Our client, one of the Global FMCG player is recruiting a Head of HR - Emerging Markets (GCC, Levant, Africa & Central Asia).
Job Title: HR Director – Emerging Markets (GCC, Levant, Africa & Central Asia)
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Location: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) – Beverage
Job Purpose
The HR Director will lead the strategic and operational human resources function across the GCC, Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia regions. You will align HR strategies with aggressive business growth targets in the FMCG - beverage sector. This role requires a dynamic leader who understands how to scale agile sales, marketing, and distribution teams across culturally diverse and fast-moving emerging markets.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic HR Leadership & Expansion
- Design and execute a unified HR strategy across multiple regions (GCC, Levant, Africa, Central Asia) to support market entry and volume growth.
- Partner with the executive team to manage organizational design, ensuring structures support localized distribution models.
- Navigate and ensure absolute compliance with diverse labor laws, localization quotas (e.g., Emiratisation, Saudization), and regional employment frameworks.
Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding
- Build a robust talent pipeline for critical roles in FMCG sales, brand marketing, supply chain, and regulatory affairs.
- Establish the company as an "Employer of Choice" within the competitive beverage industry across emerging markets.
- Implement efficient, localized onboarding processes to decrease time-to-productivity for remote regional teams.
Performance & Compensation Management
- Develop and manage competitive, market-specific compensation and benefits structures tailored to different economic realities across Africa, Levant, and Central Asia.
- Design high-impact incentive schemes and commission structures for sales teams to drive aggressive revenue targets.
- Oversee the annual performance review process, fostering a high-performance, results-driven culture.
Culture, Engagement & Talent Development
- Unify regional offices under a cohesive, high-energy, and collaborative corporate culture that mirrors the FMCG - beverage sector brand identity.
- Identify high-potential employees and design succession plans for critical regional leadership roles.
- Implement targeted learning and development programs to upskill localized field forces and distributors.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. An MBA or professional certification (e.g., CIPD, SHRM) is highly preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 10–12 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in a regional leadership role within the FMCG or beverage industry.
- Geographical Scope: Proven track record of managing HR operations across the GCC, broader Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia.
- Mobility: Willingness to travel frequently across the assigned territories as required.
Skills & Competencies
- Cross-Cultural Acumen: Exceptional ability to influence, communicate, and build relationships across highly diverse cultural and regulatory landscapes.
- FMCG Agility: Deep understanding of the fast-paced nature of the beverage industry, including commercial cycles and field sales dynamics.
- Strategic & Hands-on: Ability to operate at a macro-strategic level while remaining willing to dive into operational execution when needed.
- Languages: Fluency in English is mandatory. Proficiency in Arabic, French, or Russian is a significant advantage given the regional footprint.