Job Description

Head of People & Operations
Location: Dubai, UAE
Level: Director / Head of Functions
Reports to: CEO / Managing Director
About the Role
We are looking for a Head of People & Operations to drive both the strategic and operational agenda of the company. This position ensures the organization is designed, resourced, and managed in a way that supports growth and delivers results. Sitting at the intersection of people, culture, and operations, the role is central to connecting business strategy with execution. All department heads will report into this position, making it a critical enabler of alignment, accountability, and long-term success.
What You'll Be Doing
People & Culture

• Establish and roll out people strategies that elevate leadership capabilities, nurture career development, and enhance company-wide performance.

*Ensure HR policies are well-communicated, consistently applied, and aligned with organizational goals.
*Champion a results-driven culture where recognition, development, and rewards are linked to measurable achievements.
*Mentor and coach leaders across the business to adopt a growth and performance-focused mindset.
*Put in place succession pipelines and talent programs that prepare the company for the future.
*Take overall accountability for supply chain, sales, marketing, education, and export operations, through close collaboration with functional leaders.
*Drive alignment between departmental goals and the broader company strategy, ensuring delivery against commitments.
*Introduce process improvements that speed up execution, increase efficiency, and elevate customer experience.
*Oversee integration and effective use of ERP tools (e.g., NetSuite) to create operational transparency and control.
*Safeguard operational compliance, risk management, and business continuity across all functions.
Business Planning and Alignment:
*Lead annual and quarterly planning cycles, ensuring targets are clearly defined and resources properly allocated.
*Connect sales, marketing, education, and supply chain activities to foster collaboration and maximize growth.
*Use data, analytics, and reporting to monitor business and people performance, making course corrections where required.
Culture and Engagement:
*Act as a role model of the company's culture, values, and leadership expectations in decision-making and day-to-day actions.
*Create an environment where collaboration, inclusion, and accountability thrive at all levels.
*Design and implement initiatives that strengthen employee engagement and retention.
Operational Leadership
*Take overall accountability for supply chain, sales, marketing, education, and export operations, through close collaboration with functional leaders.
*Drive alignment between departmental goals and the broader company strategy, ensuring delivery against commitments.
*Introduce process improvements that speed up execution, increase efficiency, and elevate customer experience.
*Oversee integration and effective use of ERP tools (e.g., NetSuite) to create operational transparency and control.
*Safeguard operational compliance, risk management, and business continuity across all functions.
What Were Looking For
*Bachelors degree in Business, HR, or a related field (MBA a plus).
*10+ years of senior experience combining HR and operations leadership, preferably within distribution, retail, or beauty.
*Proven success in implementing people frameworks and operational systems in growth-oriented businesses.
*Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving operational excellence.
*Strong commercial, strategic, and financial acumen.
Key Competencies
*Strategic Leader: Can connect people, processes, and business priorities into one cohesive plan.
*Practical Executor: Skilled at translating strategy into measurable, tangible outcomes.
*Influencer & Collaborator: Builds strong relationships across diverse functions and stakeholders.
*Change Enabler: Comfortable guiding teams through transformation and growth.
*Values-Driven: Embodies and promotes the company's values of Excellence, Innovation, Diversity, Integrity, Accountability, and Loyalty.

Skills Required