Executive roles in Kuwait often come with attractive salaries and benefits, including tax-free income, housing allowances, and health insurance.
Many multinational companies and local conglomerates offer performance bonuses and long-term incentives.
Kuwait serves as a strategic hub for business in the Gulf region, providing opportunities to manage regional operations or lead expansion into other GCC markets.
Proximity to other key Middle Eastern cities enhances networking and business growth opportunities.
Working in Kuwait’s executive sphere exposes professionals to a highly diverse and multicultural workforce, enhancing cross-cultural management skills.
Opportunities to network with industry leaders and policymakers can help expand influence and career growth.
Kuwait is actively diversifying its economy under Vision 2035, focusing on infrastructure, financial services, and innovation.
Executives and managers play a crucial role in driving these transformation projects, offering impactful leadership opportunities.
Kuwait’s creative industries—advertising, marketing, media, entertainment, and design—are growing rapidly, with a rising demand for international talent to bring fresh ideas and global perspectives.
Creative executives have opportunities to lead high-impact campaigns, brand strategies, and innovative projects.
Kuwait is a key player in the GCC region, making it a valuable hub for creative leaders seeking regional exposure.
Many creative agencies and multinational firms base their regional operations here, offering opportunities to manage projects across the Middle East.
International executives benefit from tax-free salaries, housing allowances, transportation benefits, and sometimes even education allowances for dependents.
Packages often include relocation support and visas for family members.
The creative sector in Kuwait thrives on diverse, multicultural teams, giving international executives the chance to build inclusive creative environments.
Managing creative teams in Kuwait hones skills in cross-cultural communication and global project management.
Kuwait Vision 2035 emphasizes developing the creative economy—arts, culture, and media—as a key driver of economic diversification.
Creative executives can contribute directly to shaping national branding, tourism, and cultural initiatives.
CEO (Chief Executive Officer): Overall leadership of a company or organization.
COO (Chief Operating Officer): Overseeing daily operations and implementing strategic plans.
Country Manager: Managing all business activities within Kuwait for multinational firms.
CFO (Chief Financial Officer): Leading financial strategy, planning, and risk management.
Finance Director/Manager: Overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
CMO (Chief Marketing Officer): Developing and executing marketing strategies.
Sales Director/Manager: Managing sales teams and revenue growth targets.
Brand Manager: Overseeing brand development and market positioning.
HR Director/Manager: Overseeing recruitment, talent management, and organizational development.
Admin Manager: Managing facilities, support services, and operational logistics.
Operations Director/Manager: Leading production, logistics, and quality assurance.
Supply Chain Manager: Managing procurement, distribution, and inventory.
CIO/CTO (Chief Information/Technology Officer): Driving digital transformation and IT strategy.
IT Director/Manager: Overseeing IT infrastructure, security, and technology projects.
Construction & Real Estate: Project Directors, Development Managers.
Oil & Gas: General Managers, Operations Executives.
Retail & Hospitality: Retail Directors, General Managers of hotels and resorts.
Healthcare: Hospital Administrators, Medical Directors.
