Head of Business Operations

We are currently looking for a Head of Business Operations to support a key initiative within the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) on a 12-month freelance contract.

DCT Abu Dhabi is the government entity responsible for driving the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, playing a central role in positioning the emirate as a global hub for culture, creativity, and tourism.

The Head of Business Operations oversees and leads the sector’s operating model, business planning, governance, performance management, financial stewardship, and transformation agenda. The role serves as a strategic advisor to the Executive Director, ensuring efficient and effective delivery across the sector through robust operating frameworks, resource planning, budget management, operational excellence, and stakeholder alignment.

The role drives organizational effectiveness by embedding scalable operating models, strengthening governance and accountability, optimizing resource utilization, and leading continuous improvement initiatives that support the achievement of sector objectives.

• Lead the development and continuous enhancement of the sector operating model to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and business objectives.
• Oversee workforce planning activities to ensure organizational capabilities and resources effectively support sector growth and operational requirements.
• Direct the design and implementation of operational frameworks, standards, and governance mechanisms across the sector.
• Drive organizational efficiency by identifying opportunities to streamline processes, improve collaboration, and enhance operational effectiveness.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of operating procedures, process libraries, and service standards.
• Lead the annual business planning cycle and operational planning activities across the sector.
• Oversee the establishment of governance structures, reporting mechanisms, and decision-making forums to support effective execution.
• Direct the preparation of executive reports, briefings, and strategic materials for leadership and key stakeholders.
• Advise the Executive Director on organizational priorities, operational risks, resource allocation, and delivery trade-offs.
• Drive alignment between sector initiatives, corporate objectives, and strategic priorities.

• Lead the annual budgeting process and oversee budget planning, forecasting, and financial performance management.
• Direct financial governance activities to ensure effective utilization of resources and adherence to approved budgets.
• Drive the identification of efficiency opportunities, cost optimization initiatives, and sustainable operational improvements.
• Oversee management reporting processes and provide regular performance and financial insights to leadership.
• Lead the development and monitoring of key performance indicators to measure operational performance and organizational effectiveness.
• Lead the development and execution of the sector transformation roadmap.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery, operational maturity, and business performance.
• Oversee business transformation programs, including systems implementation, process automation, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Ensure risks, dependencies, and organizational impacts are identified and proactively managed throughout transformation activities.
• Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement across the sector.

• Lead strategic engagement with internal and external stakeholders to support sector objectives and delivery requirements.
• Oversee collaboration with corporate functions to ensure timely support and effective service delivery.
• Act as the primary escalation point for operational issues impacting sector performance and execution.
• Manage relationships with external partners, consultants, and service providers supporting business operations and transformation initiatives.
• Foster strong cross-functional partnerships to drive alignment and successful delivery of…