Senior Operations and Commercial Director

ESM Operations Ltd was established in 2018 and has focused services in event public safety with established offices across the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. Due to continued growth and developing opportunities within the Middle East region we are seeking a new Senior Operations and Commercial Director.

The Senior Operations and Commercial Director (SOCD)will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations of ESM in the Middle East, reporting to the Chief Executive. He/she will have direct responsibility for the company's operational delivery and workforce management and will support the CEO in others.The SOCD reports will be The Operations Director KSA, the Training Director and Marketing Manager. It is expected that the successful candidate will progress over time to be Managing Director when the CEO becomes Chairman.

Job Summary

Working closely with the Chief Executive, the Senior Operations & CommercialDirector(SOCD) will lead on:

a.Supporting the smooth and efficient running of the organisation by providing leadership in all operational matters to include Middle East Regional Management, Service & Product propositions, Client development and service, Human Resources

b.Contributing operational and commercial expertise in the development and implementation of organisational strategies, plans and policies

c.Supporting the financial growth of the company to its business plan and beyond, maximising income and profits whilst ensuring that the operational systems in support run smoothly and consistently across the company

d.Turning ESM's strategic vision into effective delivery, providing operational monitoring and controls on all projects, management reporting, information flow, business management and organisational planning

e.Proactively seeking new commercial opportunities and negotiating competitive service levels with ESM's service providers and commercial partners

Responsibilities

1.Operations

a.Oversee the day-to-day operations of ESM in KSA and the Middle East initially

b.Oversee and develop ESM key service offerings covering Security and Crowd Management, Training and Consulting

c.Support with the creation of new service offerings

d.Manage regional resources, infrastructure and cost budgets

e.Manage the organisation structure and delegation of responsibilities to direct reports and below

2.Client & Business Development (Middle East)

a.Oversee existing client relations and support directors with structuring client services teams and resources

b.Manage own key clients and oversee delivery of ESM services

c.Support the development of client and geographic markets

d.Oversee and support business development and client prospecting in the region

e.Attend key trade events

3.People

a.Develop and implement an HR strategy that proactively promotes a positive, transparent, inclusive, diverse and supportive culture across ESM

b.Oversee the recruitment of staff, setting targets and ensuring KSA local staff mix requirements are met

c.Oversee employee management systems, working closely with the central HR function

d.Oversee staff training requirements and delivery

e.Oversee employee performance management

4.Strategic Planning and Financial Management

a.Support the CEO with the preparation of the long-term strategy and financial plan

b.Support CEO prepare annual Company budgets

c.Manage budget for the Middle East and cascade to direct reports

d.Oversee timely invoicing and work with the Finance team on debt collection and preparation of management accounts

5.Risk Management

a.Oversee the company's risk exposure and process to mitigate risk

b.Set operations policies and ensure these are cascaded to the other directors and employees

c.Oversee the company's Health and Safety strategy, systems, Policies and Procedures.

Essential Criteria

Proven experience in the Security and Crowd Management sector and in the events, sports and MICE infrastructure markets

Proven experience of operational management / taking responsibility for the day-to-day functions of an organisation with a turnover of 3 million+

Proven skills in managing and delivering budgets

Proven commercial experience in setting and meeting operational and financial targets and creating new commercial opportunities

A detailed understanding of delivering major events in a Public Safety role.

Demonstrable experience of HR issue resolution and problem solving

A keen eye for detail and transparent reporting systems

Experience of supporting and developing the operations skills of senior managers

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Excellent organisational and time-management skills

Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines

Self-motivated and able to take high levels of delegated authority

Desirable Criteria

Experience in the Middle East

Experience of working with one of the major global security companies

Experience with delivering training

Qualifications in Crowd Management, Health & Safety, Event Security are preferable.

Demonstrable success in winning new clients