Director Shared Services

Position Overview

The Director of Shared Services is entrusted with leading and enhancing the integrated corporate support functions including Human Resources, Finance and Accounting, Procurement, and Office Administration. Reporting directly to the General Manager, this role ensures that support services adhere to governance standards, maintain transparency, and deliver timely, reliable, and compliant operations across all locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and governance over HR, Finance, Procurement, and Administration departments, defining clear operational frameworks and decision-making authorities.
• Set consistent service standards and KPIs applicable across all geographic locations to align support functions with organizational goals.
• Advise senior management on performance, risks, and operational readiness of corporate service areas.
• Manage workforce planning, recruitment, employee relations, and performance management ensuring compliance with local labor laws and organizational policies.
• Govern budgeting, accounting, financial reporting processes and ensure continuous audit readiness across jurisdictions.
• Oversee procurement strategy, vendor governance, contract management, promoting transparency and value optimization.
• Lead office administration and facilities management across locations, ensuring productive, secure, and compliant work environments.
• Maintain risk management frameworks and internal controls across all support functions, coordinating audit activities and implementing corrective actions.
• Serve as the escalation point for support service issues and collaborate with departmental leaders to ensure operational efficiency and robust governance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focusing on process optimization, standardization, and improved service delivery in a multi-location context.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Management; Master's degree such as MBA or MPA is highly preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CPA, ACCA, CA, CMA, or related credentials in Procurement, HR, or Governance are advantageous.
• 12-15 years of progressive experience in corporate/shared services with a strong foundation in Accounts and Finance.
• Minimum 5-7 years in senior leadership roles overseeing multiple G&A functions in multi-location or international settings.
• Experience in financial governance, audit coordination, compliance, and internal control frameworks.
• Sector experience within government or semi-government entities is strongly desired.

Skills and Tools

• Expertise in financial management, budgeting, internal controls, and risk assessment.
• Sound knowledge of Human Resources frameworks, procurement governance, and office administration best practices.
• Proficiency with ERP and financial systems such as SAP, Oracle, or equivalent.
• Familiarity with HR systems, procurement platforms, and document management solutions.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management abilities, able to convey complex information succinctly to senior leadership.

Personal Attributes

• High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• Confident and composed communicator, comfortable with senior executives and regulatory bodies.
• Detail-focused with a pragmatic, service-driven approach to governance and controls.
• Ability to handle sensitive and complex challenges effectively to resolution.
• Resilient under pressure, providing stability during organizational growth and change.

Additional Information

Applicants must be UAE nationals.