Office Talent Lead EMEA

Role purpose

This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on HR professional to take their career to the next level in a prestigious global law firm. As Office Talent Lead, you will lead on all talent initiatives for the office as well as managing employee relations, HR operations and other people related initiatives.  You 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 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.

Travel requirements

Limited

About the team

Function

The Firm’s People function has responsibility for recruiting, supporting, and developing all of the Firm’s people, including our Partners, Lawyers, and Professional & Business Services, working closely with the Firm’s leadership to design and deliver the Firm’s people strategy, building on the Firm’s core commitments to collaboration, excellence, and inclusivity. The function includes:

• Talent Management
• Recruitment & Mobility
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Leadership & Learning
• Partner Services 
• Total Rewards

You will report to

Market Grouping Talent Lead

Your direct reports, if any

1 HR Analyst (based in Dubai)

Key relationships

• Managing Partner
• Office COO/ General Manager/ Finance Director
• Associates & Business Professionals
• Other in-market Talent team members 

About the candidate

Technical skills, qualifications 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 

Personal qualities

These personal qualities represent the shared characteristics of high performers across Baker McKenzie, regardless of job level and location. 

Know-how

• Demonstrates the ability to identify the real issue and to anticipate requirements and potential consequences; distill a range of possibilities by thinking in a considered, prudent manner
• Has the capacity to take on new ideas and develop knowledge and to think holistically about business and address media, analyst, employee, and client audiences
• Able to move through a variety of tasks requiring different approaches, knowledge, and expertise, with the agility of mind and capacity for analysis and synthesis 
• Able to work effectively in shades of gray, creating structure when needed and collaborating to come to successful solutions when no clear process is available

Dedication

• Driven by a strong personal sense of integrity and upholds exemplary quality standards
• Prepares thoroughly, takes responsibility, uses initiative, and is self-reliant to ensure work progresses to the fullest extent possible
• Hardworking and diligent with a keen understanding of client demands
• Demonstrates composure when dealing with difficult situations 

Personal Impact

• Uses complex, coordinated influencing/negotiation strategies adapted to people, organizations, and/or the situation, e.g., networks
• Leverages direct reports to facilitate increased collaboration across the organization
• Builds partnerships based on a common agreement that acknowledges individual differences but creates a new commonality beyond root belief large-scale
• Creates a positive impression at all times; develops relationships through collaboration and reciprocity
• Negotiates to achieve mutually satisfactory outcomes; shows good judgment on when to stand strong and when to compromise 
• Invests in, nurtures, and builds a network of productive relationships

Humanity 

• Respectful to others, regardless of their position, and earns the respect of others by being transparent 
• Has care and concern for others and a genuine interest in others as people
• Treats delicate or confidential issues with discretion

About Baker McKenzie

Complex business challenges require an integrated response across different markets, sectors, and areas of law. Baker McKenzies client solutions provide seamless advice underpinned by deep practice and sector expertise, as well as first-rate local market knowledge. Across more than 70 offices globally, Baker McKenzie works alongside our clients to deliver solutions for a connected world. 

We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people -- regardless of race, religion, or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, or age -- to fulfill their professional aspirations with us.