CHARLOTTE HOLMES
Dubai,United Arab Emirates
Summary
A results-driven HR professional with over nine years of experience in the Middle East, demonstrating expertise across all aspects of HR, including the establishment of new entities and aligning HR strategies with organizational objectives. Proven success in implementing programs and policies that enhance efficiency, employee engagement, and retention. Skilled in the full HR lifecycle, providing strategic guidance to leadership, excelling in employee relations, and leveraging HR data to drive growth. Known for adaptability and collaboration in dynamic environments, with in-depth knowledge of local immigration regulations.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work history
Human resources business partner
NEP Middle East
Dubai
03.2025 - Current
- Lead HR operations across UAE and KSA, aligning regional people strategy with organizational objectives.
- Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, and talent development initiatives to support business growth in both markets.
- Ensure compliance with UAE and Saudi labor laws, managing complex regulatory frameworks and cultural considerations.
- Partner with senior leadership to drive organizational change, succession planning, and leadership development.
- Implement HR systems and policies that improve efficiency, engagement, and retention across both regions.
- Coordinated with department managers for successful succession planning efforts.
- Implemented employee engagement strategies, increasing morale and job satisfaction.
Head of Human Resources
MVP - Convergint
Dubai
11.2023 - 01.2025
- Coordinated a team of 10 Human Resources staff, leading by example to foster productive department relations and align efforts with organizational goals.
- Provided HR leadership as a global business partner, ensuring alignment of company-wide objectives with HR strategy and implementing robust systems to support international operations.
- Reviewed and renewed company policies, ensuring strict legal compliance across all business activities, including in Saudi Arabia, where regulations and cultural considerations were prioritized.
- Conducted workforce planning and benchmarking to meet diverse company needs while driving alignment between global and regional HR functions.
- Devised and implemented successful employee retention strategies, enhancing onboarding procedures and utilizing exit interviews to inform continuous improvements.
- Led annual salary reviews, talent assessments, succession planning, and performance management processes to support strategic workforce development.
- Educated line managers globally on policy and process updates, facilitating seamless implementation and cultural alignment.
- Designed and executed succession plans and promotion pathways to develop internal talent pipelines and strengthen organizational leadership capacity.
- Developed bonus and incentive programs tailored to drive employee performance across regions.
- Conducted comprehensive workforce surveys and used findings to implement enhanced working conditions and practices.
- Monitored evolving regulatory changes in Saudi Arabia and other jurisdictions to ensure operational compliance and minimize risk.
- Provided expert HR advice to line managers, addressing challenges such as conflict resolution, pay disputes, and under-performance management.
- Authored and maintained an employee handbook reflecting company policies, mission statements, and cultural values.
- Led high-performing teams and championed organizational leadership development to support the company’s long-term strategic objectives.
Senior HR Leader UKI, Middle East & Turkey
Software AG
Dubai, UAE
05.2016 - 11.2023
- Partnered with managers across six countries to develop and implement HR initiatives that aligned with both regional and global business objectives.
- Provided strategic HR guidance and support to managers and employees on policies, procedures, and practices, ensuring alignment across multiple geographies.
- Collaborated with HR functions (talent acquisition, compensation, and benefits) globally to ensure consistency, scalability, and alignment of HR practices.
- Led and facilitated performance management processes, including goal-setting, performance feedback, and improvement plans, ensuring cultural relevance across all regions.
- Developed and delivered training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge, fostering continuous development across a diverse workforce.
- Managed complex employee relations issues, including investigations, conflict resolution, and immigration processes for international mobility.
- Ensured compliance with all legal, regulatory, and cultural requirements related to HR across multiple jurisdictions, including GDPR and local laws.
- Developed and maintained HR metrics and reporting to track global progress, measure success, and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Played a pivotal role in organizational development initiatives and change management efforts to support business growth and transformation across six countries.
- Updated HR policies and documentation to align with legislative developments and ensure consistency in global application.
- Supported business needs through the development, engagement, motivation, and preservation of human capital, driving alignment with company goals.
- Bridged management and employee relations by addressing demands, grievances, and other issues, ensuring strong communication channels and trust.
- Designed and implemented performance appraisal systems and policies that drove high performance across diverse teams and geographies.
- Planned, organized, and managed recruitment and selection processes, consistently meeting or exceeding budget targets and recruitment goals.
- Delivered consistent and reliable HR administration through strategic planning and coordination of HR functions across regions.
- Provided strategic direction to the human resources management team, enhancing organizational leadership capacity and workforce efficiency.
- Educated line managers globally on policy and process changes to ensure seamless implementation across regions.
