DEPARTER – THE KNOW-WHO PEOPLE

Departer is a leading German Executive Search firm with more than 20 years of experience in international leadership recruitment. With offices across four continents, we support medium-sized enterprises and private equity portfolio firms in identifying and placing top executive talent. With a strong focus on the DACH business community, we provide strategic recruitment solutions tailored to the cultural and operational dynamics of markets in DACH, MEAI, ASIA and ANZ.

YOUR ROLE AT A GLANCE - German-speaking Finance & Accounting Manager (m/f/d)

For a globally active financial services provider with regional operations in the Middle East, we are currently seeking a Finance & Accounting Manager (m/f/d) with fluent German skills. Based in Sharjah with a home office option, this role is key to ensuring compliant, efficient and strategic financial operations across the region.

You will be responsible for local financial management, reporting, and compliance while working closely with global finance teams. This is an ideal opportunity for a hands-on finance professional who combines strong technical knowledge with international experience and enjoys setting up procedures and processes.

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Preparation of monthly and annual financial statements following IFRS.

• Lead audits and ensure accurate, transparent reporting to auditors and regulatory bodies.

• Manage VAT and corporate tax filings, including transfer pricing compliance.

• Review tax-related balance sheet schedules to ensure accuracy and alignment with reporting standards.

• Provide financial forecasts, budgeting support and ROI analyses to guide strategic decision-making.

• Collaborate with German-speaking business units & teams and international branches across the group.

• Adapt the group’s cost control tools and systems to regional requirements.

• Prepare and monitor budgets and ensure consistency with business objectives.

• Maintain proper records of all transactions, particularly payments and receipts.

• Optimize financial processes and internal controls to drive efficiency and compliance.

• Oversee IT-related needs in coordination with finance and operations.

• Contribute financial input to support senior management decision-making and improve group reporting quality.

To be successful in this role you should have the following skills and experiences:

Soft Skills

• Strong organizational and leadership skills.

• Hands-on, reliable and detail-oriented working style.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, especially when working with international teams.

• High level of integrity and commitment to professional standards.

Technical Skills

• Sound knowledge of IFRS and financial reporting standards.

• Solid understanding of VAT, corporate tax and transfer pricing in the UAE.

• Analytical skills with experience in cost control, forecasting and reporting systems.

Qualifications

• University degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.

• Several years of experience in financial management roles, ideally in international companies.

• Fluency in German and English is a must.

THE VALUE THIS POSITION OFFERS

This position provides the opportunity to work in an international finance environment, applying your expertise in both German and English across diverse teams and regions. If you are passionate about structuring finance operations and improving systems, this role offers an exciting career path within a global context.

➤ Ready to take the next step in your career?
Apply now and contribute your financial expertise to a forward-thinking team shaping the future of international trade and liquidity solutions. 

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 German client is a multinational company developing outstanding and sustainable adhesive technologies for countless products and applications. The company is the global market leader in their segment and grows its product innovations continuously. As an employer, our client values diversity, driving innovation and change, global connectivity, and has a unique team spirit and culture. The Key Account Manager will play a crucial role in driving business growth in Saudi Arabia, by providing technical expertise and support to customers. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Key Account Management and Business Development for the Industrial Market in Saudi Arabia (KSA)
• Manage and develop the existing customer base and distributors, as well as new acquisitions in new markets
• Gain a deep understanding of the customers’ business to anticipate customer needs and provide solutions that align with their objectives
• Ongoing analysis and documentation of the customer requirements
• Define and implement sales strategy for accounts, plans and forecasts to meet sales targets (sales & margin)
• Conduct competitive analysis to understand market trends, identify opportunities, and differentiate our products
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscape to maintain a deep understanding of products and market positioning
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers providing technical support and resolving any issues that arise
• Track key account metrics, sales performance, and market trends
• Prepare regular reports and presentations for management summarizing account activities, sales results, and opportunities for growth
• Report to the Managing Director Middle East

