Associate Director (Head of People)
AES International
مجموع سنوات الخبرة :19 years, 9 أشهر
I joined in 2017 with a task to develop the HR function from the embryonic stage to a self-standing department and embed the
best HR practices. Manage HR and office support team consisting of six individuals.
My mission was to drive culture and engagement, transforming the way talent is recruited, trained, and retained from the
traditional financial services' industry' to the following generational, professional services structure. My primary accountability is
to lead initiatives that transform talent acquisition/retention strategies, utilising innovative thinking and approaches that
champion high performance and business development and growth.
As a certified brain-based coach, I am using a strength-based approach to drive learning and growth.
Greatest achievements
• Increased eNPS 16% to 67% in just three years
• Reduced low performers from 5.7% to 3.1%
• Increased the retention rate of new hires from 60%+- to 82%
• Designed a clear career progression trajectory for employees through our talent management programme
• Steered automation and digitalisation initiatives which enhanced productivity and efficiency
• Developed solid HR and Office Management team, awarded most entries on recognition and excellence awards
• Reduced departmental budget by 20% (100% reduction on recruitment cost)
• During COVID-19, HR has been the driver in ensuring that we remained focus on delivering positive results for our clients,
making 2020 one of our best years ever. We've made sure that we have a safe workplace and a secure job during crises
• Transformed traditional employee handbook into a culture guide that is more people-centric with less control
Owned development and management of daily HR functions across the Middle East region, reporting to COO and HR Director in
the UK. Controlled talent acquisition processes. Headed all employee relations investigations and recommended appropriate
actions. Collaborated with finance teams to compile and manage HR budget and expenditure and oversaw the administration of
payroll activities and leave requests. Partnered with HR Assistant, Managing Partners, DLAD, and Academy of Law (DIFC) along
with L&D and D&I departments to identify training and development needs and constructed impactful and effective learning
programmes. Verified that all operations and policies adhered to applicable legislation and regulations.
• Implemented performance management process, mentoring schemes, and internships
• Negotiated healthcare schemes with local providers and in coordination with the London HQ benefits team
• Supervised and mentored HR Assistant
Led continual improvements to and implementation of HR services and related initiatives in UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman,
and Lebanon. Managed and coached an eight-member team (consisting of government services, HR services, benefits
administration, and recruitment personnel).
Women's Innovation Network ambassador and a lead-driver of Employee Engagement initiatives in the region.
Achievements:
• Rolled out L&D programmes
• Created recruitment handbook and contributed to updating the employee handbook
• Reduced agency fee from 25% to 18%, increased due date from 14 days to 45 days and introduced rebate scheme
• Enrolled 98% of staff (from various offices across the Middle East) in the anti-money laundering training and cultural
awareness programme.
• Completed all employee registrations of Emirates ID in 2008 with no penalties
Recruited for a newly setup company in the UAE to assist the recruitment process for our oil and gas clients. I have established the HR day-to-day operations, personnel data maintenance and office administration. Overseeing the office administration and supervising admin assistant. In a short employment period, my manager has mentored me and helped me developed my negotiation skills, planning and client-focused services.
I joined the organization in the very early stage of the company setup. The company was undergoing ambitious plans to expand its market outside UAE; I entered as an office admin that quickly stepped up to manage the day-to-day operations of the company. With no established HR function, I have managed the employee life cycle process from recruiting to termination, salary review and performance management, on the job training and payroll. I took the ownership of making sure the operations run smoothly by overseeing the daily production in the factory, maintaining warehouse stocks, importation of raw material, delivery of goods to the clients, negotiating with suppliers and dealing with clients queries. I deal with suppliers and clients from Asia, Europe and ME regions.
Brain-Based Coaching certificate
CIPD Level 7 - Chartered membership status