Managing Director

DNA Recruit is partnering with an International Integrated Agency, looking to appoint a Managing Director to lead its Dubai hub.
This is a senior leadership opportunity with full responsibility for commercial performance, market growth, client partnerships, and team leadership across the region. The successful candidate will shape direction, drive profitability, and ensure the delivery of outstanding integrated brand experiences for a portfolio of regional and global clients.
 
We’re looking for a credible, entrepreneurial leader who understands how to scale agencies in the UAE, builds trusted client relationships, and brings both strategic oversight and operational rigour.
 
Key responsibilities:

• Set the strategic direction for the Dubai operation.
• Identify and convert opportunities for revenue expansion.
• Strengthen the agency’s presence and reputation in market.
• Financial ownership, hold full accountability for P&L, forecasting, and budgeting.
• Improve margin performance and overall commercial health.
• Lead contractual and pricing negotiations.
• Client leadership, maintain senior relationships across priority accounts.
• Provide executive guidance to ensure excellent delivery and retention.
• Support new business activity at the highest level.
• Operations & delivery, ensuring effective structures, processes, and governance.
• Oversee resource planning, supplier partnerships, and risk management.
• Maintain high standards across complex programmes.
• Team & culture management, leading and develop a multidisciplinary leadership group.
• Build an environment that encourages performance and collaboration.
• Plan talent capability in line with growth ambitions.

 
Requirements:

• Extensive experience within Brand Experience, Experiential & Events, or Integrated Communications agencies.
• Demonstrated success running a business unit or office with P&L accountability.
• Strong knowledge of the UAE/GCC landscape.
• Gravitas with senior clients and stakeholders.
• Commercially astute, people-focused, and operationally strong.
• Well-connected in the regional market.

 
Salary: €180K - €200K per annum bonus benefits
Ref: 11903

Due to the high confidentially of this role, an NDA is required in order to disclose further information and processes.
This opportunity is best suited to candidates currently based in the UAE; however, relocation may be considered

DNA is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Although we try to respond to all applications, unfortunately, due to the high number we receive, we are unable to respond to all of those who are unsuccessful. 

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DNA Recruit deliver dynamic recruitment, search and talent solutions and provide insight, knowledge, and credible introductions necessary for client-side and agency roles. Areas we specialise in New Business, Account and Project Management, Strategy and Planning, Events, Experiential, Creative and User Experience Design, Technology, Product, Marketing and Data roles in permanent, contract and freelance recruitment, search and selection, talent advisory and consulting across the UK and globally.