شارلين كولاكو

• Introduced practical structure where processes were informal, implementing clear HR policies,
documentation, and lifecycle controls to reduce ambiguity and operational risk.
• Owned end-to-end people and workplace operations, acting as the single point of accountability for HR
operations, compliance, payroll, and office operations.
• Managed payroll, EOSB, visas, licences, and employee documentation, ensuring full compliance with UAE
Labour Law and Freezone regulations.
• Partnered with leadership to improve recruitment processes, employee engagement, wellbeing initiatives,
and overall workplace experience.

• Delivered commercial real estate market insights supporting landlord and investor decision-making.
• Built and managed senior-level stakeholder relationships, strengthening negotiation, commercial judgement,
and advisory capabilities.

• Led people and operations across UAE and UK offices for a 25-person workforce, owning HR operations,
compliance, office management, and financial administration.
• Managed payroll, EOSB, expenses, budgeting, and vendor contracts, ensuring cost control and operational
continuity across locations.
• Oversaw recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations in two jurisdictions, working closely with
leadership on operational decision-making.
• Acted as trusted operational partner to leadership until role redundancy due to restructuring.

• Reduced visa and Emirates ID processing timelines by 50% through workflow optimisation.
• Ran workplace operations and HR coordination for a high-performing professional services firm.
• Supported Partners and Directors with operational planning, recruitment, travel, scheduling, and project
coordination.
• Ensured smooth onboarding, IT readiness, HSE compliance, and day-to-day operational efficiency.

• Implemented HRIS systems, improving accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across HR processes.
• Managed visas, licences, insurance, payroll coordination, EOSB calculations, and financial administration.
• Supported bids, budgeting, client materials, and event logistics across regional projects.

• Designed an employee induction programme adopted as a global standard across international offices.
• Owned HR and office operations for a 25-person META workforce across UAE, KSA, Bahrain, and Egypt.
• Managed budgets, visas, HR documentation, Salesforce reporting, and regional office operations.

• Managed HR operations for 40+ staff, digitising policies and introducing structured safety and compliance
initiatives.
• Coordinated regional board meetings, conferences, and global logistics for international teams.

• Supported MD and GM while managing loyalty programme operations and company-wide initiatives.