Job Description

PEOPLE PARTNER - DUBAI (DIFC)
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

Skills Required