Office Talent Lead

Baker & McKenzie

This is a hands-on position requiring proactive and reliable human resources advice and service.

Main Responsibilities

• Partner with office and local Practice Group leadership to identify talent needs and support workforce planning.
• Provide thought leadership and guidance on talent initiatives to key stakeholders
• Work with local business service leads and the recruitment team on any legal and business services roles
• Develop and drive onboarding and orientation programs to ensure a smooth integration of new hires.
• Implement performance management processes and support career development initiatives in line with the global firm standards.
• Support learning and development initiatives on a local level.
• Work together with HR colleagues in the market grouping/cluster to implement regional people initiatives
• Drive and provide leadership for office meetings and committees, Partner meetings, Associate Committees, diversity, women's committees and administrative management meetings.

Talent Projects:

• Actively collaborate in the design & implementation of Global/Regional Talent strategy and initiatives in the office.

Employee Engagement and Culture:

• Champion initiatives that promote employee engagement, well-being, and inclusion.
• Conduct regular feedback sessions and support employee surveys.
• Coordinate learning and development programs tailored to local and regional needs.

Employee Relations:

• Provide expertise and knowledge on latest local employment regulations in Dubai.
• Maintain and update HR policies and procedures in alignment with local regulations and global standards.
• Handle employee relations, grievances, and disciplinary matters with professionalism and discretion.

HR Operations:

• Responsible for ensuring compliance with local employment and labour legislation. Manage employment contracts, and HR documentation in line with national regulations.
• Manage day-to-day HR activities including payroll, benefits, HRIS, and compliance with local labour laws. The Firm uses Success Factors as its global HRIS system
• Ensure accurate HR data management and reporting to support business decisions
• Support internal audits and ensure operational excellence across all HR processes.

Partner with other People Teams:

• Partner closely with People Centres of Excellence to drive for results and innovative people solutions.
• Close coordination with the Practice Group Talent Leads in relation to operational items/employee relations, provide HR advisory support to the PGLs on people-related issues.
• Partnership with the People and EMEA leadership teams to help develop optimal People strategy, infrastructure and resources for the office.