People Business Partner - 10 month contract

At AlixPartners, we solve the most complex and critical challenges by moving quickly from analysis to action when it really matters; creating value that has a lasting impact on companies, their people, and the communities they serve. By understanding, respecting, and honouring the needs of our employees, clients, and communities, AlixPartners actively promotes an inclusive environment. We strongly believe in the value that diversity brings to our experiences and are committed to the perpetual enhancements of initiatives, policies, and practices. We hold ourselves accountable by providing the space for authenticity, growth, and equity for everyone.

AlixPartners has embraced a hybrid work model to provide flexibility and support our employees’ work-life integration. Our hybrid model combines a mix of in-person (at client site or AlixPartners office) and remote working. Travel is part of this position, but the frequency may vary based on client, team, and individual circumstances.

What you’ll do

The PBP role involves collaborating with the leadership team to shape the local people strategy. The role works within a global matrix structure ensuring balance between the global, local market and wider team demands. An integrated approach to the following people activities is essential to embed a culture and working practices that support our strategy - performance management, talent management, career development, succession planning, training, coaching and mentoring, headcount planning, engagement, reward and diversity & inclusion

The People Business Partner position is a 10 month fixed term maternity cover contract, located in Dubai.

• Primary point of contact for client services leaders and colleagues on people, talent and organisational topics; recognised as a trusted subject matter expert by senior leadership

• Partner with Partners and Managing Directors (PMDs) to shape, plan and execute the people agenda in support of local market strategy and the firm’s overarching strategy, ensuring alignment between business priorities and people decisions

• Lead and influence change initiatives by advising leaders on effective organisational design, ways of working and change management, embedding a continuous improvement mindset across local markets

• Partner with business leadership to improve retention, providing data-led insight, challenge and advice, and supporting the design and execution of actions that strengthen engagement, performance and career progression

• Enable progress against diversity and inclusion objectives by partnering with leaders to translate firm-wide D&I strategy into local action, providing expertise, governance and challenge, and contributing to EMEA and/or global D&I initiatives

• Act as a trusted advisor and coach to leaders, strengthening their people leadership capability and providing pragmatic advice and counsel across the full employee lifecycle

• Provide constructive challenge and stewardship on people-related decisions, ensuring alignment with firm strategy, values, policies and risk appetite, and acting as a critical thinking partner to the business

• Oversee and enable effective performance management, partnering with leaders to ensure high-quality goal setting, continuous feedback, fair promotion decisions and timely performance interventions

• Advise on reward and pay decisions, ensuring they align with performance outcomes and firm principles, and working closely with global teams to apply firm-wide compensation frameworks and benchmarking insight in local contexts

• Contribute to and lead EMEA-wide PBP initiatives and projects, sharing best practice, driving consistency where appropriate and strengthening the overall PBP community.

This description is not designed to encompass a comprehensive listing of required activities, duties or responsibilities.

What you’ll need

Overall, the role holder will need to be a committed, team‑oriented individual with strong emotional intelligence and excellent communication skills. They should have a solid understanding of the local market, with demonstrable experience operating effectively within it. The role requires someone who thrives in a reactive, fast‑paced environment, is comfortable managing conflicting priorities, and has the gravitas to influence and engage a diverse group of senior stakeholders.

• 8+ years of HR experience, confident in a Business Partner position

• Recent experience working within a multinational organisation

• Knowledge of UAE and KSA labour law (specifics on the DIFC employment law are advantageous)

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

• You will hold valid residency for the UAE, or be able to obtain such, (administrative support will be provided by AlixPartners to obtain permits); ability to obtain work permit to travel and work across EU

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, Arabic is advantageous

• Ability to work full time in an office and remote environment; physically able to sit/stand at a computer and work in front of a computer screen for significant portions of the workday

• Must become familiar with, and promote and abide by, our Core Values as defined by the AlixPartners’ Code of Conduct and foster an inclusive environment with people at all levels of an organisation

The firm offers market-leading benefits that provide flexible options to support our employee’s needs, you can read more about the AlixPartners benefits here.

This advert will be removed once a suitable candidate has been identified.

AlixPartners is an equal opportunity employer.

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