Chief Operating Officer

About the Role

Cultural Assets Group is looking for an experienced Group Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee the operational functions across the Group and its subsidiaries. Reporting directly to the Group CEO, the COO will be responsible for realizing strategic goals, boosting operational efficiencies, fostering collaboration among subsidiaries, enhancing execution quality, and ensuring adherence to governance and policy standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Steer and manage operational performance for all subsidiaries and Group initiatives.
• Convert the Group’s strategic vision into executable plans tailored for individual subsidiaries.
• Monitor progress of strategic projects, ensuring timely completion according to approved schedules.
• Assist subsidiary CEOs in resolving operational issues and elevating performance.
• Establish and track operational KPIs at both Group and subsidiary levels.
• Conduct variance analyses and implement corrective measures as necessary.
• Prepare and submit regular operational reports to the CEO and Executive Committee.
• Drive initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, productivity, and reducing waste and costs.
• Create and harmonize operational frameworks, policies, and procedural standards throughout the Group.
• Oversee enhancements to operational processes focusing on agility, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Lead the design and implementation of operational frameworks and internal controls.
• Enhance integration and coordination between subsidiaries to optimize resource sharing and expertise utilization.
• Facilitate the use and deployment of shared services models.
• Manage resource allocation in line with Group priorities.
• Support operational aspects of new projects and Group expansions.
• Lead initiatives on operational and digital transformation, promoting process automation and system improvements.
• Adopt and implement international best practices in operations and enterprise governance.
• Encourage innovation and continuous advancement across subsidiaries.
• Oversee risk management and operational mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance of subsidiaries with relevant laws, regulations, and policies.
• Collaborate with Legal, Finance, and HR to maintain integrated governance.
• Ensure preparedness with business continuity plans and effective crisis management.
• Serve as a strategic operational partner to the CEO and Executive Management.
• Represent operational interests in executive and strategic meetings.
• Support Board and Executive Committees on operational and performance-related matters.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering Management, Operations Management, or a related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
• At least 15 years’ experience in operations or executive management roles.
• Minimum 7 years in senior leadership or executive supervisory positions.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple companies, complex group structures, or extensive operational environments.
• Expertise in enterprise transformation, process improvements, and corporate performance management.
• Preferred experience in cultural, entertainment, retail, or multisector business environments.

Skills and Knowledge

• Executive-level leadership and operational management proficiency.
• Strong capabilities in performance and decision management.
• Advanced strategic, analytical, and operational planning expertise.
• Proven track record designing operating models and governance structures.
• Expertise in change management and enterprise transformation.
• Excellent stakeholder and executive engagement skills.
• Deep understanding of governance, risk, and compliance issues.
• Advanced negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Full professional fluency in both Arabic and English, written and spoken.