The Office Talent Lead, EMEA - Dubai will take their career to the next level in a prestigious global law firm. The role-holder will lead on all talent initiatives for the office as well as managing employee relations, HR operations and other people related initiatives. The individual will play a critical role in shaping the employee experience and supporting strategic business goals. This full generalist role is ideal for someone who thrives on ownership, autonomy, and execution.
This is a hands-on position requiring proactive and reliable human resources advice and service.
Main responsibilities:
Talent Management:
- Partner with office and local Practice Group leadership to identify talent needs and support workforce planning
- Provide thought leadership and guidance on talent initiatives to key stakeholders
- Work with local business service leads and the recruitment team on any legal and business services roles
- Develop and drive onboarding and orientation programs to ensure a smooth integration of new hires
- Implement performance management processes and support career development initiatives in line with the global firm standards
- Support learning and development initiatives on a local level
- Work together with HR colleagues in the market grouping/cluster to implement regional people initiatives
- Drive and provide leadership for office meetings and committees, Partner meetings, Associate Committees, diversity, women's committees and administrative management meetings
Talent Projects:
- Actively collaborate in the design & implementation of Global/Regional Talent strategy and initiatives in the office
Employee Engagement and Culture:
- Champion initiatives that promote employee engagement, well-being, and inclusion
- Conduct regular feedback sessions and support employee surveys
- Coordinate learning and development programs tailored to local and regional needs
Employee Relations
- Provide expertise and knowledge on latest local employment regulations in Dubai
- Maintain and update HR policies and procedures in alignment with local regulations and global standards
- Handle employee relations, grievances, and disciplinary matters with professionalism and discretion
HR Operations
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with local employment and labour legislation. Manage employment contracts, and HR documentation in line with national regulations.
- Manage day-to-day HR activities including payroll, benefits, HRIS, and compliance with local labour laws. The Firm uses Success Factors as its global HRIS system
- Ensure accurate HR data management and reporting to support business decisions
- Support internal audits and ensure operational excellence across all HR processes
Partner with other People Teams:
- Partner closely with People Centres of Excellence to drive for results and innovative people solutions
- Close coordination with the Practice Group Talent Leads in relation to operational items/employee relations, provide HR advisory support to the PGLs on people-related issues
- Partnership with the People and EMEA leadership teams to help develop optimal People strategy, infrastructure and resources for the office
Skills and experience:
- A bachelor's degree focusing on Talent, Professional Development, Organizational Development, Management, or other related areas; JD or law firm experience preferred
- Extensive experience in Talent Management, preferably in a professional services environment
- Experience working across multiple locations and jurisdictions
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail; fluent written and spoken English is required
- Demonstrated ability to solve problems and drive results with a sense of urgency in setting strategies and executing against the objectives
- Proven ability to influence, interact, and consult with senior leaders, strong collaboration skills, and effective stakeholder management
- Strong coaching, counselling, business acumen, and overall communication skills
- Knowledge of and involvement in the larger professional development/talent management community a plus
- Prioritizes collaboration and teamwork values
Reports to: Market Grouping Talent Lead
Direct reports: HR Analyst (based in Dubai)
Position type: In Market
Development framework: Manager