To be successful in this role you should have the following skills and experiences:

• University degree in Engineering or similar qualification
• At least 5 years of experience in technical B2B sales of adhesives and/or chemicals in Saudi Arabia
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic
• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to quickly grasp complex technical concepts and effectively communicate them to customers
• Dynamic, mature, self-motivated and with the ability to "make a difference"
• Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with customers
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to think creatively to address customer challenges
• Experience working with CRM systems and proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Willingness to travel as needed to meet with customers and support sales activities
• Located in Jeddah or ready to relocate

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 German client, a well-established industrial company, is launching a new, dynamic business venture in the UAE with a start-up spirit. Under a new brand focused on digital and service-driven solutions, the goal is to enhance efficiency, transparency, and sustainability for highly sophisticated clients with complex business models in market segments such as construction and infrastructure, operations and facility management, manufacturing as well as vertical multiples, which comprises projects in AI and vertical farming amongst others. We are looking for hands-on, forward-thinking professionals eager to build, shape, and drive something new from the ground up. 

Combining the strength of a mature organization with the energy of a start-up, this venture is looking for a dynamic and entrepreneurial Sales Manager (m/f/d) to build client relationships, drive market penetration, and translate technical value into commercial success. Sell innovation. Shape markets. Drive impact.

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Identify, approach, and develop new business opportunities across the construction and industrial sectors in the UAE. Build long-term relationships with key decision-makers
• Understand complex, technical products and processes in blasting, surface treatment, or related environments – and turn them into clear value propositions tailored to each client’s operational needs
• Act as a trusted advisor – from first contact to solution design and final proposal. Understand customer pain points and align offerings accordingly
• Contribute to the go-to-market strategy and pricing model for the UAE region. Work closely with leadership to define target markets and priorities
• Interface with engineering, procurement, finance, and project management teams to ensure smooth project execution and client satisfaction
• Maintain an active, data-driven sales pipeline. Report on sales performance, market developments, and client feedback to shape strategy and product evolution
• Build strong post-sales relationships and identify opportunities for upselling, referrals, and long-term value creation

To be successful in this role you should have the following skills and experiences:

• Proven sales experience in the UAE, ideally in technical environments such as construction, surface preparation, industrial machinery, or project-based B2B solutions
• Strong understanding of technical systems and industrial applications – you can speak both the language of engineers and business leaders
• You are a hunter and a builder – agile, self-driven, and motivated by closing deals and opening doors
• Fluent in English (German is a plus) with excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• You combine entrepreneurial thinking with strategic sales planning, and thrive in dynamic, hands-on environments
• A background in engineering, technical sales, or industrial services is highly desirable
• You are creative, confident, persistent – and passionate about driving change and delivering results
• You enjoy working independently, but also value cross-functional collaboration and team alignment

DEPARTER – THE KNOW-WHO PEOPLE

Departer is a leading German Executive Search firm with more than 20 years of experience in international leadership recruitment. With offices across four continents, we support medium-sized enterprises and private equity portfolio firms in identifying and placing top executive talent. With a strong focus on the DACH business community, we provide strategic recruitment solutions tailored to the cultural and operational dynamics of markets in DACH, MEAI, ASIA and ANZ.

YOUR ROLE AT A GLANCE - Director Buying & Category (m/f/d)

For a globally active retail company with regional operations in the Middle East and Africa, we seek a visionary and experienced Director Buying & Category (m/f/d) to lead the strategy and performance of key beauty product segments in a dynamic growth market. 

In this key leadership role, you will drive category strategies that shape customer experience, enhance assortment performance, and align with international business objectives. You will collaborate with regional and global teams, lead a high-performing unit, and play a critical role in strengthening the company’s market presence across retail and wholesale channels.

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Develop and implement the annual commercial strategy and action plan for Beauty, LTC and Local Products across the MEA region.

• Collaborate with global and regional teams to translate international goals into region-specific strategies.

