It’s never been a more exciting time to join Vistra.  

At Vistra our purpose is progress. We believe that our clients have the power to change the world and to do great things for global progress, and we exist to remove the friction that comes from the complexity of global business – to help our clients achieve progress without friction. 

But progress only happens when people come together and take action. And we’re absolutely committed to building a culture where our people can do just that.  

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as Associate Director Corporate and Private Clients. Reporting to the Director, this full-time and permanent position is based in UAE, allowing you to make a significant impact to our Corporate & Private Client Services team and its’ growth.

Key responsibilities:

• Be responsible for the daily operational management and service delivery of a complex portfolio of international corporate and private clients, taking ownership of the client relationships and acting as the principal point of contact within Vistra
• Actively contribute to growth of the client portfolio and to the team's revenue and profitability targets
• Manage the Service Delivery team within the portfolio, providing clear direction, timely and constructive feedback, and ongoing mentoring to support performance and progression
• Ensure the team maintains the appropriate level of technical expertise, qualifications and experience required to deliver the Services, and ensure this remains up to date through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Manage the CPD programme for your operation to the levels required for the Service
• Take ownership of recruitment, illness management and performance appraisal within the team, in cooperation with the HR team
• Take ownership of resource management within the team, including new hires, utilisation, migration of activities to the Shared Service Centre and team structure
• Be jointly responsible with the Finance Director for the financial performance of the portfolio, including delivering and reporting on client and service profitability
• Conduct thorough Compliance-led assessments of the client portfolio on an annual basis and ensure any identified gaps in client files are remediated 
• Ensure all work performed is invoiced on time and in line with client contracts, and be jointly responsible with the finance function for any outstanding client debt
• Sound knowledge of UAE free zones, offshore companies and corporate secretarial services, including but not limited to economic substance filings, drafting resolutions, and conducting board meetings, annual general meetings and minutes
• Liaise with clients to assist with incorporation of Abu Dhabi Global Market and Dubai International Financial Centre companies, free zone and offshore companies, and provide on-going services such as attestations, renewals, statutory and regulatory filings, corporate secretarial services and other day-to-day operations
• Serve as the primary point of contact for client escalations, ensuring client satisfaction, and identify sales opportunities to be forwarded to the relationship managers
• Take ownership of the identification and delivery of additional migrations of middle office activities to the Shared Service Centre, ensuring all work performed by the SSC is delivered in line with agreed SLAs
• Undertake detailed planning to ensure operational capacity matches demand, monitor SLA delivery, and identify and resolve SLA issues in a timely manner
• Prepare management and board reports, and liaise closely with senior management, internal audit/compliance and other key stakeholders to ensure all processes remain compliant
• Ensure all regulatory submissions are compliant with the relevant standards and filed within the required deadlines
• Take ownership of relevant projects for the portfolio, ensuring tight control over schedule, risks, scope of work, budget and delivery of benefit
• Provide appropriate and timely reporting on compliance and regulatory issues to the business, reporting to management on operational matters and escalating any client issues promptly

Attributes and Technical Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues, clients, auditors and suppliers
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to translate strategy and policy into team actions and to energise and motivate the team
• Ability to hold team members accountable for performance and results, measuring performance in a clear and consistent way and providing timely, constructive feedback
• Client service oriented with a passion for consistently exceeding client expectations
• Keen eye for detail and the ability to see, implement and own changes to process to improve service delivery to clients and improve profitability from the services provided
• Confident to take initiative where needed and able to contribute to a tactical solution in conflict or escalation situations
• Ability to plan and execute multiple mandates and projects in a timely manner
• Keep up to date on industry-relevant legislative changes and take relevant action
• Maintain up-to-date client correspondence files, official documents and database
• Ability to communicate with clients independently with an appropriate level of diplomacy and a solution-driven mindset
• Ability to identify opportunities for operational improvement and take the initiative to drive change
• Highly organised, with the ability to understand the needs of the client and match those needs to the provision of an exceptional service
• Natural aptitude for high-level analysis and a critical, proactive, problem-solving mindset in respect of all client matters
• Experience of working independently, with the ability to maintain self-motivation and be consistently pro-active
• Concern for accuracy, quality and attention to detail
• Sound knowledge of software packages, i.e. Microsoft Office
   

Relevant Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience administering companies within the corporate services industry, with relevant company secretarial experience
• Experience gained within a corporate service provider or a similarly regulated professional services environment
• Proven track record of delivering operational improvements that result in an improved client net promoter score, stronger client retention and increased profit margins
• Experience managing, leading and developing a team, with the ability to build and sustain a high-performing, client-focused culture
• Sound working knowledge of UAE free zone, DIFC and/or ADGM regulatory frameworks and corporate secretarial requirements
• Professional qualification such as ICSA/CGI (Chartered Governance Institute), or actively working towards one, is an advantage

Education and Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Business Administration, Law or a related discipline
• Professional qualification such as ICSA/CGI (Chartered Governance Institute), or actively working towards one, is an advantage
• Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Business Administration, Law or a related discipline

Company Benefits:

At Vistra Middle East, we believe in putting our employees’ well-being first! We offer a flexible hybrid working arrangement and birthday leave.

Additionally, we provide comprehensive medical insurance and dental coverage and competitive annual leave entitlement to support your well-being and time to recharge or explore your passions out of work.

As advocates of continuous learning and professional development, we provide an internal mentorship program and reimburse professional membership fees for certifications, ensuring you stay ahead in your field.

If you are excited about working with us, we encourage you to apply or have a confidential chat with one of our Talent Acquisition team members. Our goal is to make this a great place to work where all our people can thrive. We hope you join us on this exciting journey!