- Authored and maintained an employee handbook reflecting global company policies, mission statements, and cultural values.
- Kept accurate company records and ensured compliance with all regulations and policies, maintaining a high standard of governance across all six countries.
- Generated and achieved regional revenue goals, exceeding targets through effective HR strategies that supported company growth initiatives.
- Interpreted underlying risks, business needs, and cost structures to enhance forecasting accuracy and inform strategic decisions.
HR Business Partner
David Wilson Homes
Bristol
05.2014 - 04.2016
- Collaborate with senior management to develop and execute the company's HR strategy, aligning it with the organization's overall goals and objectives
- Partner with hiring managers to identify staffing needs and attract, select, and onboard top-quality candidates
- Develop and implement recruitment strategies that support the organization's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals
- Design and facilitate training and development programs that enhance employee skills, knowledge, and performance
- Coach and mentor employees and managers to build their capacity and drive results
- Partner with managers to design and implement performance management programs that align with the company's values and goals
- Provide guidance on goal setting, performance metrics, and feedback mechanisms
- Address employee concerns, resolve conflicts, and conduct investigations into complaints or allegations of discrimination, harassment, or misconduct
- Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations
- Analyze HR data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and opportunities to enhance HR programs and initiatives
- Report on key HR metrics to senior management and provide recommendations for action
- Collaborate with leaders to implement change management initiatives that drive organizational change and transformation
- Develop and implement communication and engagement strategies to ensure successful adoption.
- Conducted business analysis, reviewing existing staffing levels against business needs, recommending actions to generate cost savings.
- Provided expert HR advice and guidance to boost poor performance within target timeframes.
HR Generalist
Royal Bank of Scotland
Bristol
02.2008 - 04.2014
- Recruiting and staffing
- Posting job openings, screening resumes, interviewing candidates, and managing onboarding process
- Resolving employee relations issues, conducting investigations, and recommending solutions to promote positive work environment
- Administering employee benefits programs, conducting salary surveys, and supporting development of compensation plans
- Developing and delivering training programs to improve employee skills and knowledge
- Administering performance appraisal process, providing coaching and feedback to employees, and working with managers to develop performance improvement plans
- Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
- Maintaining HR data and records, generating reports, and ensuring data accuracy
- Developing and implementing HR policies and procedures that align with business objectives and promote a positive work environment
- Developing and implementing programs to enhance employee engagement and retention
- Supporting initiatives to promote diversity
Education
NVQ Level 3 - Business
Royal Bank of Scotland
Certificate of Higher Education - Business
Ridings High School
CIPD - HR Management Level 3 ( Completed and Passed )Pass, Workday Operations Portal - HR Management
CIPD
Skills
Skilled in fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment that promotes mutual respect and teamwork
Proficient in utilizing HR systems to streamline processes and enhance employee experiences
Experienced in leading HR projects that prioritize employee engagement and cultural alignment
Dedicated to developing staff through tailored training programs and continuous learning opportunities
Expertise in managing performance with a focus on growth, development, and employee well-being
Designed and implemented comprehensive orientation programs to welcome and integrate new hires into the company culture
Managed employment contracts with a focus on clarity, fairness, and compliance
Developed and executed strategies to retain top talent by creating a supportive and engaging work environment
Proficient in managing employee relations issues with empathy and a people-first approach
Created and updated HR policies that promote a positive workplace culture and ensure legal compliance
Managed HR budgets with a focus on initiatives that enhance employee satisfaction and engagement
In-depth knowledge of employment law to ensure compliance and protect employee rights
Skilled in resolving disputes through fair and empathetic mediation, maintaining a harmonious workplace
Applied business management principles to align HR strategies with organizational goals while prioritizing people and culture
Languages
English
Affiliations
- In my free time, I am passionate about horses and am an avid polo player. I own a polo horse at the Dubai Polo Club, where I enjoy playing polo and competing in various tournaments. This hobby not only provides me with a sense of fulfillment but also teaches me the importance of discipline, teamwork, and strategic thinking, which I bring to my professional life
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Human resources business partner
NEP Middle East
03.2025 - Current
Head of Human Resources
MVP - Convergint
11.2023 - 01.2025
Senior HR Leader UKI, Middle East & Turkey
Software AG
05.2016 - 11.2023
HR Business Partner
David Wilson Homes
05.2014 - 04.2016
HR Generalist
Royal Bank of Scotland
02.2008 - 04.2014
NVQ Level 3 - Business
Royal Bank of Scotland
Certificate of Higher Education - Business
Ridings High School
CIPD - HR Management Level 3 ( Completed and Passed )Pass, Workday Operations Portal - HR Management
CIPD