People Manager

The People Manager partners with the business to drive excellence across the
experience journey for employees of AKQA and are the catalyst for initiatives
that are constantly questioning and improving processes and products designed
to better, and proactively serve our teams.
As People Manager, you will proactively manage all activities relating to
People processes and activities within the Dubai studio. You will maintain
high visibility with all employees and be considered a trusted partner to
department heads and management.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS
* Manages day-to-day generalist queries and employee related issues including pay, performance, policies, and procedures. Seeks support or escalates where required.
* Ensure appropriate action is taken in all performance management cases.
* Contributes to the generation of ideas and assists with the implementation and continued management of initiatives across the studio, including but not limited to; Onboarding, Global mobility, Mental health at work, Diversity & Inclusion, Annual employee surveys, Benefits and Flexible working.
* Effectively executes a range of People activities relating to employee lifecycle, development and engagement of employees.
* Ensures that all employee details are up to date and changes are tracked.
* Manages the creation of employment agreements and offer letters, collaborating with the Talent Acquisition team.
* Oversees the starters process and onboarding including employees' probationary periods, dealing with successes, extensions, and failures in a timely manner.
* Oversees the leavers process, undertaking exit interviews, collates, and analyses feedback.
* Regularly monitors employee holiday and sickness absence rates, reporting any issues.
* Supports in ensuring performance review processes are effective and approached consistently by managers.
* Resolves issues covering all aspects of ER - PIP, disciplinaries and Seeks support from the EMEA People Director where required.
* Demonstrates sound knowledge of employment law and AKQA specific policies and procedures and applies them consistently.
* Advises employees and line managers on mobility, visas, and immigration issues. Liaises with People colleagues from other studios on secondments and seeks advice from external immigration partners where necessary. Tracks and escalates issues regarding mobility where necessary.
* Develop flawless administration, processes and reporting systems to ensure business efficiency.
* Has an understanding of the current sourcing and recruiting plans within the studio.
* Maintains an understanding of Greenhouse (our e-recruitment system).

QUALITIES AND EXPERIENCE
* Passion for People and Talent.
* Generalist People experience covering at least two of the following areas: learning & development, employee relations, compensation & benefits and recruitment.
* Track record of managing successful People initiatives.
* Understanding of People management concepts and best practice.
* Comfortable dealing with employees at all levels and credibility with senior management.
* Proven experience of operating in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where change is constant and demanding, and clear structure/process may not be apparent.
* Understanding of local labour laws.

AKQA is committed to developing wellbeing and supporting life choices for our
team. We provide an extensive range of benefits. To find out more click here.
AKQA is an Equal Opportunities Employer, we believe that diversity is vital
to AKQA's ability to provide our clients with the best recommendations and are
committed to fostering a varied and inclusive work environment. Your race,
colour, ancestry, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, sexual
orientation, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status have no
bearing on our hiring decisions. If you have a disability or special need that
requires accommodation, please let us know.