Job Summary
One of the holding groups in Erbil is seeking a highly accomplished Chief Operating Officer (COO) with 15+ years of proven leadership experience, including significant exposure to global executive and C-suite roles. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong track record in international growth, new market entry, cross-industry leadership, central operations management, and oversight of investments and subsidiaries, with the ability to thrive in complex, dynamic, and constantly evolving environments. This role requires a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic capabilities – including direction setting and strategy execution – and operational leadership, combined with the ability to build trust and engage effectively with board-level leadership, employees, and diverse external stakeholders such as partners and investors. Prior experience working across international and global contexts will be highly valued.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage central group operations across multiple subsidiaries and sectors
- Drive international expansion and oversee new market entry strategies
- Ensure strong corporate governance, compliance, and risk management across the Group
- Oversee the performance of investments and subsidiaries, ensuring efficiency and profitability
- Collaborate with the CEO and Board to shape and execute long-term strategic objectives
- Implement operational frameworks and policies that align with global best practices
- Build and lead high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence
- Serve as a trusted representative of the Group with external stakeholders
- Ensure compliance with safety, legal, and regulatory standards
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business or Economics; MBA is preferred
- Minimum of 15+ years of international experience in senior leadership and C-suite roles
- Proven operational leadership in complex, multi-sector, and international settings
- Strong cross-industry experience, preferably with conglomerates or diversified groups
- Strategic thinking and execution skills, including direction setting, performance measurement, and operational alignment
- Change and transformation leadership, with experience driving process improvements, digital adoption, and organizational efficiency
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management, including engagement with boards, investors, regulators, and public officials
- Experience managing large teams, budgets, and multi-jurisdictional operations
- Financial acumen, with the ability to interpret, manage, and optimize investment portfolios and P&L responsibility
- Governance and risk management expertise, ensuring compliance with regulatory and corporate standards
- Ability to thrive in complex, dynamic, and rapidly evolving environments, with resilience and cultural intelligence
*Only applicants meeting the strict criteria outlined above will be contacted as part of the shortlisting process.