Submitting more applications increases your chances of landing a job.

Here’s how busy the average job seeker was last month:

Opportunities viewed

Applications submitted

Keep exploring and applying to maximize your chances!

Looking for employers with a proven track record of hiring women?

Click here to explore opportunities now!
We Value Your Feedback

You are invited to participate in a survey designed to help researchers understand how best to match workers to the types of jobs they are searching for

Would You Be Likely to Participate?

If selected, we will contact you via email with further instructions and details about your participation.

You will receive a $7 payout for answering the survey.


User unblocked successfully
Natalie Hollyman, HR Director GCC

Natalie Hollyman

HR Director GCC·Gastronomica

United Arab Emirates

Higher diploma, HR

Work experience

Total years of experience: 38 years, 1 months

HR Director GCC

May 2019 - Present

Gastronomica

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

May 2019 - Present

Reporting to the CEO, I am responsible for the design and execution of the HR Strategy across GCC, including Talent Acquisition, Government Relations, Policy Development, Administration, Payroll, Performance and Reward Management. I currently manage a team of 5 direct reports and a total business headcount of c.1500.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
❖Developed the HR Strategy and BSC for roll out across GCC
❖Defined the Change Management process in accordance with EY restructuring recommendations, including the development of organizational structures and job descriptions
❖Sourced and implemented a psychometric tool (Predictive Index) for senior executive selection and internal talent skills gap analysis
❖Recruited C suite executives and rebuilt the HR and Talent Acquisition team in Kuwait, Dubai and KSA
❖Developed a Talent Acquisition Strategy to streamline the manpower planning and overseas bulk hiring process
❖Re-evaluated the medical and life benefits, completion of annual salary planning process and development of on-boarding
❖Developed the HR Strategy and BSC for roll out across GCC

Company industry:
Catering, Food Service, & Restaurant
Job role:
Human Resources and Recruitment

HR DIRECTOR

August 2015 - May 2019

MOBY Group

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

August 2015 - May 2019

Reporting to the Group HR Director, I was responsible for a team of 5 Direct Reports and the operational management of the Head Office of MOBY Group, UAE. My key areas of focus include the design and roll out of HR Policies & Procedures, Corporate Insurance, Manpower Planning & Budgeting and Performance & Reward Management across multiple markets including UAE, India, Pakistan, Yemen, Jordan, Afghanistan and Iraq, in conjunction with a new business set up in Ethiopia.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
❖Streamlined the HR function across MEA to ensure a consistent service was provided
❖Increased effectiveness and reduced costs through a local restructure of the UAE head office
❖Designed and rolled out an improved performance management policy and process
❖Project managed a new HRIS implementation from initial strategy and planning to delivery
❖Developed and launched a new Policies & Procedures handbook across multi-regions in line with labour law
❖Led the implementation of a group wide intranet portal and travel management system
❖Drove operational excellence in association with mandatory Compliance regulations
❖Improved payroll automation and HR analytics through a system audit and SWOT analysis
❖Established the HR function for a new business set up in Ethiopia
❖Delivered an emergency evacuation plan for employees in Afghanistan post terrorist attack
❖Built a crisis management team to re-evaluate communication, safety and security
❖Project managed the office relocation and design in line with defined budget ($150k) and deadlines

Company industry:
Media Production
Job role:
Human Resources and Recruitment

HR DIRECTOR - CORPORATE FUNCTIONS & IMPULSE BUSINESS

September 2014 - August 2015

IFFCO Group

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

September 2014 - August 2015

Reporting operationally to the Business MD's/CEO's and functionally to the Group HR Director, I am currently responsible for all Corporate Functions, Transportation & Logistics and Impulse manufacturing business (Confectionary, Biscuits and Ice Cream) and team of c.2000 employees, with 4 Direct Reports.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
❖Led the HR and Change Management agenda for the Finance Shared Service transformation, Customer Service and Transportation Centralisation, which enhanced process standardisation and reduced overheads.
❖Designed and coordinated a Teambuilding Event for the Procurement team, which resulted in improved employee engagement and motivation and maximised cross functional communication.
❖Initiated the overseas resourcing activity of 100+ drivers, to support the expansion of the Transportation Division.
❖Developed an Internship Programme for the Finance and Supply Chain functions to create a future talent pool of graduates.

