Customer onboarding

  • Deposit acquisition

  • Payments

  • Clearing & settlement

  • Regulatory projects

• Drive operational excellence, productivity and cost efficiency through process optimization and continuous improvement.

• Ensure compliance with UAE banking regulations, internal policies and governance frameworks.

• Lead regulatory inspections, reviews and related remediation activities.

• Drive digital transformation, automation, process re-engineering, system enhancements and implementation of new banking technologies.

• Monitor operational performance and service quality, ensuring continuous improvement in customer experience and issue resolution.

• Manage relationships with regulators, government authorities, vendors and outsourced service providers.

• Support business growth initiatives, new product launches, business expansion and strategic cross-functional projects.

• Lead talent development, succession planning, leadership coaching and workforce capability building.

• Support and contribute to the Bank's Emiratization initiatives.

• Ensure effective operational risk management, internal controls and business continuity practices.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Minimum 8–10 years of banking experience.

• Minimum 3 years in a senior leadership position within the UAE banking industry.

• Proven experience in banking operations, transformation and process improvement.

• Strong experience interacting with regulators, auditors and senior management.

• Experience with foreign banks, multinational banking groups or international banking environments will be preferred.

Technical & Functional Knowledge

• UAE banking regulations and operational requirements

• Banking operations and transaction processing

• Operational risk management

• Business continuity and disaster recovery

• Digital banking and operational technologies

• Outsourcing and vendor management

• Internal controls and governance

• AML, KYC, sanctions and customer due diligence

• Project and change management

Educational Qualification

Mandatory:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, Banking, Finance or a relevant discipline.

Preferred:

• Master's Degree / MBA

Desirable Professional Certifications:

• Certified Banking Professional

• Project Management Professional (PMP)