People Partner

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 strong 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