Company industry:
Manufacturing
Job role:
Human Resources and Recruitment

SENIOR HR MANAGER (KUWAIT)

June 2012 - September 2014

ALGHANIM INDUSTRIES

Al Kuwait, Kuwait

June 2012 - September 2014

Reported operationally to the Vice President (GTRC & Distribution) and functionally to the HR Director (Retail & Distribution), I was responsible for 6 diverse businesses; (F&B - Costa Coffee, FMCG (Mars, Mondelez (formerly Kraft), Colgate-Palmolive, Philips Lighting), Supply Chain, Shipping (Wilhelmsen), Alghanim Travel and Impact & Echo/BBDO (Advertising & Media agency), and a team of c.1500 employees.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
❖ Led all HR activities associated with the acquisition of the Costa Coffee franchise operation in Kuwait, incorporating organisational and compensation design, contractual transfer and legal entity set up
❖ Managed the completion of an offsite engagement event which successfully launched the 5 year vision to the top 150 employees within the organisation. Embarked on a culture change programme to embed corporate values, redefine the organisational environment, reinforce the role of leaders, and cascade objectives throughout the organisation
❖ Established an MBA and Internship recruitment programme with a reputable regional university to strengthen business relations and build a robust talent pipeline
❖ Worked in partnership with business leaders to redefine the organisational structure to maximize cross divisional synergies and strategic alignment.

Company industry:
Retail & Wholesale
Job role:
Human Resources and Recruitment

SENIOR HR MANAGER (KUWAIT)

November 2008 - June 2012

ALGHANIM INDUSTRIES

Al Kuwait, Kuwait

November 2008 - June 2012

Reported operationally to the President for Retail & Distribution Group and functionally to the Chief HR Officer. I operated as Senior HR Manager responsible for 10 diverse businesses and 3300 staff based in Kuwait, Dubai and China. I was responsible for all HR generalist responsibilities including Payroll, Performance Management, Compensation, Recruitment, Talent Management & Development and Employee Engagement whilst managing a team of 9 individuals. Areas of responsibility included Consumer Electronics and Home Division Retail concepts, e-Commerce, FMCG, Travel, Shipping, Supply Chain, Advertising / Media, Market Research and Store Design & Development.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
❖ Completed a Job Leveling exercise which successfully defined job roles, career path and salary bands across all businesses
❖ Led the completion of the half yearly Talent Review process which aims to identify, retain and fastrack career development of the talent pool. Reduced talent gaps by building organisational capability through effective talent exchange and succession planning initiatives
❖ Facilitated the launch of the bi-annual 360 degree feedback initiative for the Executive Team, and coordinated delivery of Executive Coaching to close the development gaps
❖ Compiled a Leadership Competency Model to identify a set of common transferable skills against which individual performance could be measured, development needs assessed and training solutions identified
❖ Launched a Balanced Scorecard initiative to cascade corporate, functional and business objectives
❖ Recruited c.700 employees to meet attrition and new business expansion demands (e-Commerce), at minimum cost
❖ Completed a dedicated recruitment drive to meet government nationalisation quota, which resulted in the successful appointment of 80+ Kuwaitis in accordance with the Talent Acquisition directive
❖ Managed all HR cyclical processes relating to Performance and Talent Management and Salary Planning
❖ Initiated a Market Mapping exercise to identify competitor talent in new GCC territories

