Director of Operations
Set2Recruit · Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tailor my CV for this job — freeOperations Director – Abu Dhabi (Relocation Required) – Scale up StableCoin/FintechBuild and run the operating model for a research-backed UAE stablecoin payments fintech as it scales volumes and corridors.
Using stablecoins and a network of regulated banking, custody and liquidity partners, the business helps companies move money across borders faster, at lower cost and with full transparency. It is backed by a leading UAE technology and research organisation, pairing deep cryptographic expertise with a startup operating model, and is building towards a VARA licence.About the RoleReporting directly to the CEO, you will design and run the operating model that makes stablecoin-based cross-border payments work reliably, securely and in line with UAE regulation. You will own end-to-end payment operations, partner operations, reconciliation and the processes, controls and service levels needed to operate as a VARA-licensed business. This is a hands-on leadership role, working closely with Technology, Treasury, Compliance and Network Expansion to grow volumes and corridors without losing control.What You'll Be DoingDesigning, implementing and continuously improving the operating model, policies and procedures across processing, settlement, reconciliation and client servicingOwning day-to-day fiat and stablecoin payment operations - on-ramp, transfer, off-ramp and beneficiary payout - with clear exception and escalation pathsEstablishing daily reconciliation across bank accounts, wallets, custody and partner ledgers, and making sure breaks are explained and resolved quicklyManaging operational relationships with banking, custody, liquidity and payout partners, including SLAs, performance reviews and incident handlingRunning client onboarding operations with Compliance and the MLRO, keeping KYB and due diligence efficient and well controlledDefining and reporting operational KPIs - success rates, processing times, cost per transaction and service levels - to the CEO and BoardImplementing outsourcing and third-party oversight in line with VARA requirementsPartnering with the CTO, CISO and risk function on 24/7 operational resilience, BCP and DRSupporting the VARA licensing application with process maps, documentation and evidenceDriving automation and AI-enabled process improvement, and building a lean, high-calibre operations teamWhat We're Looking ForEssential:10+ years in operations across payments, remittances, fintech or financial services, including senior leadership of payment or settlement operationsHands-on experience running stablecoin, virtual asset, digital payments or similar cross-border flows, including on/off-ramp, custody and settlementA proven record of building operational processes, controls and reconciliation frameworks from scratch in a startup or scale-upUAE experience, with working knowledge of VARA's Rulebooks (Company, Compliance and Risk Management, Technology and Information) and CBUAE requirementsExperience managing banking, custody, liquidity and payout partners and negotiating operational SLAsA strong operational understanding of AML/CFT, KYB and sanctions screeningDegree in Business, Finance, Engineering or a related fieldAble to meet VARA fit and proper requirements; based in, or willing to relocate to, the UAEDesirable:Advanced degree in a relevant disciplineExperience supporting a VARA or comparable virtual asset licensing applicationA track record of using automation or AI to scale operationsWhat's On OfferCompetitive, tax-free executive package (details on application)Executive-level role reporting directly to the CEO, with Board visibilityThe chance to shape the business from the ground up at founding-team stageBased in Abu Dhabi, UAEIf this sounds like the right move for you, apply now.