Chief Operating Officer

Dubai Managing Director & COO – Ateca Consulting(Private & Confidential – DIFC-based, January/February 2026 start)The Business (today)• $7 million live private-banking retained search pipeline (80%+ gross margins)• $20 million IT recruitment business ready for immediate reactivation• Four live licences: DIFC (Dubai hub) + Singapore + Hong Kong + London• $1 million confirmed Q1 2026 fees already in the door• In advanced stages for an outsourcing licence in the UAE.The RoleYou will be the day-to-day leader of the entire group.The founder is taking a step back to strategy, key client relationships, and personal projects.You own revenue, profit, hiring, systems, culture, and execution across Dubai (hub), London, Singapore, and Hong Kong.Direct Reports from Day 1• Country Director – London• Country Director – Singapore• Country Director – Hong Kong• Dubai team (currently 9, growing to 20+ in 2026)2026 Targets (non-negotiable – your bonus and equity depend on them)• Group revenue: $36–42 million• Group EBITDA: $15–18 million• Total headcount: 55+• All four countries profitablePackage• Base salary: US$200,000• Bonus: 10%-20% of group EBITDA (paid quarterly)• Equity: 4% of the entire group (4-year vesting, 1-year cliff)• Relocation/sign-on: NegotiableIf you deliver the numbers above• Year-1 total cash: $500,000 – $600,000+• Equity value at 2030 exit ($600–800M valuation): $24–32 millionWho You Are• 15+ years executive search / retained search leadership• Personal billings history of $1.5 million+ in any single year• Have personally run a multi-country P&L (preferably with Dubai as one office)• Deep private-banking and/or IT relationships in GCC and/or Asia• Proven ability to hire, coach, and retain 30–50 high-end consultants• Comfortable with full accountability – no hand-holding• Available to start latest 1 February 2026This is not a corporate role.This is the #2 position in a founder-led rocket ship that will be one of the largest independent executive search groups in the world by 2030.If you have done this before and want to do it again – with life-changing upside – let’s talk.How to ApplySend your CV + one paragraph answering:“What was the highest EBITDA you personally delivered in a single year and how did you do it?”to steve@ateca.co.uk with subject “Dubai COO – Confidential”.Applications close 10 December 2025.First interviews week of 11 December.