Job Title |
KWD/Month |
USD/Month |
INR/Month |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) |
4,000–6,000 |
13,000–19,500 |
₹10,85,000–₹16,25,000 |
|
Chief Operating Officer (COO) |
3,500–5,500 |
11,400–17,800 |
₹9,60,000–₹15,00,000 |
|
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) |
3,500–5,000 |
11,400–16,200 |
₹9,60,000–₹13,90,000 |
|
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) |
3,000–4,500 |
9,700–14,600 |
₹8,15,000–₹12,25,000 |
|
Country Manager |
3,000–4,500 |
9,700–14,600 |
₹8,15,000–₹12,25,000 |
|
HR Director |
2,500–4,000 |
8,100–13,000 |
₹6,80,000–₹10,85,000 |
|
IT Director/CTO/CIO |
2,500–4,000 |
8,100–13,000 |
₹6,80,000–₹10,85,000 |
|
Operations Director |
2,500–4,000 |
8,100–13,000 |
₹6,80,000–₹10,85,000 |
|
Finance Director |
2,500–3,500 |
8,100–11,400 |
₹6,80,000–₹9,60,000 |
|
Sales Director |
2,500–3,500 |
8,100–11,400 |
₹6,80,000–₹9,60,000 |
|
Supply Chain Manager |
2,000–3,000 |
6,500–9,700 |
₹5,45,000–₹8,15,000 |
|
Project Director (Construction/Oil & Gas) |
2,500–3,500 |
8,100–11,400 |
₹6,80,000–₹9,60,000 |
|
General Manager (Hotel/Retail) |
2,500–3,500 |
8,100–11,400 |
₹6,80,000–₹9,60,000 |
|
Medical Director |
3,000–4,500 |
9,700–14,600 |
₹8,15,000–₹12,25,000 |
|
Brand Manager |
2,000–3,000 |
6,500–9,700 |
₹5,45,000–₹8,15,000 |
|
Marketing Manager |
2,000–3,000 |
6,500–9,700 |
₹5,45,000–₹8,15,000 |
|
Admin Manager |
1,800–2,500 |
5,800–8,100 |
₹4,90,000–₹6,80,000 |
|
Business Development Manager |
2,000–3,000 |
6,500–9,700 |
₹5,45,000–₹8,15,000 |
|
Legal Counsel/Director |
2,500–3,500 |
8,100–11,400 |
₹6,80,000–₹9,60,000 |
|
Procurement Manager |
2,000–3,000 |
6,500–9,700 |
₹5,45,000–₹8,15,000 |
To work in Kuwait, international candidates must have a valid job offer from a Kuwaiti employer or a company registered in Kuwait.
The employer usually sponsors the work visa and residence permit.
After securing the job, the employer applies for the Article 18 work visa, the standard employment visa for private-sector professionals.
This visa requires medical tests, police clearance, and sometimes educational certificate attestation.
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field is often required (e.g. Business Administration, Engineering, Finance, Marketing).
Some senior positions may prefer or require an MBA or equivalent.
Most executive roles demand at least 7–10 years of relevant work experience, with 3–5 years in a leadership capacity.
Proven experience managing teams, budgets, and strategic projects is highly valued.
Certifications like PMP (for project management), CPA/CA (for finance), or SHRM/CHRP (for HR) can strengthen an application.
For certain regulated sectors (e.g. healthcare, law), licensing may be required.
English is the main language in most executive roles, so fluency is essential.
Knowledge of Arabic is an added advantage, especially in government or client-facing roles.
A police clearance certificate (PCC) from the applicant’s home country is required.
A medical fitness test (HIV, TB, Hepatitis, etc.) must be passed as part of the visa process.
The employer acts as the sponsor for the residence permit (Iqama).
Self-sponsorship is generally not allowed unless you’re an investor or business owner.
Job Profile |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
1. CEO (Chief Executive Officer) |
Overall leadership; define corporate vision, set strategic goals, oversee performance, represent company to stakeholders. |
|
2. COO (Chief Operating Officer) |
Manage daily operations; implement business strategies; ensure efficiency in processes and procedures. |
|
3. CFO (Chief Financial Officer) |
Direct financial planning and analysis; manage budgets; oversee financial reporting and compliance. |
|
4. CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) |
Develop marketing strategies; manage branding and advertising; oversee market research and product launches. |
|
5. Country Manager |
Lead all business activities in Kuwait; manage P&L; build local partnerships; ensure compliance with regulations. |
|
6. HR Director |
Develop and implement HR strategies; oversee talent acquisition, training, compensation, and employee relations. |
|
