Head of Transformation (12 Month Contract)

Project overview

We have partnered with a large commercial bank in the UAE to recruit a Head of Transformation on a 12 month contract. This is a senior, delivery-focused mandate for someone who can step in quickly and drive a critical transformation agenda at pace. The bank is at an important point in its evolution and needs an experienced transformation leader who can hit the ground running, take ownership from day one and deliver against an ambitious set of priorities within a defined timeframe.

This role suits a seasoned transformation leader who is immediately available and thrives in a fast-moving, high-accountability environment inside a large, regulated financial institution.

About the role:

About you:

• Take ownership of the bank's transformation agenda from day one, translating strategic priorities into a structured, well-governed portfolio of programmes
• Drive delivery across a portfolio of complex, cross-functional initiatives spanning operations, technology, customer experience and organisational design
• Lead an existing transformation function, bringing structure, pace and clear accountability to programme delivery
• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Board and Executive Committee, providing clear visibility on progress, risks and outcomes
• Partner with business unit heads and functional leaders to drive alignment, remove blockers and maintain momentum across the portfolio
• Establish and enforce governance frameworks, reporting mechanisms and benefits tracking that connect programme activity to measurable outcomes
• Deliver tangible, lasting impact within the contract period, leaving the transformation function stronger than you found it
• Immediately available or on a short notice period, able to commit to a 12 month contract
• 10 to 15 years of experience leading transformation, change or programme delivery within large, complex financial institutions
• Proven track record of delivering enterprise-wide transformation programmes across technology, operations and organisational change in a banking environment
• Deep understanding of the regulatory, structural and cultural dynamics of large commercial banks in the region
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to connect transformation activity directly to revenue, cost and customer outcomes
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills with the credibility to operate at Board and Executive Committee level
• Comfortable stepping into a live, high-pressure environment and delivering from day one
• Based in the UAE and available to start at short notice

Project details

• Start: flexible
• Location: Dubai, GB