Operations Manager – UAE

Summary:

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.

Based in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with regular travel between the two offices, the successful candidate will be responsible for the smooth running of the Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices, overseeing human resources, finance and office administration to ensure both offices operate efficiently and in compliance with applicable local regulations.

This role reports to the Director Administration and International Operations or to such other persons as they may nominate from time to time.

Responsibilities include:

Human Resources:

• Supervise and manage business support teams, including conducting performance reviews and engaging daily with the staff teams to develop strong working relationships.
• Benefits administration, including medical insurance, life insurance, and DEWS contributions.
• Payroll processing.
• Visa application and renewal processes.
• Process legal affairs renewals and registrations.
• Draft employment contracts, salary letters and employment verification letters.
• Absence management including approving leave requests and maintaining sick leave records, to ensure there is sufficient coverage at all times.
• Assist with staff recruiting processes including interviewing, onboarding and integration efforts.
• Work with the Global HR team to ensure systems and employee records are kept accurate and up to date.
• Work with the Director of Administration and the Staff Professional Development team to further staff learning and development, including hosting and conducting training.
• Periodic review of lawyer/legal EA share groups to manage workload allocation.

Finance:

• Process vendor invoices.
• Review, approve and/or return expenses.
• Assist with preparing the annual budget for the offices.
• Assist the finance department with cashflow requirements.

Office Administration:

• Manage office maintenance including general office repairs, lighting and periodic equipment maintenance checks and contracts.
• Maintain relationships with external service providers and vendors, in particular facilities management providers and building management.
• Support compliance initiatives and adherence to regulatory requirements across the DIFC and ADGM jurisdictions, including maintaining commercial licenses, establishment cards and regulatory filings with the relevant authorities.
• Assist with cross-departmental projects and initiatives and provide ad-hoc support to other non-US offices as required.
• Organise office events including social gatherings and holiday parties and office meetings.

Qualifications:

• Ability to conduct financial analysis and a sound understanding of core financial concepts
• Ability to identify and analyse complex issues and recommend/implement solutions
• Professional demeanour, excellent communication and organisational skills
• Strong critical thinking skills, advanced time management
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality
• Ability to use initiative, working both independently and as a team member, in order to manage multiple tasks while adhering to tight deadlines.

Experience:

• University degree.
• 7+ years of experience in business operations, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Working knowledge of DIFC and ADGM employment laws and visa/immigration procedures.

 Gibson Dunn will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of local law.