7. IT Director/CTO/CIO |
Lead technology strategy; manage IT infrastructure; oversee digital transformation and cybersecurity. |
|
8. Operations Director |
Oversee production, supply chain, logistics; ensure operational efficiency and quality control. |
|
9. Finance Director |
Manage financial operations; oversee accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial controls. |
|
10. Sales Director |
Develop sales strategy; manage sales teams; achieve revenue targets; build client relationships. |
|
11. Supply Chain Manager |
Manage procurement, logistics, inventory; optimize supply chain performance and vendor relationships. |
|
12. Project Director |
Lead large-scale projects; ensure delivery on time and budget; manage project teams and resources. |
|
13. General Manager (Hotel/Retail) |
Oversee all hotel or retail operations; manage staff, budgets, and guest/client satisfaction. |
|
14. Medical Director |
Lead healthcare services; oversee clinical operations and compliance with health regulations. |
|
15. Brand Manager |
Develop and manage brand strategy; oversee marketing campaigns and product positioning. |
|
16. Marketing Manager |
Plan and execute marketing initiatives; manage advertising, PR, and digital marketing. |
|
17. Admin Manager |
Oversee administrative functions; manage facilities, support services, and office operations. |
|
18. Business Development Manager |
Identify new business opportunities; develop partnerships; drive revenue growth through strategic initiatives. |
|
19. Legal Counsel/Director |
Advise on legal matters; draft and review contracts; ensure regulatory compliance and risk management. |
|
20. Procurement Manager |
Develop procurement strategies; manage supplier relationships; negotiate contracts and optimize costs. |
No. |
Job Title |
Typical Responsibilities |
Qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
General Manager |
Oversee entire operations of the company |
MBA + 10+ years leadership experience |
|
2 |
Operations Manager |
Manage daily operations and processes |
Bachelor’s + 5-8 years relevant experience |
|
3 |
Finance Manager |
Oversee financial planning and reporting |
CPA/MBA + 5+ years finance experience |
|
4 |
HR Manager |
Lead HR policies, recruitment, and employee relations |
Bachelor’s + HR certification (e.g., CIPD) |
|
5 |
Marketing Director |
Develop and implement marketing strategy |
MBA + 8-10 years marketing experience |
|
6 |
Sales Manager |
Lead sales team and strategy |
Bachelor’s + 5-7 years sales experience |
|
7 |
IT Director |
Oversee IT infrastructure and systems |
Bachelor’s/Master’s in IT + experience |
|
8 |
Supply Chain Manager |
Manage procurement and logistics |
Bachelor’s + 5+ years supply chain experience |
|
9 |
Business Development Manager |
Identify growth opportunities and partnerships |
Bachelor’s + 5+ years BD experience |
|
10 |
Project Manager |
Manage large-scale projects |
PMP + 5+ years project management experience |
|
11 |
Legal Counsel |
Advise on legal and compliance matters |
Law degree + 5+ years legal practice |
|
12 |
Corporate Strategy Manager |
Develop long-term strategic plans |
MBA + consulting/strategy experience |
|
13 |
Procurement Manager |
Oversee purchasing and vendor management |
Bachelor’s + 5+ years procurement experience |
|
14 |
Customer Service Manager |
Ensure customer satisfaction and service quality |
Bachelor’s + 5+ years in customer service |
|
15 |
Risk Manager |
Identify and manage business risks |
Bachelor’s + risk management certifications |
|
16 |
Quality Manager |
Implement quality control systems |
Bachelor’s + quality certifications (ISO) |
|
17 |
Facility Manager |
Manage building operations and maintenance |
Bachelor’s + facilities management experience |
|
18 |
Administration Manager |
Oversee administrative processes |
Bachelor’s + 5+ years admin experience |
|
19 |
Public Relations Manager |
Manage corporate communications |
Bachelor’s + PR experience |
|
20 |
Training & Development Manager |
Oversee employee training programs |
Bachelor’s + L&D certifications |
# |
Job Title |
General Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
General Manager |
