Job Description:
Head of Talent Acquisitions - Retail Business | 55K + Family Benefits
Role Summary
Role Title: Head of Talent Acquisition – Retail & FMCG Nature of Business: Retail, Food & Beverage (F&B), FMCG Function: Human Resources / Talent Acquisition Business Model: Multi-unit Operations / Direct-to-Consumer / Distribution
Employment Type: Full-time
Seniority Level: Senior Management
Work Model: Hybrid
Location: Dubai, UAE
Experience Required: 8–10 years (with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity)
Business Priorities: Scalable Recruitment, Talent Pipeline Development, Employer Branding, Operational Excellence, and Data-Driven Hiring.
Role Overview
The Head of Talent Acquisition will lead the end-to-end recruitment strategy for a fast-paced Retail and F&B portfolio across the UAE and the wider GCC. Reporting to the HR Director, this role is responsible for building high-volume hiring engines and executive search capabilities while ensuring a seamless candidate experience. The primary focus is to align talent acquisition with aggressive business expansion goals through strategic workforce planning and advanced HR analytics.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive talent acquisition strategy that supports the rapid growth of Retail, F&B, and FMCG business units.
- Lead and mentor a high-performing recruitment team, setting clear KPIs related to Time-to-Fill, Cost-per-Hire, and Quality-of-Hire.
- Partner with C-suite stakeholders and Department Heads to conduct annual workforce planning and budgeting, ensuring alignment with commercial objectives.
- Oversee executive-level recruitment and headhunting for critical leadership roles across the UAE and regional markets.
- Drive the development of a strong Employer Value Proposition (EVP) to attract top-tier regional and international talent in a competitive market.
- Implement and optimize Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and AI-driven recruitment tools to enhance operational efficiency and data integrity.
- Design and manage high-volume recruitment campaigns for new store openings (NSOs) and seasonal peaks common in the Retail and F&B sectors.
- Collaborate with the Compensation & Benefits team to ensure offer packages remain competitive and aligned with UAE market benchmarks.
- Lead change management initiatives to modernize hiring processes, moving from reactive to proactive, pipeline-based recruitment.
- Manage external vendor relationships, including recruitment agencies and job board providers, ensuring maximum ROI.
Required Competencies
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate business needs into long-term talent blueprints.
- Stakeholder Management: Expert at navigating complex matrix organizations and influencing senior leadership.
- Commercial Acumen: Understanding the financial impact of turnover and vacancies on retail operations.
- Execution Excellence: A proven track record of delivering results in high-pressure, high-volume environments.
- Change Leadership: Ability to drive transformation in hiring culture and process adoption.
- Emotional Intelligence & Diplomacy: Navigating sensitive negotiations and diverse cultural dynamics within the GCC.
Required Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Professional HR Certification such as CIPD, SHRM, or equivalent.
- Specialized certifications in psychometric testing or competency-based interviewing are highly desirable.
Required Knowledge
- Deep understanding of UAE Labour Law and regional employment regulations (including MOHRE guidelines).
- Expert knowledge of the GCC retail landscape and consumer goods talent markets.
- Advanced understanding of Workforce Planning methodologies and headcount budgeting.
- Knowledge of Compensation & Benefits structures, including commission and incentive schemes prevalent in Retail/F&B.
- Familiarity with modern sourcing techniques, including Boolean search, social selling, and digital headhunting.
Required Skills
- Advanced HR Analytics: Proficiency in using data to tell a story and drive recruitment decisions.
- Negotiation & Persuasion: High-level ability to close complex executive offers and manage vendor contracts.
- Systems Proficiency: Experience with enterprise-level ATS (e.g., SuccessFactors, Oracle HCM, Workday, or Greenhouse).
- Conflict Resolution: Skilled in managing internal stakeholder expectations and candidate grievances.
- Strategic Planning: Ability to map out 12–24 month talent roadmaps.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written English (Arabic is a significant advantage in the UAE/GCC context).
Required Abilities
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment where priorities shift rapidly.
- Ability to influence at the board level and serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO/CPO.
- Ability to lead cross-functional projects, such as integrating HR Tech or restructuring onboarding.
- Ability to remain resilient and adaptable during periods of organizational change or market volatility.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in a Retail or global FMCG environment.
- Experience managing recruitment across multiple GCC territories (KSA, Qatar, Kuwait).
- Established network of local and international recruitment partners.
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