Operations Lead

About the role

ESMT Berlin is an internationally recognized business school headquartered in Berlin, established by 25 global companies. Through its degree offerings, executive education, and programs delivered in Berlin and worldwide, ESMT aims to develop entrepreneurial leaders who think globally and act responsibly.

DEEP, ESMT’s Institute for Deep Tech Innovation, serves as the school’s innovation hub. It focuses on helping scientists bring technologies to market, enabling deep tech startups to grow internationally, and connecting research organizations with the startup and innovation ecosystem. DEEP is active in Healthcare, Natural Capital, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence and Compute, and is now expanding into Qatar.

This opportunity is for the on-site DEEP Qatar team in Doha. The position is a full-time Operations Lead role (40 hours per week) beginning in August–September 2026.

Role impact

The Operations Lead forms the operational foundation of DEEP Qatar. The role ensures the Qatar site runs smoothly, keeps budget tracking organized, and provides operational support across three flagship initiatives: DEEP Academy, DEEP Pioneers, and CDL Doha. In the first year, the focus is on building operations from the ground up in a new market; in the following years, the emphasis shifts to scaling as the programs mature.

Core responsibilities

You will oversee the Qatar entity’s day-to-day operational health, including compliance-related tasks across accounting, HR, legal, IT, and office administration. You will help manage relationships with the company secretary and outside legal counsel, and support banking operations such as account administration, vendor payments, and expense tools. The role also includes handling office leases, supplier and vendor relationships, and the logistics for onboarding new local hires.

Another key part of the position is budget and program operations support. You will monitor program budgets, track spending, reconcile actuals against allocations, and provide regular reporting to the Director. You will also support the Program Manager with project-level budget work and assist with operational delivery across DEEP Academy, DEEP Pioneers, and CDL Doha, including curriculum refinement for Academy and support for ecosystem day planning. Coordination with the Berlin team will be needed for shared services, reporting, and operational consistency.

In addition, you will help design and maintain business systems and workflows that support the Director and broader team across business development, partnerships, and daily operations. This includes CRM management, pipeline tracking, internal reporting, and process design.

The role also requires strong local ecosystem awareness. You will brief the team on Qatari and GCC business practices, cultural nuances, and the broader entrepreneur and innovation landscape, including accelerators, networks, and communities relevant to scouting for Pioneers and CDL. You will also maintain awareness of local vendors that may support program delivery.

Finally, you will manage equipment and IT coordination locally, including sourcing and maintaining IT hardware, screens, AV equipment, and connectivity. You will handle routine infrastructure and technology issues so the team can operate without interruption.

What the team is looking for

The ideal candidate is a hands-on operator with deep understanding of how business works in Qatar and the wider GCC. You should combine operational discipline with the ability to spot issues early and respond quickly. Experience working with or inside Qatari government, sovereign, or quasi-government institutions is especially valuable, as is the ability to help a small, fast-growing team navigate a new environment without an established playbook.

Must-have qualifications

You should bring 5 to 8 years of professional experience, including meaningful time living or working in Qatar or elsewhere in the GCC. You need strong knowledge of local business customs and decision-making patterns, along with operational management experience in an international organization that includes budget tracking and financial reporting. Working Arabic is required. You should also have experience building operations in a new geography and be comfortable working in a small scaling team with limited structure.

Preferred background

Additional strengths include experience with the Qatari government or sovereign/quasi-government bodies, as well as a background in startups, accelerators, universities, or innovation ecosystems. Experience setting up CRM systems, pipeline tracking tools, or operational workflows is valuable, as is prior responsibility for IT, vendor, and supplier relationships in a small-team setting.

Nice-to-have connections

Having existing relationships with QSTP, Qatar Foundation, QRDI, QIA, or major Qatari universities would be an advantage.

Working environment and values

ESMT offers a collaborative, international workplace with employees from more than 55 nationalities. The organization values initiative, independence, and work that creates meaningful long-term impact. It is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a fair and inclusive environment where people of all backgrounds and identities are respected and welcomed.

Application materials

Candidates are expected to provide a motivation letter, a CV with relevant certificates and references, and details of salary expectations plus possible start date.

Additional information

For this role, the working schedule is 40 hours per week and the position is based on-site in Doha, Qatar. The expected start window is August–September 2026.

Contact

ESMT Berlin
Human Resources Coordinator: Viktoriya Rodina
Schlossplatz 1, 10178 Berlin
Tel: 030 21231 0