Bachelor’s/Master’s (MBA preferred), 10+ years senior management experience, English proficiency, valid work permit (company-sponsored). |
|
2 |
Operations Manager |
Bachelor’s degree, 5–8 years in operations, leadership skills, English proficiency, work permit required. |
|
3 |
Finance Manager |
Bachelor’s in Finance/Accounting, CPA/ACCA preferred, 5+ years experience, English proficiency, work permit required. |
|
4 |
HR Manager |
Bachelor’s in HR or Business, CIPD/SHRM certification a plus, 5+ years HR experience, English proficiency, work permit required. |
|
5 |
Marketing Manager |
Bachelor’s/Master’s in Marketing or Business, 5–7 years marketing experience, strong English, work permit required. |
|
6 |
Sales Manager |
Bachelor’s degree, 5+ years in sales leadership, English proficiency, work permit required. |
|
7 |
IT Director |
Bachelor’s/Master’s in IT or related field, 8–10 years in IT management, English proficiency, work permit required. |
|
8 |
Supply Chain Manager |
Bachelor’s degree, 5+ years supply chain/logistics experience, English proficiency, work permit required. |
|
9 |
Business Development Manager |
Bachelor’s degree, 5+ years in business development, strong communication skills, English proficiency, work permit required. |
|
10 |
Project Manager |
Bachelor’s in Engineering/Business, PMP or equivalent, 5+ years project management, English proficiency, work permit required. |
|
11 |
Legal Counsel |
Law degree (LLB/JD), 5+ years corporate legal experience, English proficiency, work permit required. |
|
12 |
Strategy Manager |
MBA or relevant Master’s, consulting/strategy experience, 5+ years, English proficiency, work permit required. |
|
13 |
Procurement Manager |
Bachelor’s degree, 5+ years procurement experience, English proficiency, work permit required. |
|
14 |
Customer Service Manager |
Bachelor’s degree, 5+ years in customer service, English proficiency, work permit required. |
|
15 |
Risk Manager |
Bachelor’s degree, risk management certification (e.g., CRMP) a plus, 5+ years experience, English proficiency, work permit required. |
|
16 |
Quality Manager |
Bachelor’s degree, ISO or Six Sigma certification a plus, 5+ years quality management experience, English proficiency, work permit required. |
|
17 |
Facilities Manager |
Bachelor’s degree, 5+ years facilities management experience, English proficiency, work permit required. |
|
18 |
Admin Manager |
Bachelor’s degree, 5+ years administrative management experience, English proficiency, work permit required. |
|
19 |
Public Relations Manager |
Bachelor’s degree, 5+ years in PR/communications, English proficiency, work permit required. |
|
20 |
Training & Development Manager |
Bachelor’s degree, L&D certifications preferred, 5+ years in training, English proficiency, work permit required. |
# |
Job Title |
Typical Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
General Manager |
10–15 years, with at least 5 years in senior leadership |
|
2 |
Operations Manager |
5–8 years in operations management |
|
3 |
Finance Manager |
5–8 years in financial management |
|
4 |
HR Manager |
5–8 years in human resources management |
|
5 |
Marketing Manager |
5–7 years in marketing leadership |
|
6 |
Sales Manager |
5–7 years in sales and business development |
|
7 |
IT Director |
8–10 years in IT management |
|
8 |
Supply Chain Manager |
5–8 years in supply chain/logistics management |
|
9 |
Business Development Manager |
5–7 years in business development |
|
10 |
Project Manager |
5–7 years managing projects (PMP certification often preferred) |
|
11 |
Legal Counsel |
5–8 years in corporate law |
|
12 |
Strategy Manager |
5–7 years in strategy/consulting roles |
|
13 |
Procurement Manager |
5–8 years in procurement and vendor management |
|
14 |
Customer Service Manager |
5–7 years in customer service leadership |
|
15 |
Risk Manager |
5–8 years in risk management |
|
16 |
Quality Manager |
5–7 years in quality assurance/control |
|
17 |
Facilities Manager |
5–7 years in facilities management |
|
18 |
Admin Manager |
5–7 years in administration management |
|
19 |
Public Relations Manager |
5–7 years in PR and communications |
|
20 |
Training & Development Manager |
