Job Purpose

To lead and transform the Talent Acquisition and Localisation function across 13 MENA markets by driving scalable, data-driven strategies that support both corporate and store-level hiring. This role delivers high-impact outcomes across workforce planning, inclusive hiring, nationalisation, employer branding, and system implementation, ensuring a future-ready talent engine aligned to business growth, fiscal discipline, and regulatory priorities.

The role plays a pivotal role in the continued transformation of TA by streamlining processes, adopting technology, introducing new frameworks and policies, and embedding a culture of operational excellence and accountability. It requires a hands-on leader who can drive transformation while maintaining business continuity.

The position also ensures operational effectiveness across manpower forecasting, local and overseas hiring campaigns, and reducing time-to-fill through process improvements and stakeholder alignment. The role also leads the design and execution of inclusive DEI strategies, while championing localization, particularly Emiratisation, through structured attraction, development, mentorship, and performance support initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Talent Acquisition Transformation & Strategy

Lead the transformation of the Talent Acquisition function by introducing efficient, scalable, and modern practices that support the business’s evolving needs. Drive end-to-end TA process redesigns, system implementations, policy creation, and adoption of best-in-class sourcing strategies. Ensure consistency across markets by standardising tools, documentation, and training. Oversee hiring for both corporate (500 hires/year) and store-level (9,500 hires/year), totaling over 35,000 interviews annually.

• Localisation & Emiratisation

Design and implement nationalisation and localisation strategies, especially Emiratisation, including attraction criteria, development plans, performance support, mentorship, and career pathing. Partner with government bodies to ensure compliance and deliver sustainable pipelines of national talent. Integrate localisation efforts into the broader employee experience.

• Inclusive Hiring & DEI

Lead and embed diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in recruitment processes across all business functions and levels. Ensure DEI initiatives are inclusive of all demographics, not limited to localisation, and aligned with organisational values.

• Workforce Planning & Mobilisation

Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Operations, and Finance to forecast demand and build manpower plans. Drive strategic hiring campaigns both locally and overseas, with a strong focus on reducing time-to-fill and enabling business readiness. Lead mobilisation efforts and ensure strong candidate funnel management.

• Team Leadership & Capability Building

Lead, mentor, and support a regional TA team of 5 direct reports. Create a culture of high performance, knowledge sharing, and collaboration through regular syncs, workshops, and coaching. Drive team capability building and promote alignment across markets.

• Executive Hiring & C-Suite Engagement

Own the end-to-end hiring of senior managers and executive roles. Partner closely with the C-suite on org design, succession planning, and scaling decisions. Lead debriefs, offer negotiations, and provide advisory on critical hires.

• TA Governance, Metrics & Reporting

Develop and monitor KPIs, dashboards, and reporting cadences for TA and localisation. Deliver monthly and quarterly updates to executive leadership and the NRC Chair. Drive accountability by integrating insights into decision-making and planning cycles.

• Talent Programs & Systems Implementation

Design and launch scalable talent programs such as internships, returnships, and referrals. Lead ATS and system implementation projects from testing and configuration through to launch and adoption. Document all workflows, guidelines, and SOPs for consistency.

• Employer Branding & EVP Activation

Own and activate the employer brand across digital and physical touchpoints. Run strategic campaigns, oversee participation in career fairs, and partner with Marketing on storytelling that strengthens the EVP.

• Budget Ownership & Planning

Present, secure, and manage the TA annual budget. Allocate spending across job boards, agency partnerships, career fairs, assessments, and branding. Ensure efficient budget utilisation and demonstrate ROI for all spend categories.

Key Competencies

- Proven Experience Leading TA Transformation

- High Ownership & Accountability

- Data-Driven Decision Making

- Grit, Resilience & Emotional Maturity

- Strategic Thinking with Operational Agility

- Executive Presence & Stakeholder Influence

- Cross-Market Team Leadership & Capability Building

- Transparent, Ethical, and Fair Leadership Style

Required Experience & Qualifications

- Minimum 15 years of Talent Acquisition experience with 5+ years in regional leadership roles

- Proven track record in TA transformation, localisation, and employer branding

- Demonstrated success managing both corporate and high-volume frontline hiring

- Hands-on experience with TA system implementation and process redesign

- MENA regional experience required

- Arabic speaker preferred; fluency in English essential

- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in HR or Business preferred

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