• Lead cross-functional cooperation with internal departments and external partners to deliver on commercial, sustainability and brand ambitions.

• Negotiate with suppliers to secure competitive terms and foster strategic, long-term partnerships.

• Identify new growth opportunities through data-driven analysis, industry insights and creative category development.

• Monitor and manage the category’s financial performance, ensuring transparency and alignment with key stakeholders.

• Oversee operational processes including assortment planning, supplier coordination and order management.

• Lead and mentor the regional buying and category management teams to drive engagement, innovation and excellence.

To be successful in this role you should have the following skills and experiences:

Soft Skills

• Proven leadership capabilities with a track record of managing diverse, multicultural teams.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Strategic mindset paired with strong analytical thinking.

• Ability to thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

• Fluency in English, Arabic and/or French is considered an asset.

Technical Skills

• In-depth understanding of category and assortment management, preferably in the Beauty sector.

• Strong financial and analytical skills with data-based decision-making proficiency.

• Skilled in supplier negotiation and commercial partnerships.

Qualifications

• University degree in Business, Purchasing, Marketing or related field.

• Over 10 years of international experience in Retail or FMCG, including a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role.

• Profound expertise in category development, especially in the Beauty segment.

THE VALUE THIS POSITION OFFERS

Join a globally connected and forward-thinking organization where your leadership will directly impact commercial success in one of the most vibrant growth markets worldwide. If you are passionate about shaping product portfolios and influencing regional strategy, this opportunity offers you an exciting next step in your career journey.

➤ Ready to take the next step in your career?
Apply now and contribute your expertise to a dynamic international team redefining category success across the Middle East and Africa. 

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 German client, a well-established industrial company, is launching a new, dynamic business venture in the UAE with a start-up spirit. Under a new brand focused on digital and service-driven solutions, the goal is to enhance efficiency, transparency, and sustainability for highly sophisticated clients with complex business models in market segments such as construction and infrastructure, operations and facility management, manufacturing as well as vertical multiples, which comprises projects in AI and vertical farming amongst others. We are looking for hands-on, forward-thinking professionals eager to build, shape, and drive something new from the ground up. 

In this entrepreneurial set-up, we are looking for a smart, hands-on, and versatile Office Manager (m/f/d) who is ready to wear many hats and thrive in a fast-paced environment. You’ll play a key role in shaping the company culture, overseeing core business functions, and being the heartbeat of the office.

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Lead end-to-end HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, training, compensation, and benefits. Align people strategy with business growth
• Drive initiatives to attract top talent, foster professional development, and promote a high-performance, people-first culture
• Ensure smooth day-to-day office operations – from vendor coordination to facilities, supplies, travel logistics, and scheduling
• Coordinate external communications, support media and PR efforts, and plan internal events, workshops, or customer-facing functions that elevate the company brand
• Monitor regulatory frameworks and ensure full compliance with local labor, tax, and administrative laws
• Develop and manage office- and HR-related budgets, identify cost efficiencies, and support financial reporting
• Work closely with the Managing Director and senior leadership team, supporting key initiatives and acting as a central point of coordination across departments
• Backbone of the Start-up: As a core team member in a flat-structured, start-up-style environment, you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and jump into anything from contracts to event logistics or culture-building projects.

To be successful in this role you should have the following skills and experiences:

• A completed Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field is required; a Master’s degree is a plus
• Several years of experience in Office Management, Human Resources, or a similar all-round role – ideally in a dynamic or international setting
• Self-organized, adaptable, and solution-oriented, with a pragmatic and hands-on mindset
• Strong expertise in HR operations, talent acquisition, employee relations, and a sound knowledge of UAE labor and tax law
• Confident in public communication, whether organizing events, supporting PR, or representing the company externally
• Fluent in English (German or Arabic a plus), and have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Your professionalism is matched by your emotional intelligence, personal integrity, and ability to handle sensitive topics with discretion
• Thrive in a collaborative, fast-moving environment and are motivated by growth, change, and continuous improvement