ABOUT DEPARTER - THE KNOW-WHO PEOPLE
Departer is a leading German Executive Search firm with over 20 years of experience in global leadership recruitment. We specialize in placing executives in medium-sized enterprises and private equity portfolio firms across DACH, MEAI, ASIA, and ANZ regions. With a deep understanding of the DACH economy, we facilitate successful placements within global management teams across corporate headquarters and entities abroad.
Our client is a leading European manufacturing company specializing in custom-engineered, environmentally responsible solutions for complex technical applications. Renowned for its deep industry expertise and flexible engineering capabilities, the company develops high-quality systems tailored to meet the specific needs of its clients across various sectors. With a well established and forward-looking joint venture in the Middle East, the organization is entering a new phase of regional growth, bringing its sustainable technologies to one of the most dynamic and fast-evolving markets worldwide.
We are seeking a highly accomplished and forward-thinking Chief Financial Officer (m/f/d) to join the executive leadership team in Dubai. In this pivotal role, you will provide strategic direction and oversight across Finance, HR, General Administration, and IT functions. As a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board, the CFO will play a critical role in safeguarding financial integrity, enhancing operational performance, and driving sustainable growth throughout the Middle East region.
Your duties and responsibilities will include:
- Lead the development and execution of robust financial strategies aligned with the company’s long-term objectives
- Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and cash flow management with full accountability
- Ensure compliance with UAE regulatory frameworks and international accounting standards (IFRS)
- Manage risk, internal controls, audits, and treasury functions, including capital raising and investment strategies
- Establish and maintain strong banking relationships, securing optimal financing solutions
- Provide strategic insights to the CEO and Board regarding financial performance, market trends and expansion opportunities
- Define and implement HR strategies focusing on talent acquisition, development, retention and succession planning
- Ensure full compliance with UAE labor law and implementation of HR best practices
- Oversee compensation frameworks, performance management systems and employee engagement initiatives
- Champion a high-performance culture grounded in inclusion, collaboration and continuous learning
- Lead administrative operations to ensure cost-effectiveness, service quality and policy compliance
- Supervise procurement, facilities management, and corporate services with a focus on operational efficiency
- Design and implement administrative policies and corporate governance standards
- Develop and lead IT strategies that support innovation and digital transformation
- Oversee cybersecurity, infrastructure and data privacy in accordance with UAE and global regulations
- Drive the adoption of advanced technologies to streamline business operations and enable growth
To be successful in this role you should have the following skills and experiences:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline; MBA or Master’s degree preferred
- Recognized professional certifications such as CPA, CFA, or ACCA are highly advantageous
- A minimum of 10–15 years of progressive leadership experience in financial management, ideally within the UAE or wider GCC region
- Demonstrated expertise in HR, administration, and IT governance within a complex organizational environment
- In-depth understanding of UAE corporate law, taxation, and employment regulations
- Visionary leadership with a strong strategic and commercial mindset
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multidisciplinary departments
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Lead by example with a hands-on, solution-oriented approach, offer strong operational involvement where needed
- High proficiency in ERP systems, financial software, and digital technologies
- Change agent with a track record of driving organizational transformation and innovation