Director Business Excellence

Role Description The Director Business Excellence will lead initiatives that drive operational efficiency, process optimization, and performance improvement across CEFAU’s activities and partnerships. Day-to-day responsibilities include assessing current business processes, designing and implementing improvement frameworks, and ensuring that operational practices support CEFAU’s research, analysis, and stakeholder engagement goals. The role will collaborate with leadership, researchers, and external partners to align business excellence strategies with organizational objectives, monitor key performance indicators, and support effective resource allocation. The Director will also contribute to developing best practices for project delivery, sales effectiveness in stakeholder engagements, and continuous improvement in internal workflows. This is a part-time, hybrid role based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with a combination of on-site work and flexibility to work from home.QualificationsStrong competence in Business Process and Business Process Improvement to design, document, and refine end-to-end workflows.Demonstrated expertise in Operational Excellence, including implementing continuous improvement methodologies and performance management practices.Advanced Analytical Skills to interpret complex data, develop insights, and support evidence-based decision-making.Experience with Sales Effectiveness, particularly in structuring and optimizing stakeholder, partner, and sponsor interactions.Proven leadership experience in business excellence, operations, or management consulting, ideally within research, academic, or knowledge-intensive organizations.Ability to work cross-functionally with senior leaders, researchers, and analysts, and to influence without formal authority.Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; additional language skills are an asset.Relevant university degree in Economics, Business Administration, Management, or a related field; advanced degree is preferred.Experience in hybrid work environments and capacity to operate effectively across geographies and cultures, including the UAE and European contexts.