Head of Operations (Arts & Culture)

We are a newly established cultural company with an ambitious mandate: to become a globally recognised institution that champions cultural exchange, artistic excellence, and heritage preservation. Guided by a distinguished panel of cultural sector advisors, the Company is positioned to make a lasting impact across international cultural ecosystems.As we build our organisation from the ground up, we are seeking an exceptional operational leader to establish the structures, systems, and culture that will underpin our global ambitions.The OpportunityThis is a rare and defining leadership role. As Operations Manager (COO-equivalent), you will be the organisational architect of the company, designing and driving the operational infrastructure that enables our cultural programs and advisory networks to thrive at a world-class level.Working in close partnership with our cultural sector advisors and reporting directly to the Management, you will translate vision into institutional reality: building processes, leading teams, managing resources, and ensuring the Company operates with the rigour, agility, and professionalism expected of a leading cultural entity.Key ResponsibilitiesOrganisational Design & Operations LeadershipDesign and implement end-to-end operational frameworks, policies, and procedures that enable the Company to function at international professional standardsEstablish governance structures, internal controls, and compliance mechanisms in alignment with international best practices for cultural institutionsBuild and lead cross-functional operational teams across HR, finance, marketing, administration, and program supportDevelop and maintain organisational risk management frameworks and business continuity plansStrategic Planning & ExecutionPartner with the cultural advisors to translate the Company's strategic vision into clear, measurable operational plansLead annual planning and budgeting cycles, establishing KPIs and performance monitoring systemsDrive institutional development: defining the Company's operational culture, values, and ways of workingPrepare high-quality reports, and strategic briefs for the Management and ChairmanCultural Program SupportWork in close collaboration with cultural sector advisors to ensure operational systems robustly support the delivery of cultural programs and initiativesFacilitate effective coordination between advisory panels, external partners, and internal teamsDevelop project management frameworks and workflows to support multi-stakeholder cultural projects across different geographiesOversee the Company's financial operations including budget development, forecasting, expenditure control, and financial reportingManage relationships with external auditors, legal counsel, and financial advisorsPeople & CultureLead the recruitment, onboarding, and development of the Company's growing teamEstablish HR policies, performance management frameworks, and a culture of excellence, inclusion, and accountabilityFoster an organisational environment that supports creative professionals, advisors, and operational staff alikePartnerships & External RelationsRepresent the Company in operational and institutional matters with governments, international bodies, cultural organisations, and funding partnersDevelop and manage MoUs, partnership agreements, and operational contractsSupport the Company's international profile and network expansionQualifications & ExperienceMinimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, institutional management, or organisational developmentDemonstrated experience building or significantly scaling an organisation ideally from an early or growth stageDeep familiarity with the cultural, arts, heritage, or creative sectors either through direct employment or sustained engagement as a senior partner/advisorProven ability to design and implement complex operational systems across multiple functions simultaneouslyTrack record of leading diverse, multidisciplinary teams with high levels of autonomyExceptional written and spoken communication skills; ability to engage fluently with cultural leaders, government officials, and international stakeholdersExperience working across international or multi-country contextsProficiency in Arabic and English requiredHighly DesirablePostgraduate qualification in Management, Arts Administration, Business, or a related disciplineExperience in a foundation, NGO, intergovernmental organisation, or international cultural institutionExperience with digital transformation and technology integration in institutional settings#J-18808-Ljbffr