Business Operations Lead

We are currently looking for a Business Operations Lead 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.

This role sits within a high-impact program focused on strengthening Abu Dhabi’s gaming ecosystem. The Business Operations Lead will own the sector’s internal operating model, set and run its operations, and report directly to the Executive Director.

The successful candidate will act as the internal challenge function on targets, budgets, procurement, and delivery execution. The role will also serve as the primary risk and progress reporting line into the Executive Director, combining operational oversight, financial discipline, process excellence, and hands-on team management.

• Oversee and enhance daily operations within Abu Dhabi Gaming to ensure efficiency and smooth workflow.
• Identify and address operational challenges, facilitate effective team communication, and coordinate resources to support daily activities gaming.
• Analyse operational processes, implement improvements, and develop strategies to enhance the quality and efficiency of services offered by the departments.
• Develop and implement operational plans aligned with the overall strategy of AD Gaming.
• Ensure timely execution and monitoring of key projects, reporting on performance metrics and impact.
• Engage in strategic planning sessions to align department goals with the broader vision for the gaming industry in Abu Dhabi.
• Foster relationships with industry stakeholders, including project champions and external partners, to enhance collaborative efforts and drive sector growth.

• Oversee drafting, negotiation, and review of contracts to ensure they align with organizational goals and comply with legal standards.
• Regularly update contracts and other legal documents in collaboration with legal advisors to reflect changes in laws and business objectives.
• Ensure all agreements and operations adhere to internal governance standards and external regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the processing and payment of subsidy claims, ensuring accuracy, compliance with subsidy program guidelines, and timely financial operations for both departments.

• Ensure effective cascading of the functional strategy into section business plans to ensure vertical alignment and horizontal integration with other interfacing sectional strategies.

• Act as a role model and drive adherence to organizational values and ethics by employees of the assigned section to foster a value driven culture within the organization.
• Manage the effective achievement of assigned objectives through the leadership of the Section by setting of individual objectives, managing performance, developing and motivating staff to maximize performance.
• Lead the talent development initiatives for the assigned section, collaborating with technical/discipline experts and thereby ensure the availability of talent to fit business requirements.

• Manage the preparation and recommend the section budget and monitor financial performance versus the budget while ensuring all sectional activities are conducted in line with the approved guidelines.
• Manage and ensure effective implementation of functional policies, procedures and controls covering all areas of assigned section activity so that all relevant procedural/legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost-effective service.
• Lead the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability of systems, processes and practices considering global standards, productivity improvement and cost reduction.

• Ensure that all section reports are prepared timely and accurately and meet DCT requirements, policies and quality standards.

• Adhere to…