People and Operations Leader

Head of People & Operations, Dubai, UAE

Career Progression: Potential transition to Chief of Staff within 12 to 18 months

Role Overview

A growing fintech group is seeking a Head of People & Operations to take senior executive responsibility for building, leading, and scaling the organization's people and operational functions across its global operations. This is a strategic builder role designed for a commercially minded operator capable of transforming HR and operations into high-performing business functions that support organisational growth, execution, operational excellence, leadership capability, and culture across the Group.

Based in Dubai, the role oversees core people and operational functions across the Group and affiliated entities, including talent acquisition, HR operations, performance management, organisational design, workforce planning, operational processes, KPI management, and internal governance.

The successful candidate must have prior experience operating in a fast-paced, high-growth, regulated fintech environment. Key deliverables:

• People & Operations Leadership
• Talent Acquisition & Employer Brand
• HR & Operations
• Performance, Compensation & ESOPs
• Culture & Employee Experience
• Leadership Development & Succession Planning
• Employee Relations & Risk Management
• Organisation Design & Workforce Planning

Candidate Profile

Experience

• 8+ years of experience across HR, People Operations, Operations. 
• Strong UAE experience with strong understanding of labour law, WPS, free-zone regulations, and the Dubai talent market
• Experience within fintech, financial services, or regulated industries is essential.
• Proven track record of building, scaling, or transforming operational or people functions in high-growth environments
• Experience operating across multiple entities and jurisdictions

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Psychology, Law, Finance, or a related discipline
• SHRM-SCP, CIPD Level 7, CFA, or equivalent professional certifications are advantageous

Package: 30,000-40,000 AED + Performance Bonus + ESOP, Benefits. 

How to Apply

This search is being conducted exclusively by Emerald Zebra. All enquiries are handled in strict confidence.

Donna Stephenson | Founder and Principal, Emerald Zebra