Country Operations Director

POSITION SUMMARY

The Country Operations Director will lead the establishment and scaling of operations from an initial footprint currently centered in Amman, with a phased transition toward Damascus as conditions allow. The role requires close coordination with corporate leadership, active participation in weekly operational and business development cadence calls, and a highly collaborative approach to client engagement and relationship management.

The position demands a hands-on leader who is equally comfortable shaping long-term strategy and operating in a resource-constrained, rapidly evolving environment, including readiness to live and work in temporary facilities and sustain operational continuity under austere conditions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the senior in-country leader, responsible for establishing and advancing operations in a complex and evolving international environment
• Lead the development and execution of operational frameworks that ensure safe, compliant, and effective delivery across multiple programs and locations
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including logistics, life support, security coordination, and program execution in austere conditions
• Build, lead, and develop multi-national teams, including local staff, expatriates, and partner organizations, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability
• Drive business development efforts by identifying and pursuing opportunities across government, international, and commercial sectors
• Develop and manage a robust opportunity pipeline, supporting capture activities including customer engagement, partner development, and solution alignment
• Contribute to the development of a regional business development capability, including effective use of CRM tools and pipeline tracking systems
• Serve as the primary liaison with government stakeholders, host-nation representatives, and international partners
• Build and sustain trusted relationships across a diverse stakeholder landscape while navigating complex regulatory and cultural environments
• Provide strategic insight and market intelligence to senior leadership, supporting informed decision-making and long-term growth
• Represent the organization in senior-level engagements, negotiations, and client discussions
• Ensure compliance with applicable U.S. Government regulations (FAR/DFARS), export controls (ITAR/EAR), and anti-corruption standards (FCPA)
• Identify, assess, and mitigate operational, security, financial, and reputational risks while maintaining strong internal controls and reporting practices
• Maintain close coordination with corporate leadership through regular reporting, communication, and participation in operational and business development cadence
• Operate effectively in high-risk, austere environments, including the ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions
• Support phased operational growth and expansion in alignment with client requirements and deployment timelines
• Work extended or irregular hours as required to meet operational demands

QUALIFICATIONS

• Fifteen (15) or more years of progressive experience in international operations, government contracting, defense, or security services, with demonstrated success in complex or high-risk environments
• Proven track record supporting U.S. Government programs, including experience with DOS (WPS), DoD, or similar contracts
• Fluency in Arabic and English is required, with the ability to communicate effectively across diverse stakeholder groups
• Demonstrated experience working within the Middle East region, with familiarity operating in multiple countries and culturally complex environments
• Strong understanding of regional dynamics, including political, cultural, and economic considerations, and their impact on operations and business development
• Exceptional interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, with the ability to build credibility and influence across government, commercial, and international stakeholders
• Proven ability to lead and collaborate within cross-functional and geographically dispersed teams
• Demonstrated business development capability, including pipeline management, capture support, and strategic growth planning
• Experience using CRM systems and contributing to structured business development processes
• Demonstrated sound judgment, resilience, and adaptability in high-pressure environments
• Willingness to work extended hours, including non-standard schedules, in support of mission requirements
• Ability to live and operate in austere or expeditionary environments for extended periods
• Additional qualifications may be required in accordance with client contracts, regulatory requirements, or deployment conditions