People Manager - Ogilvy UAE

Memac Ogilvy; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading creative agency in the UAE is seeking a People Manager to support the Chief People Officer and the MENA leadership team. The role involves developing HR strategies, managing employee relations, and ensuring legal compliance. The ideal candidate should possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills, along with a degree in Human Resources. This position offers an opportunity to influence the agency's culture and contribute to its mission of positive impact.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as HR Manager or similar HR role.
• In-depth knowledge of labor law and HR best practices.
• Demonstrable experience with HR metrics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with business strategy.
• Manage the HRIS system and implement it in the MENA region.
• Bridge management and employee relations.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Time Management

Education

Degree in Human Resources

Tools

MS Office

HRIS

Job description

About Ogilvy

Ogilvy has been creating impact for brands through iconic, culture-changing, value-driving ideas since the company was founded by David Ogilvy 75 years ago. It builds on that rich legacy through Borderless Creativity – innovating at the intersections of its advertising, public relations, relationship design, consulting, and health capabilities with experts collaborating seamlessly across over 120 offices in nearly 90 countries. Ogilvy currently ranks as the #1 global agency network for creative excellence and effectiveness by WARC, signifying its ability to deliver creative solutions that drive unreasonable impact for clients and communities. Ogilvy is a WPP company (NYSE: WPP). For more information, visit Ogilvy.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook.

We are looking for a People Manager to support the MEMAC Ogilvy People Team. This role will principally support the Chief People Officer, and also other key members of the MENA leadership team, when requested. However, there is fluidity in the Ogilvy People community, which means you may be moved between business areas depending on the needs of the business.

Memac Ogilvy is one of the leading creative networks in MENA, with its flagship office in the UAE and a strong local footprint in the GCC and North Africa. It is part of the formidable worldwide WPP & Ogilvy network. It’s the only truly integrated comms network – with Growth & Innovation, Advertising- Brand & Content, PR & Influence, Experience & Health under 1 P&L and under single leadership. Memac Ogilvy is the most integrated modern creative and effective partner for client growth in MENA, delivering by combining expert and new capabilities for modern marketing solutions, with solid project management expertise for agile and effective delivery, as well as a thorough and passionate People agenda.

The agency is the most awarded Middle Eastern agency in Cannes and a big winner at the local award show Lynx. It counts around 500 staff members.

The People Manager will be part of a dynamic support team, partnering with the Chief People Officer MENA, HR Business Partners in the UAE, and the wider MENA admin teams.

The role requires an experienced, confident, and highly organized People Manager. Reporting to the MENA Chief People Officer, who leads the business and people in 11 offices across the MENA region.

The ideal candidate must have business acumen and a professional demeanor that facilitates easy dealings with clients and colleagues from different nationalities and time zones. They should be an organizational force given the complex and intensive nature of the business, with strong resilience and flexibility in changing scenarios and plans.

Additionally, the person in this role will represent the agency and its values, mirroring the diverse, inclusive, and people-first culture of the agency.

Main Responsibilities of the Role include:

1. Develop and implement HR strategies and initiatives aligned with the overall business strategy.
2. Bridge management and employee relations by addressing demands, grievances, or other issues.
3. Manage the HRIS system and implement it in the MENA region.
4. Navigate and monitor employee induction and exit processes.
5. Support current and future business needs through the development, engagement, motivation, and preservation of human capital.
6. Develop and monitor overall HR strategies, systems, tactics, and procedures across the organization.
7. Nurture a positive working environment.
8. Oversee and manage a performance appraisal system (Career Conversations) that drives high performance.
9. Maintain pay plans and benefits programs.
10. Assess training needs and monitor training programs.
11. Report to management and provide decision support through HR metrics.
12. Ensure legal compliance throughout human resource management.
13. Provide ad hoc admin support to the senior leadership team.
14. Manage multiple task lists, ensuring tasks are completed often under tight deadlines.
15. Lead and complete special projects as required.
16. Maintain records, reports, and files up to date and organized.
17. Perform other ad hoc duties as assigned.
18. Proven experience as HR Manager or similar HR role.
19. People-oriented and results-driven.
20. Demonstrable experience with HR metrics.
21. Knowledge of HR systems and databases.
22. Ability to develop strategies and lead effectively.
23. Excellent active listening, negotiation, and presentation skills.
24. Strong interpersonal relationship management skills at all levels.
25. In-depth knowledge of labor law and HR best practices.
26. Degree in Human Resources or related field.
27. Highly resilient with a strong work ethic.
28. Excellent communication and presentation skills, comfortable with senior stakeholders.
29. Willingness to be adaptable and work across different global time zones.
30. Proficiency in MS Office, PowerPoint, Keynote, Word, Excel, Outlook, and MS Teams.
31. Strong administrative skills, including business etiquette and request handling.
32. Strong multi-tasking skills and ability to remain composed under pressure.
33. Proactive, with the ability to plan ahead.
34. Excellent time management and organizational skills, with attention to detail.
35. Experience in advertising, media, or large client organizations is advantageous but not essential.

At Ogilvy, our people are at the heart of what we do: a creative agency that sparks game-changing ideas across culture and business through collaboration, integrity, and a celebration of self-expression.

We believe in building powerful teams with purpose and are committed to fairness and equity.

Our ultimate mission is to leave a positive impact on the world, creating a better future while supporting the communities we serve. This aligns with our Borderless Creativity mantra.

Ogilvy is an equal opportunity employer, fostering a respectful culture where everyone feels they belong and has equal opportunities for career progression.

If you need assistance seeking a job opportunity or require reasonable accommodation during the application process, contact us at [e-mail]. Please note this contact is only for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response.