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NEERAJ BHATIA

NEERAJ BHATIA

Dubai,UAE

Summary

A passionate and strategic Senior Human Resource Professional & People's Leader with over 16 years of comprehensive experience in Human Resources and Learning & Development across various industries comprising Technology, Telecommunications, Aviation, Retail Consumer Sales, Luxury Retail and Mixed-Use Retail & Real Estate Development encompassing - Shopping Malls, Business Tower, Residential Complex and Hotel. Demonstrated experience in Strategic HR Planning & Operations, Change Management and enhancing Employee Experience. Proven track record in leading key strategic and cultural transformation initiatives, setting up and scaling up people functions from scratch, and creating a robust data-driven decision-making process. Adept at collaborating with Executive Management, has successfully led critical program management responsibilities, for a diverse range of HR initiatives. Known for delivering tangible results and fostering a positive workplace culture, brings a wealth of expertise in driving organizational success through effective HR strategies and initiatives. An enterprising leader, with excellent communication & people management skills.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work history

Head of Human Resources

ETISALAT - by e&
Dubai, U.A.E
01.2023 - 02.2025
  • Leads a team responsible for the end-to-end People Readiness Management, People, Culture & Talent Strategy - Talent Acquisition, Management & Development and HR Operations - Shared HR Services of over 1700+ team members, managing the entire Employee Lifecycle, enhancing Candidate & Employee Experience, overseeing Training & Development, and ensuring effective Employee Knowledge, Employee Communication and Employee Engagement
  • Attracted & mobilized talents from the local and overseas hiring campaigns on an average of 1000+ headcounts annually
  • Implemented cost optimization strategies through effective negotiation of contracts with outsourced recruitment agency partners, resulting in significant savings of AED 3.8 million
  • Revitalized induction training protocols, achieving a 30.8% reduction in duration from 52 to 36 days within a one-year span
  • Implemented strategic restructuring of training methodologies, ensuring a swift onboarding process for expedited integration into the store environment
  • Elevated career progression opportunities for both frontline and back-office staff by implementing a strategic succession plan for critical positions, thereby ensuring seamless business continuity with zero disruptions
  • Achieved pay scale parity for 1000+ staff members in collaboration with the Rewards & Organizational Design team, aligning remuneration structures with market standards to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives
  • Expanded workforce diversity by increasing the representation of nationalities from 15 to 39, fostering a more inclusive and globally diverse organizational environment
  • Developed and executed a targeted initiative to meet the NAFIS federal government objective of employability and competitiveness of Emirati citizens, achieving the goal of 100 headcounts within a record timeframe of 6 months; includes hiring, training and onboarding
  • Implemented an ISO-certified competency-based recruitment framework, enhancing the effectiveness of the hiring process
  • Leads a team that serves as HRBP's for six verticals to support talent acquisition, talent management & development
  • Recommends & Anchors Strategic Projects in line with the organizational strategies and ensures best global HR practices are adopted
  • Voted & Awarded as the Best HR Leader & Mentor Extraordinaire, during the HR Rewards & Recognition Ceremony - December 2023

Head of Resource Planning & Recruitment

ETISALAT - by e&
Dubai, U.A.E
01.2016 - 01.2023
  • An extended arm of the Group HR Function, accountable for Resource Planning, Talent Acquisition, Management & Development, for all the Consumer Sales Channels, to ensure exceptional level of Employee Experience (EX) and Engagement, leading to higher levels of employee commitment and deliverables
  • Led a team responsible for effective End-to-End Talent Lifecycle Management of over 1200 team members across UAE
  • Responsible for Talent Acquisition across the Consumer Sales Channels, extending cross functional support for forecasting manpower requirements across all sections, reviewing Headcount v/s Budget availability and making recommendations to the Leadership Management
  • Responsible for overseeing and reviewing Talent Assessment & Development Tools & Programs for all channels across Consumer Sales and provide recommendations to re-design, develop and implement the assessment tools to enhance the talent selection & development process and experience
  • Accountable for Career Progression & Talent Retention, to ensure high performers are recognized, rewarded and retained
  • Drove & Nurtured an active Learning & Development culture, while also promoting an environment for self-development
  • Led the implementation of initiatives related to Employee Diversity & Inclusion, Employee Engagement and Employee Well Being, with a strategic top-down approach, engaging Leadership Management to lead from the front
  • Accountable for overseeing & supporting, System Automation and Data Analytics for HR Projects
  • Led a team handling HR Operations - Payroll, Vendor & Invoice Management of over 120M Annually
  • Proposed & Developed initiatives for continuous enhancement in all areas of Employee Interaction & Employee Experience (EX)

Head of Human Resources & Training

AL GHURAIR GROUP
Dubai, U.A.E
01.2009 - 01.2016
  • Transformed HR from an administrative role to strategic business partner, including partnering with the Executive Management Team, to drive key business and implement performance initiatives
  • Conducted extensive analysis and developed a business plan to update all policies, procedures, services, programs, initiatives and operations
  • Developed standardized organizational model to clearly define authority and responsibility
  • Led the transformation of the company from a perception of a bureaucratic administrative HR function, to a strategic value-added service and function
  • Orchestrated the HR functions supporting 550 staff members across the board leading a team of HR & Training professionals and served as an HR Business Partner
  • Improved the compensation program that was proven to drive revenue growth by devising an enhanced compensation structure and KPI based performance management system that improved work force productivity
  • Identified and implemented corporate values that transformed the workforce into a performance-based workforce that generated more revenue for the firm and better compensation and benefits for themselves
  • Streamlined talent management, leadership development and performance-based compensation processes across the board
  • Partnered with the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee to identify key attributes, development assignments and performance metrics to ensure high potential candidates grow in development roles
  • Instituted and facilitated a 360-degree feedback session for each senior leader, which involved subordinate and manager-level feedback to create executable development plans