Company industry:
Retail & Wholesale
Job role:
Human Resources and Recruitment

AREA HR MANAGER - BAHRAIN & QATAR

February 2006 - October 2008

M.H. ALSHAYA Co

Manama, Bahrain

February 2006 - October 2008

Operated as an Area HR Manager within the Fashion & Footwear Division of the leading franchise retailer within the Middle East. Initially responsible for 70+ stores and 600+ staff working across 40 UK and European brands, I was responsible for the Manpower Planning, Training and Development and Performance Management of the Retail and Senior Management team in Bahrain and Qatar.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
❖ The Manpower Planning / Resourcing for Bahrain City Centre and Villaggio Mall openings. Such expansion resulted in a 100% growth in market size across the Fashion & Footwear, Health & Beauty, Casual Dining, Optics & Food and Beverage Divisions
❖ The implementation of the Management Development Training Programme to maximise internal succession planning
❖ In store coaching and development of talent to enhance succession planning and reduce talent gaps
❖ Cross Divisional working to maximise internal communications, share best practice and facilitate change

Company industry:
Retail & Wholesale
Job role:
Human Resources and Recruitment

PERSONNEL MANAGER

December 2001 - February 2006

FACCENDA GROUP LTD

United Kingdom

December 2001 - February 2006

Operated as a member of the Senior Business Management team, within a unionised FMCG manufacturing organisation, which supplied fresh poultry to all major supermarkets within the Retail Sector. Responsible for managing a team of 5 HR staff in delivering best practice in all aspects of HR Strategy, including Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Performance and Systems Management, Health and Safety, Attendance, Reward and Employee Relations management for 700 Production staff.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
❖ The integration of two plant operations, in conjunction with a shift reorganisation
❖ The implementation of a 'Pay for Skills' performance appraisal and multi-skilling programme for all shopfloor operatives, which contributed to a reduction in labour turnover by 35%, absence by 10% and manpower requirements by 80 heads
❖ The effective harmonisation of employee terms and conditions, following the acquisition of Webbs Country Foods
❖ The implementation of a self-financing performance related incentive bonus, which delivered an 80% increase in line productivity
❖ The implementation of an e-appraisal Performance Management system for all First Line and Middle Management
❖ The implementation of a new HR database system, to provide timely, accurate and consistent data, to trend, manage and improve KPI performance whilst ensuring legislative, customer and best practice requirements are met
❖ Preparation, communication and implementation of the Annual Salary Review proposal, following consultation with the Commercial Director and Board approval
❖ The extension of the employee benefits programme, through the provision of a heavily subsidised Company Store

Company industry:
Industrial Production
Job role:
Human Resources and Recruitment

PERSONNEL & TRAINING MANAGER

September 1997 - November 2001

SAINSBURY'S SUPERMARKETS

United Kingdom

September 1997 - November 2001

Operated as a Personnel and Training Manager within a flagship store employing 500 retail operatives, I performed a fully generalist role, with responsibility for Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Health and Safety, Performance Management, Labour Management and Skills Deployment, with a particular emphasis upon Customer Service and Product Quality. Working as an integral member of the Senior Management Team, I was required to design, develop and deliver the HR Business Plan objectives in accordance with corporate vision and values, whilst providing a professional advisory and support service to Senior, Middle and Line Management to ensure compliance within statutory, corporate and budgetary constraints.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
❖ Equipped Line and Middle Managers, through competency based training, with the skills and knowledge to train, coach and develop store colleagues, to maximise long-term performance potential. Promote effective succession planning, through the development of First Line and Middle Management
❖ Management of the NVQ2 and NVQ3 Food and Drink programme
❖ The implementation of a Colleague Grade Restructure and Middle Management reorganisation
❖ Development of a two-way Communication strategy to generate structured, effective and harmonious lines of communication through Site and Team Briefings, Newsletters, Employee Surveys, 360 degree feedback and Employee Forums, to 'Investor in People' accreditation standards

Company industry:
Retail & Wholesale
Job role:
Human Resources and Recruitment

ACCOUNTS MANAGER

January 1996 - August 1997

NRC REFRIGERATION LTD

United Kingdom

January 1996 - August 1997

As the Accounts Manager for the supply of Amana premium white goods to customers of Harrods, Selfridges and bespoke kitchen suppliers, I was responsible for accurately processing product orders and for co-ordinating timely and efficient delivery and installation of refrigeration equipment. This also involved liaising with various shipping agents to arrange the release of shipment containers and to maintain appropriate product inventory levels.

