About the Role
We are seeking a strategic and experienced Head of Compensation & Benefits to lead the design, implementation, and governance of our client's total rewards strategy across the organization. Based in Dubai, this role will play a critical part in attracting, motivating, and retaining top talent within a fast-paced luxury retail environment.
The successful candidate will partner closely with senior leadership and HR business partners to ensure our compensation and benefits programs remain competitive, compliant, and aligned with the company's business objectives and luxury brand positioning.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive total rewards strategy aligned with organizational goals and growth plans.
- Design and manage compensation structures, salary benchmarking, and incentive frameworks across retail, corporate, and regional teams.
- Lead the annual salary review, bonus, and long-term incentive planning cycles.
- Oversee benefits programs including health insurance, wellness initiatives, allowances, and other employee benefits across the UAE and potentially broader regional markets.
- Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to ensure competitiveness within the luxury retail and premium consumer sectors.
- Ensure compliance with UAE labor laws, tax regulations, and corporate governance standards.
- Partner with finance and leadership teams on reward budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.
- Drive improvements in pay transparency, reward communication, and employee value proposition.
- Lead and mentor the compensation & benefits team while building scalable processes and systems.
- Support organizational transformation, job architecture, grading frameworks, and pay equity initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field (Master's degree or HR certification preferred).
- 1015+ years of progressive experience in compensation & benefits or total rewards, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Strong experience within luxury retail, premium retail, or consumer-driven industries.
- Deep knowledge of job evaluation methodologies, compensation benchmarking, and incentive design.
- Experience managing regional or multi-country benefits programs is highly desirable.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into strategic insights.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Familiarity with HRIS systems and compensation tools.
What our Client Offers:
- Opportunity to shape the total rewards strategy of a leading luxury retail organization.
- A dynamic, multicultural working environment in Dubai.
- Competitive executive compensation package and performance incentives.
- Comprehensive benefits and career growth opportunities.
