Chief Executive Officer

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Location: Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, AE

Contract Type: Full Time

CEO (FRS and Defence)

Make a difference every day

Serco Middle East, in partnership with our local joint venture partner, is leading an ambitious transformation in Abu Dhabi to establish a National Champion in Emergency Services, Risk, Resilience, Training, and Defence and Security Advisory. We’re assembling a top-tier management team to drive this mission, setting strategies, building operational capabilities, and executing sustainable growth across these critical sectors.

Your Opportunity

The CEO will hold the crucial responsibility of spearheading and overseeing the business transformation and progressive development of the Client's Target Operating Model (TOM). This role encompasses the Client’s (Fire Rescue Services Operations and Training Business) and Partner (Defence Advisory Business) and the establishment of a new growth function, a task aimed at guaranteeing the operational efficiency and financial growth of the business, thereby ensuring its long-term sustainability and success.

Our Client’s Mission is to become the National Champion for Emergency Response, Risk, Resilience, Training & Delivery and Defence Advisory and to grow to a AED2bn turnover business.

The CEO will need to implement Corporate Management Systems and Process and structure the organization so that it is fit for rapid growth whilst achieving safe and high-quality service delivery.

The role is crucial for the business' expansion plans and to drive the transformation and development of the business' TOM. The CEO will ensure that the business maximizes its financial performance and achieves its mission and objectives.

The ideal candidate requires exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to effectively manage diverse stakeholder relationships, the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced and rapidly changing business environment and a deep understanding of the cultural and regulatory landscape of the UAE is highly advantageous.

The role will report directly to the Managing Director and wider organization’s CEO and will be based in Abu Dhabi managing a diverse team of senior managers.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop and implement a 5-year strategy and business plan for the Group aligned with each brand’s objectives:
  • (1) Augment training business (2) Establish operational business with mature systems and process (3) Build a scalable and profitable model
  • Partner: (1) Leverage historic reputation with government clients (2) Invest in new capabilities (3) Become a Defence sector Thought Leader
  • Group: (1) Protect existing contracts (2) Expand into client base

• Lead the transformation of the business’ Target Operating Model (TOM) to improve operational effectiveness and innovation; focusing on 6 Strategic Imperatives:
  • Create and embed a robust Corporate Management System, including:
    • Project Lifecycle
    • Business Operation and Financial Review (OFR)
    • Create and embed BD and Bidding Processes
    • Build strong BD and Bidding Capabilities
    • Create and execute the Group 5 Year Strategy
    • Create and execute the Group 5 Year Business Plan
  • Create the organization into an effective, scalable FRS Business
  • Establish our Partner as a key Defence Advisor to the nation.
  • Build talent, skills, and capabilities.
  • Build robust HSQE system and process.
  • Implement new technologies.
• Manage budgeting, resource allocation, and operational planning to support strategic initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.
• Oversee the recruitment, training, and development of staff across the Group.
• Monitor and report on the performance of the new growth function, providing insights and recommendations to the Managing Director, CEO and Board of Directors.
• Ensure compliance with local and international regulations and standards in the emergency services industry.

Specific Requirements

• Proficiency in strategic business planning and operational execution.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reports.
• Excellent leadership skills with a capacity to drive team performance and foster a productive work environment.
• Expertise in change management and organizational transformation.
• Familiarity with the latest industry technologies and trends in emergency services.
• Master’s degree in business administration, Management, or a related field.
• Additional certifications in Leadership, Strategic Management, or Emergency Services Management are desirable.
• Minimum of 15 years of senior management experience in a similar role, including experience in Abu Dhabi, preferably in the emergency services, defence or crisis and disaster management, related sectors.
• Proven track record of successful business transformation and management of large, diverse teams.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic growth functions within a dynamic and complex environment.
• Must be willing to travel extensively, both domestically and internationally.

What’s in it for you?

At Serco, our core values drive everything we do, and we believe in fairly compensating our colleagues for the value they bring to our organization. We are proud to offer a total reward package at Serco which includes:

• Competitive monthly pay and allowances that are commensurate with the role and industry standards
• Comprehensive medical insurance coverage and life insurance, so our employees can feel secure in their health and financial wellbeing
• We recognize the importance of work-life balance, which is why we offer competitive leave benefits that exceed industry standards
• We offer an annual airfare allowance to support our expat colleagues to stay in touch and visit their loved ones
• We pride ourselves on providing a supportive work environment where we foster a positive Safety-First culture
• We care deeply about our colleagues' wellbeing and offer access to wellbeing programs and platforms to support their physical, mental, and emotional health.
• As a global organization, we offer a vast array of career paths for our employees to choose from. The scale and breadth of our organization provides our colleagues with opportunities for growth and variety in their career path, both regionally and globally.

Join Us

At Serco, we believe there is a place here for everyone. A place where you can bring your authentic self to work every day. Our workplace culture is one that embraces diversity and fosters equity, respect, and belonging for every individual. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and creating an inclusive environment that proudly celebrates the perspectives and backgrounds that each of our employees bring to work every day.

Join Serco and be part of a values-driven organization that invests in the development and well-being of its employees and offers a rewarding and fulfilling career.

Serco is committed to Equal Employment Opportunities and is committed to ensuring the safety of all of its employees through its Zero Harm initiative. Please visit for more information.