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Head of Engineering

Ref: JO-2603-359907

  • Environment: In-office
  • Contract Type: Permanent
  • Starts: 2026-05-01
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The Opportunity

This is a no-nonsense, high-impact leadership role with a fast-growing SaaS business expanding into the UAE.

They’re building out their first engineering presence in Abu Dhabi – and need a strong operator to come in, take control, and drive delivery.

If you like clear expectations, zero politics, and real ownership, this is that kind of environment.

What You’ll Be Doing:

  • Own engineering delivery end-to-end – timelines, quality, output
  • Lead distributed teams across regions as one unit
  • Drive prioritisation and focus – cut through noise
  • Partner directly with CEO, Product, and Tech leadership
  • Build and scale the UAE engineering function from scratch
  • Hold teams accountable – challenge, unblock, deliver
  • Bring structure, clarity, and execution discipline

What They Want:

  • A strong leader first – not just a manager
  • Someone who gets things done and delivers on time
  • Comfortable being hands-on when needed
  • Experience leading global / multicultural teams
  • Able to operate confidently with C-level stakeholders
  • Commercially aware – understands the business impact
  • Not afraid to call things out and push for better

The Culture Fit:

  • No politics. No fluff.
  • High ownership, high accountability
  • Clear communication, fast decision-making
  • People who stay on top of things and take responsibility

Why It’s Interesting:

  • Founding engineering hire in the UAE
  • Direct access to leadership (including CEO)
  • Real influence on how engineering is run globally
  • High-growth, product-led environment

Salt is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

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Software Development & Engineering jobs

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Head of Engineering

  • United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
  • Software Development & Engineering, Technology
  • In-office
  • Permanent

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Head of Engineering

  • United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
  • Software Development & Engineering, Technology
  • In-office
  • Permanent

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