Company industry:
Sales Outsourcing
Job role:
Sales

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

September 1991 - August 1992

DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT

United Kingdom

September 1991 - August 1992

I was responsible for providing a high quality service to the public in respect of employment information, enquiries and payment of unemployment benefit. I was required to interpret instructions quickly and accurately within a team oriented environment, according to the Jobseekers Charter. This required an ability to communicate with a diverse range of individuals, including the homeless.

Company industry:
Public Administration
Job role:
Administration

INDEPENDANT TRAVEL

February 1991 - August 1991

EUROPE

Spain

February 1991 - August 1991

EUROPE

Company industry:
Hospitality & Accomodation
Job role:
Hospitality and Tourism

CUSTOMER SERVICE ADVISOR

January 1985 - January 1991

NATIONWIDE BUILDING SOCIETY

United Kingdom

January 1985 - January 1991

As Customer Service Advisor, I was responsible for promoting the sale of mortgage and investment products to prospective clients, whilst applying interviewing and cross selling techniques to meet and exceed predetermined performance targets. I was charged with monitoring and reducing mortgage arrears and overdrawn current accounts through customer counselling, and as Bankage Officer, was responsible for the reconciliation of site accounts on a daily basis.

Company industry:
Banking
Job role:
Customer Service and Call Center

Education

CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF PERSONNEL & DEVELOPMENT

June 1999

June 1999

Higher diploma, HR

United Kingdom

CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF PERSONNEL & DEVELOPMENT CHARTERED MCIPD

SWANSEA BUSINESS SCHOOL

January 1996

January 1996

Bachelor's degree, BUSINESS STUDIES

United Kingdom

GPA (percentage): 2.1%

GPA (percentage): 2.1%

B.A. (HONOURS) BUSINESS STUDIES 2.1 (UPPER CLASS)

WEAVERS COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL

January 1985

January 1985

High school or equivalent, O Levels

United Kingdom

GPA (rating): Excellent

GPA (rating): Excellent

WEAVERS COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL 6 'O' LEVELS

Skills

Succession Planning
Expert
Succession Planning
Expert
Talent Acquisition & Development
Expert
Talent Acquisition & Development
Expert
Performance Management
Expert
Performance Management
Expert
Change Management
Expert
Change Management
Expert
Employee Engagement
Expert
Employee Engagement
Expert
COACHING
COACHING
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Expert
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Expert
HR
Expert
HR
Expert
RECRUITMENT
Expert
RECRUITMENT
Expert
RETAIL
Expert
RETAIL
Expert
TRAINING
Expert
TRAINING
Expert
PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT
Intermediate
PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT
Intermediate
Succession Planning
Expert
Succession Planning
Expert
Talent Acquisition & Development
Expert
Talent Acquisition & Development
Expert
Performance Management
Expert
Performance Management
Expert
Change Management
Expert
Change Management
Expert
Employee Engagement
Expert
Employee Engagement
Expert

Languages

English
Expert

Memberships

MCIPD

Chartered Member

June 1999

Training and Certifications

Certifications
Predictive Index Psychometric Training Assessor

Training
BTEC National Certificate - Business & Finance
Tresham Institute
DDI Performance Consulting Workshop
Deloitte
360 Feedback Accreditation
Deloitte
DDI Targeted Selection Interviewing Workshop
Deloitte
Nebosh - Occupational Health
Nebosh
Basic Food Safety
CIEH

Hobbies

  • Travel, Reading, Adventure Sports