Baker McKenzie

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 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

At Baker McKenzie we are different in the way we think, work and behave. With our team of 13,000 people, including over 6,500 locally admitted lawyers, in over 70 offices worldwide, we have a passionately collaborative community of 60 nationalities and are committed to world-class career development to everyone in every job at every level. Baker McKenzie can offer you both the uncompromising commitment to excellence expected of a top firm paired with a passionately global and genuinely collaborative working environment.

To Apply

At Baker McKenzie we welcome direct applications.

Please click on the Apply icon to start the online application process for this role.  We will then be in touch with you once we have reviewed your application.  If you are unable to apply online, please contact Hannah Ritchie in the Recruitment Team at Hannah.Ritchie@bakermckenzie.com 

Baker McKenzie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.