The opportunity
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) Head of Human Resources will partner with the
business on the Organisation and People (O&P) plan in support of the MEA
Consult business priorities and direction, for a rapidly growing population of
‎1,000 across South Africa, East Africa, Egypt, Qatar, Oman, UAE and Saudi
Arabia. This is a key leadership and operational role as part of the MEA
Consult Leadership team and the Global HR Leadership team, who are on a
journey to become a commercial and agile HR function aligned to the business
purpose and priorities.
The right candidate will have deep international experience and a track record
in partnering successfully with business leaders, a strong HR business partner
background, and a proven ability as a trusted advisor to deliver and drive
change in challenging market conditions. You will need to be comfortable
working in high growth and high change environments, showing resilience,
influence and agility in adapting plans to succeed against a significant
business growth agenda.
As a critical enabler to the transformation of the Mace MEA HR community you
are driving, we are looking for an accomplished HR professional who is
experienced in leading a comprehensive people agenda across multiple countries
including our fastest growing business in Saudi Arabia.
The role will be a key member of the HR leadership team and as part of the
broader Mace organisation will therefore play a part in shaping and
influencing the wider People strategy for Mace globally.
Job summary
You will require a level of credibility and capability to operate under
pressure, combined with exceptional organisational and leadership skills to
lead a team in a high change, high growth environment.
Strong commercial and strategic acumen combined with a track record of
leadership coaching, organisational development and project management along
with the ability to influence stakeholders and deliver exceptional HR services
through a diverse team.
Experience of all aspects of the people agenda will be required and given the
nature of skills and competencies within the consult business, a strong
understanding of strategic workforce planning and building resource pipelines.
The individual will also work with the MEA consult leadership, the global
centres of excellence and relevant colleagues within the hr model on the
relevant levers to attract, retain and motivate key talent and develop our
great culture in support of the business purpose and priorities.
They will also provide leadership and counsel to the regional leadership on
the environment necessary to create a high performing organisation including
behaviours and engagement to attract and retain a richly diverse population
that is respectful and inclusive to all.
Business partner to the MEA Consult leadership team helping to build a high
performing and effective HR team at a local level, positioned to deliver on
the longer-term strategic plan.
Successfully navigate a regional and matrixed organisation ensuring the MEA
Consult business has the leadership and talent pipeline to drive the Mace
purpose, priorities and ‎2026 strategy.
Work with the Global Consult HR Director and the HR leads from our other three
regional hubs (Americas, UK and Europe and APAC) leveraging core global
specialisms appropriately to add value to the MEA Consult business e.g.,
reward, talent acquisition talent development, employee relations and
operations.
Execute cyclical people related activities flawlessly e.g., performance
management, pay review, succession and talent reviews to support the business
leadership in ensuring the best development, retention and employee
engagement.
In all areas, your ability to coach and develop the MEA HR team and MEA
Consult leadership team of programme directors, centres of excellence
directors and country directors will be key as part of a progressive, modern
and ambitious business.
In summary, this represents a high-profile role within a fast-changing,
dynamic organisation. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to
influence and deliver genuine cultural outcomes at an exciting time in Mace's
journey.
Your responsibilities will include:
* Providing line management for the HR and PRO staff across multiple countries and business units that make up the MEA Consult business.
* Developing and implementing of MEA HR Strategy, in line with business plans, group priorities and global HR strategy. Translating and implementing Mace policies into effective and impactful local operations.
* Supporting the MEA region in enhancing business operations through improving performance, capability and motivation of its people through appropriate use of diagnostic tools, data and the development of action plans.
* Developing and managing the implementation of people management policies and processes in line with Group requirements within local cultural or legislative parameters.
* Reporting and analysing people data to identify trends and issues, which inform priorities and plans linked to the MEA or Group business strategies ensuring the business unit directors and leadership teams are supported and focused on performance management, engagement and retention activities.
* Overseeing monthly regional payroll processes across multiple jurisdictions, managing the payroll team, liaising and working closely with regional finance teams.
* Working closely with the talent acquisition function to facilitate resource requirements and workforce plans across the region, taking an active role in the mobilisation and demobilisation of major programmes across the region.
* Supporting the delivery of and contributing to the content of appropriate, culturally relevant training and development programmes, working closely with colleagues in the global talent and development and inclusion team.
* Operating as one connected HR team globally
* Understanding and keeping up to date with employment legislation and changes across the MEA region.
About you
You have a degree or post grad qualification in a relevant HR subject or
discipline. Professional memberships and full CIPD membership are an
advantage. Proven experience in effectively managing an HR team (based and
remote) and diverse HR function across multiple locations and jurisdictions.
Proven track record of managing daily HR operations for a large multi-national
organisation as well as experience working in similarly ambitious corporate
cultures.
Ability to make decisions which impact the HR function but also advise and
guide the business and leadership team on HR best practice and market trends.
Outstanding communication skills and most importantly the ability to develop
end to end communication strategies and to influence stakeholders along with
the ability to present impactful content and deliver key messages.
Experience of mobilising and demobilising employees across the MEA region and
country to country and ability to identify and advise on associated risks to
the business.
Strong understanding of Saudi Arabia labour law and visa requirements and
knowledge of other MEA visa and payroll requirements. Experience of mobilising
and demobilising employees across the MEA region and country to country and
ability to identify and advise on associated risks to the business.
You are digitally savvy and can build lasting client relationships. Competency
with IT systems including Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Power-
BI and Oracle. Extensive business partnering experience and able to
demonstrate lasting relationships and the ability to influence director level
business leaders. You will have a construction or project management or change
management background and be hungry to grow your career and enjoy the
opportunities Mace have to offer.

Apply now for a confidential discussion.

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