Head of Reward, Talent and Engagement
Make a difference every day
We are a multinational organisation with a global team of 50,000 colleagues. In the Middle East we operate in the Transport, Defence & Advisory sectors, delivering services in Asset Management, Customer Experience, Fire & Rescue and Air Navigation Services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services to fulfil our purpose to impact a better future by "Bringing National Visions to Life".
Your Opportunity
We’re seeking a dynamic Head of Reward, Talent and Engagement to closely with the Chief Operating Officer.
You will manage and lead the following HR teams and functions for SME: Reward, Talent and Colleague Experience, and Wellbeing. You will also Develop, drive and lead the implementation of Serco Middle East Reward and Talent strategies to ensure the business develops and offers innovative solutions to attract, motivate and retain employees whilst ensuring cost effectiveness and appropriate market alignment.
Based in our Dubai head office, you will ensure that Reward and Talent strategies, projects and BAU activities are aligned to regional business priorities and group strategic goals. Ensure team deliverables and activities reflect market best practices and legal requirements. Develop strategies and implement solutions that are cost effective and support business performance, growth capabilities and bid success. Overall, ensure that optimal reward and talent programmes and practices are delivered to SME.
This opportunity would suit candidates looking to shape the future of HR strategy in a fast-paced, high-impact environment. If you’re ready to make a difference and lead with excellence, we’d love to hear from you!
Key Accountabilities
- Lead Talent and Reward strategies to drive operational results and align with Serco Middle East’s HR strategic objectives.
- Ensure consistent implementation of Talent and Reward programs, optimizing costs and ROI while enhancing business performance.
- Participate in Group/Divisional initiatives, leveraging global best practices and proposing improvements tailored to regional priorities.
- Provide strategic leadership as a trusted member of the HR Leadership Team, coaching and developing direct reports to deliver objectives.
- Manage HR budgets, reduce costs, and support collective HR performance, aligning with Serco’s values and strategic goals.
- Design and implement competitive reward strategies to improve attraction, engagement, and retention while fostering a high-performance culture.
- Oversee pay structures, benefits schemes, executive rewards, and annual pay reviews, ensuring market competitiveness and internal equity.
- Lead external benchmarking, job evaluations, and bid recommendations, providing data-driven insights for reward decisions.
- Build HR capability in reward management and ensure compliance with governance standards and Group policies.
- Drive talent management, succession planning, and leadership development to meet business needs and future growth.
- Oversee performance management systems, talent reviews, and Diversity, Inclusion, and Nationalisation strategies to build local capability and maintain a strong talent pipeline.
- Champion employee engagement, delivering annual surveys and initiatives to enhance workplace satisfaction.
- Develop and execute a regional wellbeing strategy addressing physical, social, and financial health to boost engagement and retention.
- Manage wellbeing programs, events, and contracts, ensuring effectiveness and measuring ROI.
Specific Requirements
- Bachelor's degree (HR-related field preferred).
- HR qualification (e.g., CIPD, AIHR) advantageous; psychometric qualifications desirable.
- Extensive expertise in Talent and Reward strategies, including managing functions across global organizations and the Middle East.
- Proven ability to lead in fast-paced, complex environments, building capability and rapport with senior leadership.
- Strong knowledge of Reward Management, including Job Evaluation tools (Hay methodology preferred).
- Skilled in reviewing technical data, statistical analysis, and interpreting market trends.
- Experience in HR best practices, budgeting, and coaching/influencing senior managers.
- Creative problem solver with a flexible, proactive approach to managing change.
- Fluent communicator (English essential; Arabic preferred) with exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills.
- Skilled in developing and motivating teams at all levels, including senior management.
- Strong organizational skills, able to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and complex data.
- Analytical mindset with excellent judgment, decision-making, and numerical skills.
- Collaborative team player with the ability to lead, conclude decisions, and drive results.
- High personal presence, credibility, and a solution-oriented mindset.
What’s in it for you?
At Serco, our core values drive everything we do, and we believe in fairly compensating our colleagues for the value they bring to our organization. We are proud to offer a total reward package at Serco which includes:
- Competitive monthly pay and allowances that are commensurate with the role and industry standards
- Comprehensive medical insurance coverage and life insurance, so our employees can feel secure in their health and financial wellbeing
- We recognize the importance of work-life balance, which is why we offer competitive leave benefits that exceed industry standards
- We offer an annual airfare allowance to support our expat colleagues to stay in touch and visit their loved ones
- We pride ourselves on providing a supportive work environment where we foster a positive Safety-First culture
- We care deeply about our colleagues' wellbeing and offer access to wellbeing programs and platforms to support their physical, mental, and emotional health.
- As a global organization, we offer a vast array of career paths for our employees to choose from. The scale and breadth of our organization provides our colleagues with opportunities for growth and variety in their career path, both regionally and globally.
Join Us
At Serco, we believe there is a place here for everyone. A place where you can bring your authentic self to work every day. Our workplace culture is one that embraces diversity and fosters equity, respect, and belonging for every individual. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and creating an inclusive environment that proudly celebrates the perspectives and backgrounds that each of our employees bring to work every day.
Join Serco and be part of a values-driven organization that invests in the development and well-being of its employees and offers a rewarding and fulfilling career.
Serco is committed to Equal Employment Opportunities and is committed to ensuring the safety of all of its employees through its Zero Harm initiative. Please visit www.serco.com/careers for more information.
