Retail People Manager - Arabic Speaking

A leading retail MNC are currently looking to recruit a Retail People Manager to lead the people agenda across a large retail network in the Middle East. This regional role will support operations across UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain, overseeing a retail population of approximately 1,200 employees. **This role is open to relocating candidates

Reporting into the Regional People Director, this is a hands on HR leadership role combining strategic people initiatives with operational execution (30% - 70%). The successful candidate will partner closely with Retail leadership and store teams to strengthen talent, engagement and performance while ensuring effective delivery of HR practices across the network.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with Retail leadership to shape and execute people strategies aligned with business growth and commercial priorities.
• Balance strategic initiatives such as succession planning, talent development, workforce planning and organisational design with day-to-day HR operations.
• Lead and develop a team of People Partners supporting multiple countries.
• Support Emiratisation initiatives, particularly across the UAE retail population.
• Oversee the full employee lifecycle across stores, ensuring consistent HR practices and a strong employee experience.
• Provide hands-on support and guidance on performance management, employee relations, investigations and change initiatives.
• Work closely with retail leaders and frontline teams to identify challenges, implement solutions and drive engagement.
• Leverage people insights and analytics to influence decisions and improve business outcomes.
• Build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation and act as a visible ambassador of the people agenda.

Requirements:

• Senior HR professional with strong experience in retail, FMCG, manufacturing, pharma or another fast-paced, multi-site environment.
• Proven experience supporting large frontline populations and partnering closely with operational leaders.
• Strong balance of strategic HR capability and hands-on operational execution.
• Experience leading HR teams and managing stakeholders across multiple countries.
• Strong background in talent development, succession planning, engagement and performance management.
• Comfortable being visible in stores and connecting with frontline teams.
• Arabic language skills are mandatory.
• Open to candidates based in the region, including those considering relocation.