Bradford Jacobs is assisting an AI drone solutions company that offers cutting-edge aerial solutions across sectors including construction, agriculture, real estate, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure inspection. Their mission is to harness drone technology to deliver high-quality data, insights, and visual content, enabling clients to make informed decisions.

Role Overview

The General Director will have overall responsibility for leading, managing and developing the company's Ukrainian operations, acting as the senior executive and principal local representative of the business. Based in Lviv, the role will oversee the full spectrum of business operations, including corporate governance, legal and statutory compliance, financial management, people leadership, facilities and operational delivery.

Working closely with international headquarters and senior leadership, the General Director will translate wider business objectives into effective local execution, ensuring the Ukrainian entity operates efficiently, compliantly and sustainably. This is a broad executive leadership position requiring someone capable of operating autonomously, exercising sound commercial judgement and taking ownership of the company's overall performance, governance and continued development.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Corporate Governance

Take overall responsibility for the leadership, management and performance of the Ukrainian legal entity.
Establish and maintain effective corporate governance, internal controls, reporting structures and operational procedures.
Report to the General Meeting of Participants, providing updates on business performance, strategic priorities, risks and key decisions.
Act as the principal local representative of the company with employees, customers, suppliers, professional advisers and government authorities.
Implement group-level strategies and policies while advising international leadership on local opportunities and challenges.

Legal Compliance & Statutory Responsibilities

Ensure the company's operations comply with applicable Ukrainian corporate, employment, tax, accounting and regulatory requirements.
Oversee statutory obligations, corporate registrations, licences, documentation and regulatory filings.
Manage relationships with external legal, tax and compliance advisers.
Ensure contracts, company commitments and formal documentation are executed within the appropriate authority and approval framework.
Maintain high standards of corporate integrity, transparency and regulatory compliance.

Business & Financial Management

Translate international business strategy into a clear operational plan for the Ukrainian business.
Oversee local budgets, forecasts, expenditure, cash requirements and financial reporting in collaboration with the group Finance function.
Monitor business performance, identify opportunities for operational improvements and implement corrective actions where required.
Ensure appropriate financial controls, approval processes and cost management procedures are maintained.
Support the sustainable growth and development of the Ukrainian operation.

People Leadership & Organisational Development

Provide leadership to the local workforce, promoting accountability, collaboration and high performance.
Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement and performance management.
Ensure employment contracts, payroll administration and personnel records are maintained in accordance with local legislation.
Develop local management capability and build the organisational structure required to support future growth.

Office & Operational Management

Oversee the establishment and ongoing operation of the Lviv office, including facilities, equipment, IT infrastructure and workplace services.
Manage relationships with landlords, suppliers, service providers and other external partners.
Establish scalable operating procedures and ensure the office remains safe, secure and fit for purpose.
Oversee procurement, vendor selection, contract management and operational expenditure.

Risk Management & International Stakeholder Management

Maintain oversight of legal, financial, operational, workforce and security-related risks.
Work closely with international leadership and relevant security teams to maintain business continuity and protect employees and company assets.
Act as the key link between the Ukrainian operation and international headquarters.
Coordinate with global Engineering, Commercial, Finance, HR, Legal, IT and Security teams.
Represent the business professionally with external stakeholders and provide regular management reports and recommendations.

Candidate Requirements

Significant senior leadership experience managing a country operation, legal entity, business unit or comparable organisation.
Previous experience as a General Director, Managing Director, Country Director, Country Manager or equivalent executive-level position would be highly advantageous.
Strong understanding of Ukrainian corporate governance, statutory compliance and employment legislation.
Experience overseeing the full operational agenda of a business, including finance, budgeting, contracts, suppliers, people management and business operations.
Demonstrable experience making independent executive decisions and managing complex business responsibilities.
Fluent Ukrainian and English, both written and spoken.
Strong commercial awareness, financial acumen and organisational leadership capabilities.
Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to work autonomously while maintaining effective communication and reporting with international leadership.
High levels of integrity, discretion, accountability and professional judgement.

Desirable Experience

Experience establishing a new legal entity, launching an office or scaling an operation from an early-stage presence.
Background within technology, engineering, software, aerospace, defence or another technically complex industry.
Experience working within a multinational organisation, managing cross-border teams and reporting to international headquarters.
Established relationships with Ukrainian legal, accounting, tax and professional service providers.
Experience operating within a complex, rapidly changing or security-sensitive environment.

If you are an experienced Ukrainian business leader looking for a broad executive appointment with international exposure and genuine operational responsibility, we would welcome a conversation.

This is an on-site position in Lviv, paying up to USD 60,000 per annum

General Director

Job Description