Operations Lead

Job Purpose:The Operations Lead is responsible for overseeing and supporting all operational, regulatory, and facility-related functions of Forbes Middle East. This role ensures full compliance with licensing and regulatory requirements, high standards of facility and asset management, effective coordination with external stakeholders, and proactive crisis and risk management to support business continuity and growth.Duties & ResponsibilitiesActing as the primary liaison with government authorities, regulators, and free zones to ensure smooth communication and timely approvals, in close coordination with Legal, Finance, and Senior ManagementSupporting all licensing, permits, renewals, and regulatory approvals to maintain uninterrupted business operations, working closely with Legal, Finance, and relevant external authoritiesEnsuring continuous compliance with local laws, regulations, and operational requirements to mitigate legal and operational risks, in alignment with Legal, HR, and Finance teamsMaintaining accurate and secure records of all licenses, permits, and regulatory documentation to ensure audit readiness and data protection, in coordination with Legal, Finance, and IT departments.Ensuring all company facilities are managed and maintained to the highest standards to support productivity and brand image, in collaboration with Director of Operations, HR, and Marketing teamsLeading and managing facility expansions, refurbishments, and the onboarding of new offices to support business growth and operational needs, in coordination with Management, Finance, IT, Procurement and external contractorsEnsuring timely resolution of urgent facility issues (quick fixes) to minimize disruption while safeguarding Forbes Middle East branding and identity, in close collaboration with Marketing teamDeveloping and monitoring preventive maintenance schedules across all facilities to ensure employee safety, satisfaction, and operational continuity, working with HR, and external service providersEnsuring consistent adherence to health, safety, and environmental standards to protect employees and company assets, in coordination with relevant regulatory bodiesSupporting the management and upkeep of the company car fleet to ensure availability and reliability for business use, in collaboration with Administration, Finance, and external vendorsEnsuring full fleet compliance with insurance, licensing, and safety requirements to reduce operational and legal risks, in coordination with Finance, Legal, and insurance providersMonitoring fleet utilization, maintenance costs, and operational efficiency to optimize expenses and performance, working closely with Finance and AdministrationCoordinating with landlords, venue operators, suppliers, and service providers to ensure seamless facility operations and service delivery, in align with purchasing teamEnsuring facilities are fully set up, functional, and aligned with business requirements to support teams’ daily operations, in collaboration with IT, HR, and Department HeadsManaging service-level agreements (SLAs) and vendor performance to ensure quality, cost efficiency, and compliance, working with Procurement, Finance, and LegalSupporting negotiations and renewals of operational contracts to secure favorable terms and continuity of services, in coordination with Finance, Procurement, and Senior ManagementIdentifying operational risks and recommending mitigation strategies to minimize disruption and exposure, working closely with Management, Legal, and FinanceParticipating in business continuity and emergency response planning to ensure preparedness across all functions, in coordination with HR, IT, and Finance teamsEnsuring readiness and effective coordination during incidents or disruptions to maintain business continuity, working with all relevant internal departments and external stakeholdersJob SpecificationEducation & QualificationBachelor’s degree in business administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.Professional certifications in Facilities Management, Operations, or Risk Management are an advantExperience: 12-14 years of proven experience in operations, facilities, or administrative management. Proven experience dealing with government authorities in UAE, regulators, and licensing bodies. Experience managing facilities, assets, and vendor relationships in a multi-site environment. Strong background in UAE Facilities laws, H&SE Laws.Knowledge Proficiency in MS Office, project management tools and scheduling tools.Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; Arabic proficiency is highly desirable.Strong knowledge of regulatory and compliance frameworks.Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.Strong negotiation and vendor management capabilities.Crisis management and problem-solving skills.Strong communication and stakeholder management skills