Head of Operations Transformation – STP and Automation

The Head of Operations – STP & Automation will lead the transformation of Emirates NBD’s operational landscape by championing Straight-Through Processing (STP), intelligent automation, and process excellence. This role is central to driving agility, efficiency, and innovation across the bank’s operations by reducing manual intervention, enhancing data flows, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Transformation & Automation:

• Define and execute the STP and automation strategy aligned with the bank’s operational and digital transformation goals.
• Identify high-impact use cases across operations for automation and straight-through processing.
• Design and implement enterprise-level STP solutions to streamline workflows, enhance operational throughput, and reduce turnaround time.

Process Optimization:

• Lead deep-dive reviews of current-state operational processes; identify inefficiencies and recommend automation and re-engineering strategies.
• Introduce intelligent automation, AI, and RPA solutions to replace manual tasks and ensure process standardization and compliance.

Program Management & Execution:

• Oversee end-to-end automation project delivery, including tool selection, vendor engagement, solution design, testing, rollout, and benefit realization.
• Collaborate with IT, business units, compliance, and risk functions to ensure seamless implementation.

Performance & Governance:

• Establish KPIs and dashboards to monitor automation performance, STP rates, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure that all automation initiatives adhere to internal controls, governance, and regulatory standards.

Stakeholder & Change Management:

• Partner with senior leadership, EXCO, and department heads to align transformation priorities.
• Lead communication and change management efforts to drive awareness, adoption, and cultural shift toward automation and innovation.

People Leadership:

• Build and lead a high-performing transformation team with strong capabilities in operations, process design, RPA, AI, and change management.
• Foster a collaborative, agile, and innovation-driven culture.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Data Science, or related discipline.
  • Certifications in Change Management and/or Project Management (e.g., PMP, Prosci) are preferred.
• Work Experience:
  • 15–20 years of progressive experience in operations, transformation, and automation—ideally within the financial services sector.
  • Proven leadership in STP deployment, intelligent automation, and large-scale process re-engineering.
  • Hands-on experience with RPA tools (UiPath, Automation Anywhere, Blue Prism), AI integration, and workflow orchestration platforms.
• Technical & Functional Expertise:
  • Strong understanding of IT and digital transformation trends in banking and BPO.
  • Experience translating business challenges into automated solutions.
  • Familiarity with regulatory and compliance considerations in automation rollouts.
• Leadership & Communication:
  • Inspirational leader with a track record of managing cross-functional and multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Exceptional stakeholder management skills—able to influence C-level executives and build consensus.
  • Adept at presenting complex initiatives to executive audiences in a clear and compelling manner.