Senior HR Business Partner - up to 9 months fixed term contract

Clifford Chance; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Dubai is seeking a Senior HR Business Partner on a fixed-term contract. The ideal candidate will partner with stakeholders to advance people and talent strategies and guide HR initiatives. Qualifications include a Master's degree in HR and experience in professional services. The role emphasizes strong communication skills and data analysis.

Benefits

Varied opportunities for growth and development

Formal training and coaching

Qualifications

• Senior HR Business Partner experience, preferably in professional services.
• Experience working in a matrixed/global environment is desirable.
• Proven track record of implementing HR initiatives that contribute to business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Partner with stakeholders to develop and deliver people and talent strategy.
• Manage and develop HR team members.
• Provide insights to enhance employee benefits offerings.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Data analysis skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Education

Master's Degree or industry qualification in HR

Job description

Job Description

We are recruiting this role on a fixed-term contract to cover a period of maternity leave. The ideal start date will be the beginning of November 2025.

The role

You will partner with Regional Partners and stakeholders to develop and deliver people priorities aligned with the firm's people and talent strategy, as well as the practice area strategy.

Who you will work with

You will work closely with the Regional Head of HR & Talent (RHRD), Regional HR Team members, Communities of Expertise (CoEs), global service delivery teams, and the broader HR function to deliver high-impact and efficient people priorities and processes. You may also manage, coach, and develop members of the Middle East and Turkiye HR team.

What you will be responsible for

You will build trusted advisor relationships with Partners and regional leadership teams to develop and deliver the priorities aligned with the firm's people and talent strategy.

What you will do

The key responsibilities below are to be carried out in line with the global People and Talent Strategy, along with any additional regional HR strategic priorities.

People and Talent Strategy

• Partner with key stakeholders to develop and deliver the people and talent strategy aligned with the practice area / regional business function strategy.
• Embed the firm's people priorities across the practice area, integrating outputs of regional processes, shaping the regional talent agenda (succession planning), and working on key talent processes.
• Contribute actively to the formation of the people strategy by representing client groups, collaborating with HR colleagues (regionally and globally), and bringing market knowledge of leading HR practices to shape and deliver HR projects.
• Act as a trusted HR advisor to stakeholders, providing support, coaching, and guidance on HR and people issues.
• Manage, lead, and develop HR team members in implementing the people strategy, ensuring quality and timely delivery, and supporting their professional development.
• Lead and participate in regional and global strategic projects related to People and Talent strategy.
• Oversee regional Early Talent programs and act as an ambassador for these schemes in the market.

Financial Management, Risk, Data, and Analytics

• Work with stakeholders to forecast headcount and manage budgets in line with business plans.
• Interpret business and commercial metrics alongside people data and analytics to support decision-making.
• Utilize broader data sources, such as employee surveys, exit data, and inclusion focus groups, to gain insights on inclusion and wellbeing.

Employee Relations

• Advise senior stakeholders on employee relations issues, anticipating risks and early interventions.
• Provide confidential counseling, guidance, and coaching to resolve situations informally when possible.
• Contribute to shaping employee policies to ensure fair and consistent implementation.
• Support Partners and stakeholders with employee relations guidance.

Performance Management

• Support performance and reward frameworks, influencing objective and fair outcomes aligned with the firm's strategies.
• Assist leaders with performance issues, including poor performance and probation reviews.

Talent Management

• Develop regional resourcing plans based on demand, capacity, skills, and attrition data.
• Use exit and engagement data to develop solutions for attracting, retaining, and motivating talent.
• Lead talent identification programs, analyzing themes and gaps for development.
• Collaborate with CoEs to design and implement workforce changes and transitions.

Career Development

• Identify career development opportunities through talent reviews and data analysis.
• Support high-potential employees' growth and visibility within and outside their functions.
• Work with stakeholders to address development needs and objectives.
• Advise on development programs via the Clifford Chance Academy.

Reward and Benefits

• Initiate market benchmarking processes for the region.
• Partner with Reward CoE to analyze data and advise on reward strategies.
• Support year-end compensation processes.
• Understand Partners' compensation arrangements and prepare stakeholders for reviews.
• Provide insights to enhance employee benefits offerings.
• Manage annual health and insurance renewals.

Inclusion, Wellbeing, and People Experience

• Build knowledge of inclusion and wellbeing strategies.
• Engage in employee listening to identify themes and inform solutions.
• Participate in HR initiatives promoting a high-performing, inclusive, and healthy workplace.

Qualifications

Your experience

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Experience

• Senior HR Business Partner experience, preferably in professional services.
• Experience working in a matrixed/global environment is desirable.
• Proven track record of implementing HR initiatives that contribute to business objectives.
• Experience partnering with management and influencing stakeholders.

Knowledge

• Strong commercial awareness and data analysis skills.
• Knowledge of relevant labor laws (DIFC, ADGM, UAE onshore, KSA).
• Understanding of Partnership environments and the common law legal system.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree or industry qualification in HR is preferred.

How we will support you

We offer varied opportunities for growth and development, including formal training, coaching, mentoring, and on-the-job learning.