MENA Chief Operating Officer & Director of Finance

ABOUT THE ROLE

The MENA Chief Operating Officer & Director of Finance will serve as a key strategic operational and financial leader for the firm’s MENA region, focusing on enhancing business performance, financial results, transformative initiatives, and the optimization of business and legal services. This position will act as a trusted business partner and advisor to the MENA Managing Partner, providing essential decision support to ensure success in accordance with the firm’s global strategies and objectives. Reporting to the MENA Managing Partner and the Global Chief Financial Officer, the role collaborates closely with various partners, global finance leadership, business services leaders, and other key stakeholders.

The MENA Chief Operating Officer & Director of Finance will be responsible for:

• Developing a comprehensive understanding of the MENA region’s practices, operations, market, and competitive position, while collaborating with leadership on business planning, profit maximization, and operational excellence.
• Driving business transformation and innovation initiatives, while implementing cultural change management strategies and monitoring industry trends in professional services.
• Delivering impactful financial analysis and reporting for the MENA region in partnership with global finance leadership, and establishing data-driven decision-making capabilities.
• Leading the regulatory, governance, and operational risk agenda across MENA. Collaborating with the Legal Department and Operations teams to enforce governance, compliance, and risk management frameworks while acting as Deputy MLRO for MENA.
• Developing and enforcing operating policies and direct MENA office operations, ensuring adherence to budgets and local regulations while providing insights for continuous improvement.
• Enhancing communication and collaboration among the MENA partnership and business services leadership, fostering a cohesive work environment.
• Serving as a representative for the MENA region within the global firm, collaborating on global strategies and leading corresponding MENA initiatives.
• Managing the firm’s real estate portfolio and driving real estate strategy including space utilization initiatives.
• Overseeing cost control strategies for operational efficiency and financial sustainability across all MENA offices.
• Managing local business services teams to meet strategic objectives and operational targets, while optimizing resource allocation.
• Partnering with the MENA Head of HR to create a positive work environment that promotes employee well-being, professional growth, and engagement.
• Fostering a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and exceptional client service while mentoring and developing the functional resources in alignment with the firm's vision.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of 10 to 15 years of substantial business operations leadership experience, preferably within major law firms.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate a wide range of business functions and the capacity to manage, mentor, and develop high-performing teams committed to client service and excellence.
• Proven experience in leading enterprise change management at institutional, functional, and behavioral levels.
• Strong business, financial, and commercial acumen, with the ability to devise strategic plans and manage conflicting priorities effectively.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the capability to lead through influence and gain consensus in complex multinational environments.
• A proactive drive, entrepreneurial spirit, and results-oriented mindset, with a hands-on approach when necessary.
• Superior presentation, writing, and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with all levels, including senior partners and stakeholders.
• An undergraduate degree is required; an MBA or other advanced degrees are preferred.