HR & Training Manager

AL GHURAIR GROUP
Dubai, U.A.E
01.2007 - 01.2009
  • Conceived and developed the Human Resources and Training Department and implemented series of innovative HR and Learning & Development initiatives, including comprehensive Team Re-structuring and Team Strengthening workshops
  • Re-designed the Organizational Structure to suit the business need and ensure optimum manpower utilization
  • Re-drafted 15-years old Employee Manual, including revising out-dated policies and incorporating new policies to match international standards and ensure compliance and improve morale
  • Introduced Employee Orientation and individualized training workshops in line with departmental training need and analysis, resulting in a 98% satisfaction record
  • Achieved voluntary turnover rate of 0%
  • Reduced vacancy turnaround time from average 50 days to 20-30 days
  • Elected by the Executive Committee and the Senior Management as a part of Elite Group to Mentor and Lead the Leaders & HODs
  • Developed HR Business Partner Roles, leading to organizational change, leadership development, recruitment, employee relations, compensation plans and implementation
  • Guided and advised the Management in developing strategic plans on organizational and staffing concerns
  • Formed an Employees Welfare Team and interviewed all the Staff Members to connect with them, identify their concerns and develop a desirable place to work, based on positive employee engagement survey results
  • Designed the Organization's Vision, Mission Statement and Core Values organized through an engaging Management Workshop

Assistant Manager - HR, Training & Operations

EMIRATES AIRLINE - EMIRATES GROUP
Dubai, U.A.E
01.2004 - 01.2007
  • Assisted in forecasting recruitment needs, manpower planning process and selecting candidates
  • Assisted in administering the performance review program to ensure effectiveness, compliance and equity
  • Assisted in Pay & Grade Scale administration and facilitated its application in a fair and equitable manner
  • Monitored the operations and communication plan and process of the training and operational functions
  • Initiated periodical employee review, monitored progress and prepared final results and statistics

Senior Executive - HR, Training & Operations

EMIRATES AIRLINE - EMIRATES GROUP
Dubai, U.A.E
01.2001 - 01.2004
  • Implemented plan for employee induction & orientation
  • Trained the HR, Training and Operations Officers on various operational and technical aspects
  • Ensured Quality Service and Customer Satisfaction by maintaining and improvising the quality standards provided
  • Maintained a cordial and effective working relationship bearing in mind the diplomatic sensitivity with various work related government bodies and authorities like Immigration, Police, CID, Consulate Generals and Embassies
  • Provided feedback and submitted reports to the line manager, reflecting the organisation's stand in terms of customer service and identified gaps to enhance the standard of service

Customer Service & Training Officer

KLM / NORTHWEST AIRLINE
Mumbai, India
01.2000 - 01.2001
  • Supervised the operations of the frontline service team
  • Identified trends which highlighted service shortfalls and submitted recommendations to implement changes and update service guidelines to enhance customer service experience
  • Trained the frontline service team members on various aspects of customer experience, customer service excellence and effectively handling difficult situations and customers

Education

Bachelor of Commerce - Business Management and Industrial & Organizational Psychology

University of Bombay

Diploma in IATA-UFTAA - undefined

Diploma in Project & Operations Management - undefined

Emirates Aviation College

Skills

  • Talent Life Cycle Management
  • Talent Acquisition & Management
  • Talent Assessment & Development
  • Employee Experience & Engagement
  • Future of Work & Digitization
  • Career Progression & Succession Planning
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • People Science & Artificial Intelligence
  • Motivation & Retention Strategy
  • Learning & Development
  • Data & Analytics
  • Rewards & Recognition
  • Performance Management
  • Change Management & Transformation
  • Employee Relations & People Culture
  • Compensation & Benefits
  • Conflict Management & Resolution
  • Employee Welfare & Wellbeing

Affiliations

  • HR & Talent Management Professionals - Middle East
  • HR & Learning and Development Professionals - Middle East
  • International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC)
  • Middle East Council of Shopping Centres (MECSC)

Languages

Fluent in English
Hindi
Urdu
Basic Arabic

Personal Information

Visa status: UAE Golden Visa

Timeline

Head of Human Resources

ETISALAT - by e&
01.2023 - 02.2025

Head of Resource Planning & Recruitment

ETISALAT - by e&
01.2016 - 01.2023

Head of Human Resources & Training

AL GHURAIR GROUP
01.2009 - 01.2016

HR & Training Manager

AL GHURAIR GROUP
01.2007 - 01.2009

Assistant Manager - HR, Training & Operations

EMIRATES AIRLINE - EMIRATES GROUP
01.2004 - 01.2007

Senior Executive - HR, Training & Operations

EMIRATES AIRLINE - EMIRATES GROUP
01.2001 - 01.2004

Customer Service & Training Officer

KLM / NORTHWEST AIRLINE
01.2000 - 01.2001

Diploma in IATA-UFTAA - undefined

Diploma in Project & Operations Management - undefined

Emirates Aviation College

Bachelor of Commerce - Business Management and Industrial & Organizational Psychology

University of Bombay

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NEERAJ BHATIA