Director, Business Operations

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced, high-impact Director, Business Operations to serve as a strategic partner to the General Manager (GM) for the Middle East region. This pivotal Director-level role is essential for ensuring the strategic vision is translated into coordinated execution and operational excellence across all regional functions. The successful candidate will be the primary link between strategy and operational delivery, acting as a trusted advisor, a pragmatic business operator, and a driving force for organizational efficiency.

This role requires a unique blend of strategic thinking, deep business and financial acumen, robust project management skills, and exceptional executive-level communication. The Director will be deeply immersed in the business, leading complex, cross-functional initiatives critical to accelerating growth and transformation in the Middle East market. With a proven track record of building strong relationships with leaders and stakeholders, you’ll combine commercial acumen with high emotional intelligence and an appreciable sense of humour to influence, challenge convention, and embed positive change. You’ll lead through collaboration and live our values of Collaboration, Trust, Impact, and Excellence in everything you do.

You Will:

Strategic Planning, Execution & Performance Management

• Directly translate the GM’s regional strategy into clear, measurable operational plans, Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), and reporting dashboards.

• Act as a trusted advisor and confidant to the GM, offering objective perspective and data-driven guidance on regional opportunities, risks, and strategic priorities.

• Act as the central point for monitoring regional performance. Design and maintain fit-for-purpose reporting dashboards to track key business metrics, financial data, and OKR progress, presenting concise, data-driven insights to the GM.

• Conduct timely market, competitor, and economic analysis to inform decision-making and strategy adjustments specific to the Middle East business landscape.

Operational Excellence & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as a key partner to the GM, ensuring seamless execution of strategic initiatives and operational excellence across the region. This involves leading cross-functional coordination to drive alignment and productivity across all departments.

• Oversee the efficiency and effectiveness of regional business procedures. Identify improvement opportunities, perform cost-benefit analyses, and champion the creation of streamlined and scalable end-to-end business processes.

• Drive and lead key priority initiatives (e.g., major market expansion, specific transformation programs in KSA or other high-priority territories). The role is initiative-driven, not accounts-focused.

• Oversee and manage a portfolio of critical, high-profile regional projects and workstreams. Design and directly manage complex programs to ensure timely delivery and alignment with strategic objectives.

Leadership Enablement & Communications

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with functional and regional leaders across the organization to ensure high levels of awareness, adoption, and collaboration on the Middle East team's objectives.

• Prepare concise and impactful internal and external communications, talking points, briefs, and presentations for the GM, including for employee town halls, executive leadership meetings, and external engagements.

You Have:

• 12+ years of progressive experience in a strategic role (e.g., Business Operations, Strategy, Consulting), including 5+ years in leadership within a complex, multinational environment

• Proven ability to translate regional strategy into clear operational plans, OKRs, and performance dashboards, ensuring rigorous execution and accountability.

• Deep expertise in business operations, process redesign, and managing project portfolios, with a focus on driving efficiency and scalability.

• Exceptional strategic and analytical acumen, capable of synthesizing complex data to advise the GM and drive evidence-based decisions.

• Demonstrated strength in cross-functional coordination and influence, leading high-impact, initiative-driven programs (e.g., strategic projects in KSA or key markets).

• High level of versatility and resilience, able to pivot seamlessly between high-level strategy and detailed operational challenges.

• Fluency in English is essential, and Middle East market experience or Arabic proficiency is a strong advantage.

Our Benefits

• Comprehensive Healthcare Plans

• Paid Time Off

• Retirement Plans

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Plans

• Education Benefits

• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave

• Family Care Benefits

• Commuter Transit Program

• Subscription Discounts

• Employee Referral Program

Reasonable accommodation: Dow Jones, Making Careers Newsworthy - We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO/Disabled/Vets. Dow Jones is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application, due to a disability, email us at talentresourceteam@dowjones.com. Please put "Reasonable Accommodation" in the subject line and provide a brief description of the type of assistance you need. This inbox will not be monitored for application status updates.

Business Area:

Dow Jones - Media Sales

Job Category:

General Management

Union Status:

Non-Union role