MENA People Operations Specialist | Dubai (Hybrid)

M&C Saatchi; Dubai; Hybrid; AED 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Global exposure

Supportive team

Impactful role in MENA

Job summary

M&C Saatchi in Dubai is seeking a proactive People Operations Specialist, MENA, to support regional HR services within a global operations function. You will partner with regional teams, ensure compliant processes, and deliver an engaging experience for managers and employees across UAE and the wider MENA region.

This hybrid role requires a data-driven mindset, strong operational delivery, and collaboration with the Head of Global People Operations to streamline processes, while coordinating

Qualifications

• Experience delivering People Operations support in complex environments, ideally with exposure to benefits, compliance, immigration, and global mobility.
• Experience contributing to multi-stakeholder projects, helping move initiatives from planning to delivery.
• A working understanding of UAE employment and immigration frameworks, with the ability to guide managers through key processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and work effectively with managers and peers.
• A solutions-focused approach, providing responsive, professional support to employees and managers.
• Proactive in identifying opportunities to simplify processes and enhance the employee experience.
• Comfortable working with data to produce insights and clear reporting.
• Able to summarise complex information clearly through written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Operational Excellence: Support effective, consistent service delivery across the employee lifecycle. Assist in identifying knowledge gaps and coordinating upskilling sessions for managers and the wider People team. Work closely in region with People Partner and TA alongside Global Talent Development teams.
• Operational Audit & Projects: Work with the Head of Global People Operations to review and enhance processes, policies, and systems across MENA. Contribute to automation efforts, scalability improvements, and compliance initiatives. Support the global roll-out and ongoing development of the Group’s policy suite.
• People Operations Triage: Act as an escalation point (tier 2/3) for more complex People Operations queries that are not able to resolved through self service. Help resolve issues, identify recurring themes, and support improvements to knowledge and processes. Partner with People Partners to ensure smooth and joined-up service delivery.
• Global Employment & Mobility: Coordinate with external vendors to support global employment and talent transfers. Provide guidance on relocation processes, visas, and remuneration packages for talent outside the UK, ensuring a compliant and positive experience.
• Visa & Compliance: Support with reviewing visa compliance and educating managers on requirements. Assist with data protection awareness across the People team. Ensure accuracy and compliance in Right to Work checks, sponsorship, and visa processes. Stay informed on immigration updates across the Middle East and communicate changes to relevant stakeholders.
• People Data & Insight: Assist in producing accurate, timely People data and reporting to support decision-making for the business and People teams. Data insights should be produced for local and global audiences.
• Global HRIS (Workday): Act as a Workday champion across the region, working with the Workday teams to support functionality rollouts, adoption, and training.
• Benefits Management: Support employee understanding and uptake of benefits across MENA. Partner with the Global Head of Reward and local People teams to evolve benefits offerings and improve the employee experience.
• Payroll Administration: Act as the primary coordinator for monthly payroll submissions, preparing changes alongside onboarding and offboarding of employees. Work closely with the payroll provider and internal stakeholders to resolve payroll queries. Ensure compliance with payroll related policies and legislation.

Job description

M&C Saatchi in Dubai is seeking a proactive People Operations Specialist, MENA, to support regional HR services within a global operations function. You will partner with regional teams, ensure compliant processes, and deliver an engaging experience for managers and employees across UAE and the wider MENA region.

This hybrid role requires a data-driven mindset, strong operational delivery, and collaboration with the Head of Global People Operations to streamline processes, while coordinating