Associate Director - Transformation Programmes

Established in 2004, Dubai Holding is a global investment company with investments in more than 34 countries and a combined workforce of nearly 45,000 individuals. In line with the vision of Dubai’s leadership and economic diversification strategy, Dubai Holding companies have nurtured sectors, irrevocably transforming Dubai’s socio-economic landscape and positioning Dubai as a diversified, globally integrated economy.Dubai Holding is committed to the diversification of Dubai’s no\n-oil economy. Our portfolio, valued at over AED 284+ billion, spans 10 sectors, including real estate, hospitality, leisure & entertainment, ICT, design, education, media, retail, manufacturing & logistics, and science.For the Good of TomorrowDubai Holding is looking to hire an Associate Director – Transformation Programmes at Dubai Holding. The role holder is responsible for directing and leading large-scale, complex transformation projects that span technology, operations, process and change management, translating strategic intent into delivered outcomes across the Group and its business verticals. The role ensures transformation is delivered at pace and with rigor in high-intensity, operationally demanding environments, integrating cross-functional business and technology teams, external vendors and system integrators to realise measurable value, operational readiness and sustainable adoption. The role acts as a trusted delivery leader within Strategy & Value Creation and trusted partner to senior business leadership, providing executive-grade programme leadership, financial and commercial discipline, and end-to-end accountability from concept of operations through to operational go-live and benefits realisation..If you are ready to embark on a dynamic journey where your talents are valued, and your contributions make a real impact, we would like to hear from you.Key Accountabilities: Transformation Programme Leadership and Delivery:Direct and lead large-scale, complex transformation projects spanning technology, operations, process and change management Deliver end-to-end change across cross-functional teams and multiple businesses in high-intensity operational environments Drive delivery at pace while maintaining quality, control and benefits realisation Own programme structure, governance, milestones and delivery accountability from initiation to operational go-live and hypercareTechnology and Complex System Integration:Lead delivery of complex, integrated technology and enterprise system integration programmes Direct master data management (MDM) initiatives, ensuring data quality, ownership and new capability development Oversee data analytics and insight capabilities to inform decisions and measure transformation impact Deliver technology capabilities aligned to customer experience and operational outcomesChange Management and Operational Readiness:Apply deep expertise in change management, adoption and operational readiness Define and deliver Concept of Operations (ConOps) and operational readiness frameworks (including Operational Readiness and Transition (ORAT)) Ensure businesses are prepared, capable and confident to operate transformed models at go-liveEmbed sustainable adoption and benefits capture beyond project closeCross-Functional Team and Vendor Management:Manage cross-functional teams spanning business, technology and external vendors and partners Direct system integrators and delivery partners, holding them accountable for performance and value Lead with impact and influence across matrixed, multi-stakeholder environments Coordinate dependencies across functions, entities and delivery partnersFinancial, Commercial & Risk Discipline: Apply sharp financial acumen to programme budgets, business cases and value tracking Provide strong project management and risk management leadership across the delivery lifecycle Anticipate, identify, quantify and mitigate delivery, operational, commercial and stakeholder risks Ensure commercial and vendor arrangements deliver value and are managed to outcome Stakeholder Management and Executive Engagement:Provide strong stakeholder management across executive, business and technology audiences Communicate with executive presence and provide board / ExCom-ready reporting Build alignment and manage competing priorities across senior stakeholders M&A, Divestment & Business Integration:Prior experience in business integration, divestment and post-merger integration programmes is desirable Deliver operating model, systems and process integration or separation at pace Manage the operational and technology complexity inherent in M&A and divestment activityEnsure continuity of operations and value protection throughout integration events Outsourcing, Offshoring & Service Transition: Lead large-scale outsourcing and offshoring programmes end to end Direct the transition of services to third-party providers, ensuring continuity and control Design and stand up onshore / offshore operating models, governance and service managementManage knowledge transfer, ramp-up and stabilisation to protect service quality and valueWho we are looking for:15+ years directing and leading large-scale transformation projects across technology, operations, and business change Proven delivery of large-scale change across cross-functional teams and businesses in high-intensity operational environments Experience in B2C and B2B customer experience and operations-led industries Track record from heavy, operationally intensive environments where technology is deployed at scale Experience delivering complex, integrated technology and enterprise system integration Hands-on experience with master data management, data analytics and insights, and customer-facing technology Experience leading M&A, divestment and business integration programmes Experience of large-scale outsourcing, offshoring and the transition of services to third parties Experience with applied and emerging technologies, including AI Education/Professional Certification: 15+ years directing and leading large-scale transformation projects across technology, operations, and business change Proven delivery of large-scale change across cross-functional teams and businesses in high-intensity operational environments Experience in B2C and B2B customer experience and operations-led industries Track record from heavy, operationally intensive environments where technology is deployed at scale Experience delivering complex, integrated technology and enterprise system integration Hands-on experience with master data management, data analytics and insights, and customer-facing technology Experience leading M&A, divestment and business integration programmes Experience of large-scale outsourcing, offshoring and the transition of services to third parties Experience with applied and emerging technologies, including AI Technical Competencies: Large-scale programme, project and portfolio management Complex system integration and integrated technology delivery Master data management (MDM) and enterprise data governance Data analytics, data engineering and insight generation Customer-facing technology and customer experience platforms Change management, operational readiness and Concept of Operations (ConOps) Outsourcing, offshoring and third-party service transition Applied and emerging technologies, including AI Risk management and delivery assurance Financial and commercial management of programmes and vendors Behavioural Competencies:Ability to lead with impact and influence in complex, multi-stakeholder environments Strong executive presence and credibility at senior leadership level Ability to deliver at pace under high operational intensity Sharp financial acumen and commercial judgement Strong stakeholder and vendor management capability Results-oriented with high accountability and delivery focus As much as we would be delighted to entertain all applicants, due to the high volumes of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted within 14 business days.This job description is not all inclusive. Dubai Holding reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Dubai Holding is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.