Office Talent Lead EMEA - Dubai

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, womens 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 the 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 is 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