MUHAMMAD SHANI THOTTATHIL
Dubai,UAE
Summary
Seasoned Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist (CHRP, CHRM certified) with 15+ years of experience driving full-cycle recruitment for local and international markets. Proven ability to achieve Emiratisation targets in compliance with MOHRE guidelines while leading mass hiring campaigns for both local and expatriate talent, including top-tier and C-level executives. Skilled in optimizing recruitment processes, enhancing candidate quality, and reducing hiring costs. Experienced in implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and elevating employer branding. Adept at leveraging data-driven strategies and ATS optimization to improve hiring efficiency. Recognized for strategic leadership, stakeholder management, and delivering outstanding candidate and hiring manager experiences.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Senior Talent Acquisition Lead
Union Coop
Dubai
08.2021 - 11.2025
- Led end-to-end recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent across multiple departments.
- Achieved 100% Emiratisation targets in full compliance with MOHRE guidelines.
- Delivered 150+ hires in six months through successful mass recruitment campaigns.
- Built strong sourcing channels, including agency partnerships and university collaborations, improving candidate flow.
- Enhanced employer branding through job fairs and recruitment events, increasing talent pipeline by 15% .
- Streamlined hiring operations by implementing and optimizing ATS systems, significantly reducing time-to-hire.
- Conducted structured interviews and assessments to ensure high-quality, culturally aligned hires.
- Championed diversity initiatives, contributing to a 10% increase in diverse hiring.
- Oversaw smooth onboarding processes to support positive new-hire integration and retention.
- Analysed recruitment data to drive continuous improvement and enhance overall hiring effectiveness.
HR Recruitment Executive
Union Coop
Dubai
10.2014 - 07.2021
- Supported Emiratisation programs, ensuring MOHRE compliance and hiring of UAE Nationals.
- Managed bulk recruitment campaigns across retail and corporate divisions within tight deadlines.
- Built and maintained partnerships with agencies and job portals, increasing candidate referrals by 30% and reducing costs by 15% .
- Coordinated end-to-end expatriate recruitment, including visa processing, relocation, and onboarding.
- Streamlined interview and selection processes, reducing time-to-hire by 20% and interview-to-offer time by 25% .
- Negotiated offers with a 90% acceptance rate and ensured smooth onboarding for new hires.
- Enhanced sourcing and screening processes, increasing qualified applicants by 40% .
Recruitment Assistant Executive
Union Coop
Dubai
07.2011 - 09.2014
- Assisted in sourcing and screening candidates to support recruitment efforts.
- Helped hire top talent through job postings, interviews, and selection processes.
- Prepared offer letters and employment contracts for successful candidates.
- Implemented ATS, increasing efficiency by 30% and reducing administrative tasks by 20% .
- Collaborated with HR and hiring managers to customize onboarding programs.
- Led onboarding for new hires, reducing onboarding time by 25% .
HR Clerk
Union Coop
Dubai
06.2008 - 06.2011
- Designed and implemented comprehensive HR database.
- Increased data accuracy with improved processes.
- Maintained personnel files and supported HR activities.
Sales Associate / Sales Demonstrator
Union Coop
Dubai
08.2005 - 05.2008
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Retail
Jaipur National University
IndiaSkills
- Full-cycle recruitment management (local and international)
- Strategic workforce planning and bulk hiring campaigns
- Sourcing and recruiting techniques, including passive candidate engagement
- Applicant Tracking System (ATS) optimization for efficiency
- Interviewing and candidate assessment methodologies
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives implementation
- Emiratisation hiring and MOHRE compliance
- Data-driven decision making and recruitment analytics
- Team leadership, mentoring, and stakeholder management
- Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
Certification
- CHRM – Certified Human Resource Manager
- CHRP – Certified Human Resource Professional
- Certified Advanced Recruiter – Naukrigulf
- Advanced MS Excel | University of Dubai
- Problem Solving & Decision Making | University of Dubai
- Interview Skills – Recruitment & Selection | Spearhead Training, Dubai
LANGUAGES KNOWN
English
Arabic
Hindi
Urdu
Malayalam
Tamil
Accomplishments
- BEST EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR| 2016 & 2019
- BEST EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH| 2020, 2023,2024
Timeline
Senior Talent Acquisition Lead
Union Coop
08.2021 - 11.2025
HR Recruitment Executive
Union Coop
10.2014 - 07.2021
Recruitment Assistant Executive
Union Coop
07.2011 - 09.2014
HR Clerk
Union Coop
06.2008 - 06.2011
Sales Associate / Sales Demonstrator
Union Coop
08.2005 - 05.2008
Bachelor of Business Administration - Retail
Jaipur National University