Junior HR Business Partner - Retail

Company Overview

Founded in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group has evolved into a diversified regional enterprise headquartered in Dubai, UAE. With five main divisions—automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and healthcare—the group employs over 35,000 people across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Partnering with 200+ global brands, Al-Futtaim focuses on entrepreneurship and customer-centric growth aligned with local community needs and values of respect, excellence, collaboration, and integrity.

Role Overview

The Junior HR Business Partner (HRBP) will manage day-to-day HR functions at the retail store level, acting as a strategic collaborator with store leadership to align HR practices with business objectives. The role emphasizes talent development, employee engagement, operational excellence, and resolving HR challenges by deploying effective people solutions fostering a values-driven culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate corporate People Strategy into actionable initiatives at store level aligning with Al-Futtaim Retail’s goals.
• Collaborate with management to design effective organizational structures for maximal operational performance.
• Work closely with leaders to define talent requirements and tailor recruitment plans accordingly.
• Own manpower cost and budget planning ensuring optimal use of allocated funds.
• Conduct precise annual manpower budgeting to align with business needs.
• Serve as a primary contact for employee concerns, ensuring consistent policy application and compliance with labor laws and Group codes.
• Handle employee relations matters respecting local legislation and company policies.
• Support leadership in performance appraisal processes and create performance improvement strategies when required.
• Champion a workplace culture rooted in Al-Futtaim values that guides decision-making and behavior.
• Lead change initiatives promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within the store environment.
• Drive employee engagement, recognition programs, and retention initiatives.
• Develop and maintain equitable succession planning to ensure leadership pipelines are robust.
• Coach and mentor managers to strengthen their leadership competencies and team development.
• Foster continuous learning and professional growth opportunities for all store employees.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Strong influencing and communication capabilities essential for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Proven skills in coaching and mentoring retail managers.
• Commercial awareness blending strategic understanding with practical insights.
• Expertise in managing change and multiple stakeholders across functions.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 5 years’ experience in HR business partnering, preferably within retail.
• Certifications like HR certificate or CIPD are advantageous.
• Proficiency in budget planning, data analysis, project and change management.
• Familiarity with HRIS platforms and SAP systems.

Additional Information

Applicants are encouraged to submit personalized and detailed CVs to demonstrate alignment with the role. The recruitment team aims to ensure the best fit by balancing skills, behaviours, and alignment with Al-Futtaim’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence. Candidates can expect ongoing communication throughout the application process.