5–7 years in training and development |
# |
Company Name |
Industry |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) |
Oil & Gas |
State-owned, hires international executives in operations & management. |
|
2 |
Zain Kuwait |
Telecommunications |
Hires international managers in marketing, HR, IT, and operations. |
|
3 |
Agility Logistics |
Logistics & Supply Chain |
Global logistics player with roles in supply chain, operations, finance. |
|
4 |
NBK (National Bank of Kuwait) |
Banking & Finance |
Known for hiring expat executives in finance, risk, and corporate roles. |
|
5 |
KIPCO |
Investment & Holdings |
Diverse investments; recruits international execs in finance & strategy. |
|
6 |
Kuwait Finance House |
Islamic Banking & Finance |
Hires experienced international finance professionals for senior roles. |
|
7 |
Boubyan Bank |
Banking |
Often hires expats for strategy, operations, and risk management. |
|
8 |
M.H. Alshaya Co. |
Retail & Hospitality |
Large multinational; hires execs in retail, HR, marketing, and operations. |
|
9 |
Jazeera Airways |
Aviation |
Hires international candidates in operations, finance, and management. |
|
10 |
Equate Petrochemical |
Petrochemicals |
Joint venture; recruits international experts in engineering & management. |
|
11 |
Alghanim Industries |
Conglomerate (diverse sectors) |
Hires international managers in automotive, consumer goods, and more. |
|
12 |
Gulf Bank |
Banking |
Offers roles in corporate finance, compliance, and risk management. |
|
13 |
Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) |
Oil & Gas |
Employs international managers in refining and project management. |
|
14 |
Kuwait Airways |
Aviation |
Recruits senior-level expats in operations, HR, and engineering. |
|
15 |
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) |
Oil & Gas |
Often hires experienced international managers in projects and drilling. |
|
16 |
Mezzan Holding |
Food & FMCG |
Hires for supply chain, production, and commercial roles. |
|
17 |
Wataniya Telecom (Ooredoo Kuwait) |
Telecommunications |
Recruits expat managers in technology, operations, and marketing. |
|
18 |
United Real Estate Company |
Real Estate |
Hires international execs in project management and real estate dev. |
|
19 |
ACICO Group |
Construction & Industrial |
Recruits for construction project management and corporate strategy. |
|
20 |
Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries Co. |
Manufacturing |
Employs international managers in operations and quality control. |
# |
Job Title |
Salary Range (KWD/month) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
General Manager |
3,000–5,000+ |
MBA; 10–15 years senior leadership experience; English fluency. |
KPC, Alghanim Industries, Agility Logistics |
Oversee overall business operations, set strategic goals, ensure profitability and compliance, manage senior staff. |
|
2 |
Operations Manager |
2,000–3,500 |
Bachelor’s degree; 5–8 years in operations; English proficiency. |
Agility Logistics, KNPC, Equate |
Manage daily operations, optimize processes, implement policies, oversee staff performance. |
|
3 |
Finance Manager |
2,500–4,000 |
CPA/ACCA/MBA; 5–8 years finance experience. |
NBK, KIPCO, Kuwait Finance House |
Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, manage financial risks. |
|
4 |
HR Manager |
2,000–3,500 |
Bachelor’s in HR; 5–8 years experience; CIPD/SHRM preferred. |
Zain, Alshaya, Kuwait Airways |
Manage recruitment, employee relations, training, performance management, HR policies. |
|
5 |
Marketing Manager |
2,000–3,500 |
Bachelor’s/MBA; 5–7 years marketing experience. |
Zain, Alshaya, Jazeera Airways |
Develop and implement marketing strategies, branding, market analysis, campaign management. |
|
6 |
Sales Manager |
2,000–3,500 |
Bachelor’s degree; 5–7 years in sales leadership. |
Alshaya, Agility Logistics, Ooredoo Kuwait |
Drive sales targets, manage sales team, develop client relationships, oversee pipelines. |
|
7 |
IT Director |
3,000–4,500 |
Bachelor’s/Master’s in IT; 8–10 years IT management. |
Zain, KNPC, Kuwait Airways |
Oversee IT strategy, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. |
