UAE Operations Lead

About the Role

UAE Operations Lead

Abu Dhabi – hybrid

Full time, permanent

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Operations Lead serves as the in-country representative, relationship manager, operational coordinator, and workforce development leader for a large, high-profile strategic countertrade program. The position oversees in-country contract execution under the framework, including local capital expenditures, documentation of milestone completion, and reparation of formal requests to all UAE stakeholders.

The role will work closely with the U.S.-based Program Manager and Chief Engineer, as well as local Industrial Development staff, to ensure strategic alignment with local business practices, manages cross-border logistics between US and UAE stakeholders, and steers collaborative academic and R&D programs to achieve critical national talent development objectives.

Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary liaison to local academic and industry partners; Build trusted relationships across UAE Beneficiary and local entities; Represent the program at industry events, conferences; Direct in-country marketing, communications, and cultural protocol.

Program Reporting: Deliver regular situation reports to the Program Director detailing stakeholder sentiment, local dynamics, and emerging risks; Draft and present progress reviews to in-country leadership; Manage execution of contracts with UAE assigned entities established under framework agreements.

Operations Coordination: Maintain the master in-country planning to ensure milestone delivery; Facilitate local workshops, meetings, and site visits; Oversee in-country program expenditures and procurements.

Workforce Development: Lead for Workforce Development scope, including execution and stakeholder engagement; Includes UAE and US academic partners.

Basic Qualifications

* UAE National preferred
* 7+ years of professional experience working in the UAE
* Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in an engineering, business, or related field
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Experience running a disciplined operating cadence with minimal direction
* Ability to travel internationally as needed

Desired Skills

* Experience managing or supporting offset programs in the UAE
* Experience tracking, measuring and documenting delivery plans
* Deep working knowledge of UAE defense and industrial ecosystems
* Familiarity with advanced tech or engineering R&D environments
* Expertise in UAE hiring strategies, internship pipelines, and student onboarding
* Practical background in budgeting, procurement, licensing, and capital expenditure
* Strong reporting skills (executive briefings, and stakeholder presentations) and the ability to bridge US leadership expectations with local operational realities.