PEOPLE PARTNER – DUBAI

Job description

PEOPLE PARTNER – DUBAI (DIFC)Ready to bring the Big Mamma spirit to the Middle East with heart, hustle, and homemade pasta?Big Mamma is a Squadra of more than 2,300 passionate individuals behind 30 iconic Italian restaurants and food markets across Europe and the Middle East (UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Ireland, Monaco – and now Dubai!). With over 10,000 guests a day, we deliver joyful, authentic Italian experiences – 100% homemade, 100% fresh, with products imported directly from Italy.We’re opening our very first restaurant in Dubai, based in the iconic DIFC, and we’re looking for a People Partner – Dubai to support our teams and leadership from day one. This is a pivotal role combining talent acquisition, HR operations, employee engagement, and leadership support in a fast-paced, multicultural environment. You will work closely with the COO and local management team, acting as a trusted advisor while building and growing our Dubai Squadra.🍝  Your Mission • Act as the go-to People Partner for all team members in Dubai, supporting the full employee lifecycle • Lead recruitment: source, attract, and hire top talent in line with Big Mamma’s culture and standards • Manage onboarding and ensure smooth integration of new hires into the Big Mamma way of working • Ensure compliance with UAE labour law and DIFC regulations, including contracts, visas, and work permits, in partnership with external providers • Act as the HR link with Finance on payroll, ensuring all employee data (new hires, leavers, changes) is accurate and timely • Partner with managers on employee relations, performance management, and development conversations • Drive People initiatives that foster team culture, engagement, and retention • Be a visible presence in the restaurant, building relationships and supporting the team on the ground 🌟 Your Profile • 4–6 years’ experience in HR, ideally in hospitality, retail, or another fast-paced, people-led industry • Proven recruitment / talent acquisition experience – ability to source, attract, and hire in competitive markets • Solid knowledge of UAE labour law, DIFC practices, visas, and work permits • Strong HR operations experience: contracts, visas, employee lifecycle management, compliance, and HR systems • Knowledge of Blizimbly would be a plus • Fluent in English (Italian is a bonus!) • Experience partnering with senior management and providing clear HR guidance • Strong communication and influencing skills across multicultural teams • Organised, adaptable, and comfortable working in a start-up opening environment • Proactive and solution-oriented, with a practical, can-do attitude 🎁 What We Offer • A key role in the launch of Big Mamma’s first Middle Eastern restaurant • Exposure to senior leadership & opportunity to help shape our Dubai People function • Competitive package & benefits in line with market standards • A people-first culture where passion, growth, and teamwork thrive 🍕 Join Our SquadraIf you’re ready to take on a high-impact role, shaping the People function in a brand-new market and bringing Big Mamma’s culture to life in Dubai, we’d love to hear from you!🌈 Big Mamma is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.🌈 Big Mamma is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employ

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