Job Description

PEOPLE PARTNER - DUBAI (DIFC)

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Ready to bring the Big Mamma spirit to the Middle East with heart, hustle, and homemade pasta?


Big Mamma is a

Squadra

of more than 2,300 passionate individuals behind 30 iconic Italian restaurants and food markets across

Europe and the Middle East

(UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Ireland, Monaco - and now Dubai!). With over 10,000 guests a day, we deliver joyful, authentic Italian experiences - 100% homemade, 100% fresh, with products imported directly from Italy.


We're opening our very first restaurant in Dubai, based in the iconic DIFC, and we're looking for a

People Partner - Dubai

to support our teams and leadership from day one. This is a pivotal role combining

talent acquisition, HR operations, employee engagement, and leadership support

in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.

You will work closely with the

COO and local management team

, acting as a trusted advisor while building and growing our Dubai Squadra.

Your Mission

Act as the

go-to People Partner

for all team members in Dubai, supporting the full employee lifecycle

Lead recruitment:

source, attract, and hire top talent in line with Big Mamma's culture and standards Manage

onboarding

and ensure smooth integration of new hires into the Big Mamma way of working Ensure

compliance with UAE labour law and DIFC regulations

, including contracts, visas, and work permits, in partnership with external providers Act as the

HR link with Finance on payroll

, ensuring all employee data (new hires, leavers, changes) is accurate and timely Partner with managers on

employee relations, performance management, and development conversations

Drive

People initiatives

that foster team culture, engagement, and retention Be a visible presence in the restaurant, building relationships and supporting the team on the ground

Your Profile

4-6 years' experience in HR, ideally in hospitality, retail, or another fast-paced, people-led industry

Proven recruitment / talent acquisition experience

- ability to source, attract, and hire in competitive markets Solid knowledge of

UAE labour law, DIFC practices, visas, and work permits

Strong

HR operations experience

: contracts, visas, employee lifecycle management, compliance, and HR systems Knowledge of

Blizimbly would be a plus

Fluent in English (Italian is a bonus!) Experience partnering with

senior management

and providing clear HR guidance Strong communication and influencing skills across multicultural teams Organised, adaptable, and comfortable working in a

start-up opening environment

Proactive and solution-oriented, with a

practical, can-do attitude

What We Offer

A key role in the

launch of Big Mamma's first Middle Eastern restaurant

Exposure to

senior leadership

& opportunity to help shape our Dubai People function Competitive package & benefits in line with market standards A people-first culture where passion, growth, and teamwork thrive

Join Our Squadra

If you're ready to take on a high-impact role, shaping the People function in a brand-new market and bringing Big Mamma's culture to life in Dubai, we'd love to hear from you!

Big Mamma is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Big Mamma is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employ