MENA Chief Operating Officer & Director of Finance

About the role

Freshfields LLP, a global law firm with offices in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai and Riyadh, is recruiting a MENA Chief Operating Officer and Director of Finance in Dubai. The role is a key strategic operational and financial leader for the firm's MENA region, reporting to the MENA Managing Partner and the Global Chief Financial Officer, and acting as a trusted business partner and advisor to the Managing Partner.

Key responsibilities

• Drive business performance, financial results, transformative initiatives and optimization of business and legal services, in line with the firm's global strategy.
• Work with the MENA Managing Partner and partners on business planning, profitability and revenue growth, and on business transformation, innovation and change management.
• Deliver financial analysis and reporting for the region and build data-driven decision-making capabilities.
• Lead the regulatory, governance and operational risk agenda across MENA, and act as Deputy MLRO for anti-money laundering and financial crime prevention.
• Establish operating policies, direct MENA office operations within budget and in compliance with local regulations, and oversee cost control and real estate strategy.
• Manage local business services teams and work with the MENA Head of HR to foster an inclusive, engaged workplace.
• Represent the MENA region internally and externally and connect the MENA partnership and business service leadership.