Head of Operations– GRC & Financial Services (KHI | Onsite | PKR Salary)

Hiring Head of Office - Managing Director for UAE's largest Compliance Company

Client Company Introduction:

An international Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) consultancy headquartered in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), with offices across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Kingdom, Ireland, Singapore, Portugal, Pakistan, and South Africa.

Job Description

Mission/ Purpose of the Role:
The Head of Pakistan Office is responsible for leading and scaling  Karachi operation as a high performing delivery centre serving GCC based clients initially and other international locations (London, Singapore) at a later stage. The Karachi office houses four distinct teams: Finance, Project Management,  (RegTech) Development, and KYC/AML Operations. None of these teams serve clients in Pakistan; their sole focus is supporting client engagements across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the broader GCC. The role demands a hands on leader with a strong finance and operations background who can lead and develop teams, establish operational rigour, and ensure that the quality of work produced in Karachi is indistinguishable from work produced in our GCC offices. The successful candidate will manage recruitment, retention, operations, financial controls, and cross border coordination, while serving as the senior representative of the firm in Pakistan. In addition to the leadership mandate, the Head of Office may be required to act as the designated Finance Officer for one to two GCC-based client engagements, taking direct responsibility for financial reporting, regulatory filings, or finance function deliverables on those accounts. This dual role reflects the firm's expectation that senior leaders remain hands on and client-facing. 

Role Specific Competencies:

- Minimum 5 years of experience leading an offshore, nearshore, or shared services centre that delivers work to international clients, ideally in financial services, consulting, or professional services.
- Strong finance and operations background with direct experience in financial reporting, regulatory filings, or acting as a finance function lead for clients or internal stakeholders.
- Proven experience managing multi-functional teams (Finance, Technology, Operations, Compliance) within a single office.
- Experience working with or within GCC-regulated financial services firms. DIFC, ADGM, SAMA, QFC, or CMA familiarity is a strong advantage.
- Comfortable operating within matrix reporting structures where Karachi team members also report functionally to GCC-based engagement leads.

Core Competencies:
The following competencies will be assessed during the Topgrading interview process. Candidates must demonstrate specific, verifiable examples from their career history for each:

Offshore Delivery Leadership Proven track record of leading offshore or nearshore delivery centres that serve international clients. Understands the dynamics of managing teams whose work is evaluated by stakeholders in a different geography and time zone.
Operational Execution Demonstrated ability to enhance existing operations, establish workflows, implement SLAs, and scale teams while maintaining quality and cost discipline
Cross Border Team Management Experience managing teams that support multiple international offices. Skilled at navigating cultural differences, time zone challenges, and matrix reporting structures.
Finance Experience Strong finance and operations background with hands-on experience in financial reporting, management accounting, or finance function delivery. Capable of acting as a Finance Officer on client engagements while simultaneously managing office level budgeting, cost centre reporting, and demonstrating ROI of the offshore delivery model to Group leadership.
Integrity and Governance Mindset Upholds the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. Comfortable operating within the governance frameworks expected of a regulated financial services group.
Talent Development: Passionate about building teams, developing careers, and creating an environment where high performers want to stay and grow.

Education & Experience:

Education: Bachelor's degree required, ideally in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration. Master's degree (MBA, MSc Finance, or related) preferred. Professional finance qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CFA, CPA) are strongly preferred. CAMS or other compliance certifications are a plus.
Experience: 12+ years of progressive experience in finance and operations, with a strong foundation in financial reporting, management accounting, or finance function leadership. Minimum 5 years in a leadership role managing 15+ staff. Prior experience in financial services, GRC consulting, or professional services is essential.
Industry: Financial services, RegTech, management consulting, professional services, or corporate services. Direct experience with GCC markets and regulators preferred.
Languages: Fluent English (written and spoken) is mandatory. Urdu required. Arabic is a plus.

Culture & Values Alignment

- Embodies a growth mindset and takes ownership of outcomes, not just tasks.
- Demonstrates resilience and composure under pressure, particularly when managing competing priorities across time zones.
- Exhibits professional maturity in handling sensitive client and HR matters.
- Builds trust quickly with both Group leadership and local team members.
- Champions a one firm culture, ensuring the Karachi team feels connected to JAP's mission and values rather than operating as an isolated back office.
- Aligns with j. awan & partners' core values of Excellence, Integrity, and Innovation.

Rewards & Growth

- Competitive salary and benefits package benchmarked to the Pakistan senior leadership market.
- Performance-based bonus tied to the mission outcomes defined above.
- Opportunity to shape and lead a critical function within a fast-scaling international firm.
- Direct reporting line to the CEO/Deputy CEO with visibility across the Group.
- Continuous learning and development opportunities, including exposure to GCC regulatory environments

Benefits:

- Fuel Allowance (100 Ltrs)
- Medical allowance (45k OPD, 500k IPD) (Parents & individual both)
- Yearly performance-based bonus,
- Gratuity
- CPD Training allowance (1000 Dollars per year)

Other Details:

Experience: 12+ years
Location: Bahria Complex 3, M.T Khan Road, Karachi
Working days & timings:  Monday to Friday (9am -6pm) - Onsite



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