About the Role
Our client in Abu Dhabi, a dynamic company specializing in Investments, M&A Advisory and Company Building, is looking for a highly organized and adaptable Executive Assistant & Operations Manager who is eager to grow and develop in their role. This position is ideal for someone seeking a long-term opportunity to build their career and take on increasing responsibility as the company expands. The company is registered in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), making it a part of a thriving international business hub.
In this hybrid role, you will provide both executive and operational support directly to the CEO. You’ll handle essential administrative tasks while overseeing key operational areas such as company & tax registrations, financial tracking, payroll setup, and compliance coordination with third party vendors. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to support the company’s portfolio businesses, offering operational and administrative guidance as they scale and grow. This role is especially suited for someone who has experience working with venture studios or startups, understands the unique challenges of scaling a young company, and can bring a proactive, solution-oriented mindset to a fast-paced environment. As the company grows, this role offers the potential for expanded responsibilities and advancement within the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Support
Calendar & Communication Management: Organize the CEO’s schedule, coordinate meetings and travel, ensuring timely responses and follow-ups. Monitor, manage, and respond to emails on behalf of the CEO as needed. Ensure timely follow-ups and maintain organized communication records
Contact Management: Clean up, update, and maintain the CRM (Apple Contacts, Google Cloud, etc.). Enter business card data and organize contacts for efficient lead tracking and follow-up. Research and prepare briefing materials on potential contacts and companies ahead of meetings, conferences, and events
Document & Contract Management: Maintain and organize all essential company documents, contracts, and compliance records
Operational Management
Company Registration & Compliance: Manage the company’s registration process in ADGM, handle renewals, and ensure compliance with local regulations, coordinating with authorities and legal advisors
Payroll & Financial Overview: Set up and maintain payroll systems, track expenses, and provide regular financial summaries to assist in budgeting and planning
Portfolio Company Support: Provide operational and administrative support to portfolio companies, helping them implement best practices as they grow
Vendor & Supplier Coordination: Act as the primary liaison with vendors and service providers, including legal, financial, and HR-related services
Process & Efficiency Optimization
Task Prioritization: Support the CEO in prioritizing tasks and managing workflows in alignment with strategic goals
Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for streamlining operations across finance, registration, and payroll management to enhance productivity
Reporting: Prepare basic financial and operational reports to keep the CEO informed of progress, expenditures, and other key metrics
Requirements
Essential Skills & Competencies
Proficiency with Modern Tools: Experience with Google Workspace, Notion, and basic finance software for streamlined task and document management
Organizational Mastery: Strong ability to prioritize, multitask, and organize diverse responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
Excellent Communication: Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills
Solution-Oriented: A proactive approach with a strong sense of initiative and problem-solving abilities
Growth Mindset: Eager to learn, develop, and take on new challenges as the company evolves
Preferred Experience
Background in Operations or Administration: Experience in areas such as company registration, payroll management, and basic finance
Languages: Fluency in English is essential; Arabic or German proficiency is a plus
Project & Task Management: Familiarity with managing projects and tracking key milestones
Experience in Startups or Venture Studios: Previous experience in a startup or venture studio is highly valued, especially if it involved supporting portfolio companies or assisting in their scaling efforts
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Finance, or a related field (preferred but not required)
3+ years of relevant experience in a role that combines executive and operational support, ideally within the relevant industry
Benefits
Work Hours: Full-time position with the expectation of occasional responsiveness outside regular hours
Location: This is an Abu Dhabi-based position; If the candidate is already located in Abu Dhabi it’s a plus
If you’re a detail-oriented professional with a background in supporting both executives and portfolio companies, and are looking for a long-term opportunity to grow in a leadership role in operations, we’d love to hear from you!