|
8 |
Supply Chain Manager |
2,000–3,500 |
Bachelor’s degree; 5–8 years in supply chain/logistics. |
Agility Logistics, Mezzan Holding, ACICO Group |
Manage procurement, logistics, vendor management, optimize supply chain processes. |
|
9 |
Business Development Manager |
2,000–3,500 |
Bachelor’s degree; 5–7 years in business development. |
KIPCO, Alghanim Industries, NBK |
Identify growth opportunities, partnerships, market expansion, revenue generation. |
|
10 |
Project Manager |
2,000–3,500 |
Bachelor’s; PMP preferred; 5–7 years project management experience. |
Equate, KOC, ACICO Group |
Lead projects from planning to execution, manage budgets, timelines, teams. |
|
11 |
Legal Counsel |
2,500–4,000 |
Law degree; 5–8 years corporate legal experience. |
KIPCO, NBK, Kuwait Airways |
Provide legal advice, draft/review contracts, ensure regulatory compliance. |
|
12 |
Strategy Manager |
2,500–4,000 |
MBA; 5–7 years in strategy/consulting. |
KPC, Agility Logistics, KIPCO |
Develop corporate strategies, analyze markets, guide executive decision-making. |
|
13 |
Procurement Manager |
2,000–3,500 |
Bachelor’s; 5–8 years procurement experience. |
Alghanim Industries, ACICO Group, Mezzan Holding |
Oversee purchasing, vendor selection, contract negotiation, cost management. |
|
14 |
Customer Service Manager |
2,000–3,000 |
Bachelor’s; 5–7 years customer service experience. |
Zain, Alshaya, Jazeera Airways |
Improve service delivery, manage customer support teams, resolve escalated issues. |
|
15 |
Risk Manager |
2,500–4,000 |
Bachelor’s; risk management certification preferred; 5–8 years experience. |
NBK, KIPCO, Kuwait Finance House |
Identify business risks, develop mitigation strategies, ensure compliance. |
|
16 |
Quality Manager |
2,000–3,500 |
Bachelor’s; ISO/Six Sigma certification preferred; 5–7 years experience. |
Equate, ACICO Group, Mezzan Holding |
Implement quality systems, manage audits, ensure product/service standards. |
|
17 |
Facilities Manager |
2,000–3,000 |
Bachelor’s; 5–7 years facilities management experience. |
Kuwait Airways, ACICO Group, Alshaya |
Manage building operations, maintenance, safety, and facilities teams. |
|
18 |
Administration Manager |
2,000–3,000 |
Bachelor’s; 5–7 years admin management experience. |
Alghanim Industries, Kuwait Airways, Mezzan Holding |
Oversee office administration, budgeting, staff coordination, and support services. |
|
19 |
Public Relations Manager |
2,000–3,500 |
Bachelor’s; 5–7 years PR/communications experience. |
Zain, Jazeera Airways, Ooredoo Kuwait |
Manage corporate image, media relations, and external communications. |
|
20 |
Training & Development Manager |
2,000–3,500 |
Bachelor’s; L&D certifications preferred; 5–7 years training experience. |
Alshaya, Agility Logistics, Kuwait Airways |
Develop and oversee employee training programs, manage learning systems, support staff development. |
Visa Type |
Description & Key Features |
Who Uses It? |
|---|---|---|
|
Article 18 Work Visa |
The most common visa for expatriates employed in Kuwait’s private sector. Sponsored by the employer. Renewable annually (often tied to the work contract). |
All executive & management employees hired by private companies. |
|
Article 17 Government Visa |
Used for roles in government organizations, ministries, and state-owned enterprises. Typically arranged through the hiring authority. |
Executives hired by state-owned enterprises like KPC, KNPC, KOC. |
|
Dependent Visa (Article 22) |
Allows family members (spouse, children) of Article 18/17 visa holders to reside in Kuwait. Doesn’t grant work rights unless converted to a work visa. |
Family members accompanying executives. |
|
Investor/Partner Visa |
For those investing in or owning part of a business in Kuwait. Requires proof of investment and registration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. |
Entrepreneurs or senior managers with equity stakes. |
|
Visit Visa (Temporary) |
Short-term visa (usually 1–3 months) for business meetings, conferences, or interviews. Not valid for formal employment. Must exit and re-enter on a work visa for employment. |
Senior managers visiting for business discussions. |
