Operations & Office Manager – Dubai

The firm has a growing client base and is expanding into a new market. This Operations and Office Manager will set up compliance, HR and back-office operations from scratch, owning DLD and RERA registrations, supplier and building relationships, and staff onboarding. The Dubai office is opening now, off the back of strong demand from the firm's European investor client base, and the founder needs someone who can build the operating backbone while they focus on the investor pipeline. There is a stated path to a Head of Operations seat as the Dubai business scales.

The role

• Set up and run Dubai office operations for a new market entry from day one.
• Own DLD and RERA processes: broker cards, Trakheesi permits, developer registrations.
• Manage HR onboarding, visas, labour coordination and employee documentation.
• Coordinate directly with accountants, lawyers, suppliers and building management.
• Build processes and trackers so nothing is missed as the office scales.
• Represent the business professionally with clients, investors, developers and suppliers.

What you'll bring

• Dubai real estate experience, ideally from a brokerage or developer.
• Working knowledge of DLD/RERA processes and permit systems.
• Experience running office administration, HR and visa processes end-to-end.
• Comfort working directly with investors, developers and suppliers.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership without close supervision.
• Strong organisation and attention to detail, with a process-building mindset.

What's on offer

• Ground-floor role building a new Dubai office for a growing firm.
• Direct, close working relationship with the founder from the outset.
• A stated path toward a Head of Operations role as the office grows.
• Ownership of operations, compliance and admin across a new market entry.

Why apply through Guildhall

• Boutique executive search firm in Dubai, established 2010.
• 8x independent industry awards since 2020.
• 4.9-star Google rating from 250+ reviews.
• Direct access to the retained consultant running this search, with a confidential process.

Hiring an Operations and Office Manager in Dubai

An Operations and Office Manager in Dubai's real estate sector typically owns DLD and RERA compliance, office administration and HR processes, reporting directly to the business owner or a senior partner. Firms opening a new Dubai office often need this hire to build operations from scratch. It is a role that suits someone who has worked inside a smaller or growing brokerage and is used to owning the full back office rather than a single function.

Common questions

What does an Operations and Office Manager do in Dubai?

They run the back office of a real estate business, covering DLD and RERA compliance, HR and visa administration, and day-to-day coordination with accountants, lawyers, suppliers and building management. In a new office setup, they typically build these processes from the ground up rather than maintaining existing ones.

What experience do I need to apply?

You need Dubai real estate experience, ideally from a brokerage or developer, and working knowledge of DLD and RERA processes including broker cards and Trakheesi permits. Experience managing HR onboarding, visas and office administration end-to-end is also required, along with the ability to work independently.

How do I apply?

Apply directly on this page. A Guildhall consultant reviews every application confidentially and will contact suitable candidates directly.