Chief Operating Officer

Role OverviewWe are seeking an accomplished Chief Operating Officer to lead operational performance across an international telecoms business.Based in Dubai, you will translate the Board’s strategy into measurable results across country operations, sales and distribution, customer experience and business transformation. You will hold country leadership teams accountable for delivery, strengthen operating discipline and drive profitable growth across prepaid, postpaid and digital channels.This role requires a hands-on telecoms operator with strong commercial judgement, financial discipline and the authority to challenge underperformance. You must be comfortable moving between Board-level decisions and the operational detail needed to improve results.Key ResponsibilitiesGlobal Operations and Country PerformanceLead operational delivery across international markets, with clear ownership, targets and escalation processes.Hold country leaders accountable for revenue, profitability, subscriber growth, service quality and execution.Translate business strategy into annual operating plans, country budgets and quarterly priorities.Identify underperforming markets and implement practical recovery plans.Establish consistent operating standards while accommodating local market and regulatory requirements.Commercial Execution and DistributionDrive execution across retail, dealer, distributor, field sales and digital acquisition channels.Improve distribution coverage, outlet productivity, SIM availability, activation quality and channel profitability.Work with commercial leadership to strengthen prepaid and postpaid performance.Ensure pricing, propositions, promotions and retention initiatives are implemented effectively in each market.Build accountability for acquisition costs, customer value, churn and return on commercial investment.Financial Performance and Cost ControlOwn operational delivery against agreed budgets and profitability targets, working closely with Finance.Improve EBITDA, operating efficiency, working capital and cash generation.Challenge expenditure, organisational structures and supplier costs.Ensure country forecasts reflect operational realities and that corrective action follows performance gaps.Assess investments, market expansion and transformation initiatives against clear financial returns.Customer Experience and Service DeliveryImprove the customer journey across onboarding, activation, billing, payments, customer care and retention.Reduce complaints, service failures and avoidable customer contact.Coordinate with Technology and commercial teams to resolve issues affecting customer experience and revenue.Establish service standards and hold internal teams and external partners accountable for delivery.Transformation and Operational ExcellenceSimplify processes and remove duplication across countries and central functions.Drive automation, shared services and systems improvements that deliver measurable benefits.Strengthen management information, dashboards and the use of data in operational decisions.Lead major change programmes with clear milestones, accountable owners and tracked benefits.Support new market launches and ensure operational readiness through to sustainable trading.Governance, Risk and LeadershipWork with Legal, Regulatory, Finance and Technology to maintain effective operational controls.Ensure audit findings, compliance issues and material operational risks are addressed promptly.Build capable country leadership teams and strengthen succession planning.Establish a culture of ownership, pace, collaboration and performance.Provide the Board with clear reporting on results, risks and required decisions.Experience and QualificationsSignificant senior leadership experience within MNO or MVNO businesses, including responsibility as COO, CEO, Managing Director or a comparable operating executive.Proven accountability for multi-country operations and substantial P&L performance.Strong experience in consumer telecoms, retail distribution, dealer networks and SIM sales.Demonstrable success improving revenue, EBITDA, customer experience and operating efficiency.Experience managing country leaders and coordinating delivery across commercial, finance, technology and support functions.Strong understanding of prepaid and postpaid economics, customer acquisition, retention and channel performance.A track record of delivering turnarounds, transformation programmes or international expansion.Experience reporting to a Board, Chairman or Group CEO.Degree in business, finance, engineering or a related discipline. An MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification would be advantageous.