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WE ARE DRIVEN BY OUR VISION

At ESM, we recruit and retain a high performing and diverse workforce and foster a healthy, safe and productive work environment. The mission of the HR Department is to develop and sustain a dynamic work environment while providing support and growth opportunities.

Head of Operations - ESM

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Head of Operations to oversee the operational delivery of all departments within ESM. This leadership role is crucial to ensuring that all programmes and services run smoothly, efficiently, and to the highest standards. The successful candidate will drive operational excellence, foster internal and external relationships, and implement scalable systems to support our growing organisation.

You’ll play a key role in aligning departmental execution with business goals, ensuring compliance with safety and safeguarding standards, and supporting the continued success of our venues and partnerships.

Job Purpose

Lead and manage the operations of ESM departments, providing efficient plans for the smooth running of all programmes and services offered by all departments.

Key Objectives

  • Build and maintain excellent relationships with all key internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth running of operations and providing valued services by all users.

  • Oversee and manage the plans of activities and programmes in all venues by guiding and holding relevant team members accountable for revenue generation and gross profit of their respective venues.

  • Oversee the plan of staff requirements for all programmes and venues, including leave schedules and effective coordination and planning with department leaders and relevant stakeholders for required operations of secured new contracts.

  • Ensure all activities and programmes adhere to the local laws, rules, and regulations of governing bodies and health & safety and child safeguarding standards.

  • Oversee the implementation of health & safety rules and aspects and ensure proper procedures are in place for staff and providers’ compliance.

  • Liaise with all ESM departments to ensure all operational elements are regularly updated and checked on the relevant systems.

  • The role forms part of the Senior Leadership Team within the organisation, with monthly reporting responsibilities and required participation in leadership meetings.

Set of Required Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours

Desired Qualifications:

  • Degree in sports, business, or a similar qualification related to the field

Desired Experience:

  • Sufficient experience in schools, sports and enrichment fields

  • Sports Industry experience is highly desired

  • In-depth knowledge of industry trends

  • Local knowledge of UAE and regional sports businesses

  • Proven operational strategic management experience

Job-Specific Knowledge & Skills:

  • High-level IT skills including database management

  • High-level communication skills; verbal and written

  • Advanced presentation and design skills

  • Strong leadership qualities and people management skills

  • Customer service and relationship management skills

  • Time management

  • Maintaining confidentiality

  • Confidence and ability to make decisions

  • Problem solving & conflict resolution

  • Financial intelligence

What We Offer

  • Competitive Salary

  • Annual flight allowance

  • Private medical insurance

  • CPD (Continuing Professional Development) package

  • End of service benefit

  • Access to lifestyle discounts

How to Apply

If you’re ready to lead operations across one of the UAE’s most dynamic sports and events organisations, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, email your CV, cover letter, and relevant qualifications to [email protected] , quoting the reference HOO-Apr25.

Please note: Only candidates who meet the specified qualifications and requirements will be contacted.

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It is vital to ensure that you hold the correct qualifications for the position that you are applying for. Details of the relevant qualification for each role is included in the detailed job description, also available, on our website. Please email a covering letter, CV and all relevant qualifications to our HR Department at [email protected] indicating which position is of interest to you.

Whether your move is to Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Qatar, you will experience a global city with an international workforce. We always encourage potential recruits to do a little research into the cities they want to move to.


We realise that moving to a new country may be a daunting experience. That is why we try to ensure that we do everything that we can to help our new staff settle. We provide your flights out to your place of work, and arrange your visa. We'll support you along every step of the way, whether it's finding somewhere to live or opening a bank account.


If you take the right steps, your move to the Middle East will be a great experience and one you will love.