Head of People - MEA
Overview: Knight Frank MENA is seeking an accomplished Head of People to define and drive the regional People strategy, ensuring it remains closely aligned with the Firm’s growth ambitions and evolving business needs. The role will lead workforce planning across MENA, aligning organisational structure, headcount, capability and succession planning with long-term strategic objectives. It will also shape and embed the Firm’s talent management philosophy, ensuring effective people practices, policies and systems support both business performance and employee experience. With responsibility for the overall quality and effectiveness of the People function, the Head of People will ensure consistent implementation of Knight Frank policies, procedures and local employment requirements across the region. Operating within a fast-paced and complex regulatory environment, the role will require a forward-looking approach—anticipating emerging workforce needs, identifying risks and opportunities, and ensuring the People function continues to evolve in line with the growth of the business. Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership - Partner with stakeholders to define, prioritise, and implement a people strategy for the region that supports business ambitions. - Represent People & Culture bringing forward people insights and strategic advice to inform regional decisions. - Provide thought leadership on succession planning, capability building, and leadership development across the region. Collaboration & Alignment - Work closely with the Group CPO to ensure regional plans align with the broader global People strategy and standards. - Collaborate with the Heads of People for APAC and Europe to share best practices, align on cross-regional initiatives, and maintain a globally consistent approach where appropriate. People Capabilities & Culture - Identify and develop critical people capabilities required to drive performance and transformation across MENA markets. - Shape a culture that fosters engagement, inclusivity, innovation, and accountability, tailored to the diversity of the region. - Support senior leaders with change management and leadership effectiveness. Operational & Functional Leadership - Support talent and succession planning across markets, ensuring a robust pipeline for regional leadership roles. - Monitor and respond to regional people metrics and trends, escalating key risks and opportunities. - As appropriate consider opportunities for efficiency, technology, digital and data improvements for the region. People & Culture - Be the Cultural Advocate of KF MENA. - Foster relationships with others as a coach, supporting and driving People and Culture initiatives. - Evaluate the effectiveness of People and Culture programs and initiatives. - Ensure that KF Culture aligns with our values and behaviours Operations - Establish and report key HR metrics including turnover, retention, diversity, employee engagement, recruitment effectiveness, succession readiness and workforce productivity. - Lead the development and optimization of HR technology platforms and employee self-service solutions to improve efficiency and employee experience. - Develop and maintain transparent HR policies and practices that build a positive work environment promoting an organization culture that supports the business strategy and company values. - Ensure the relevant local regulatory and employment laws are complied with, ensuring sound risk management. - Ensure that group policies and programs are rolled out consistently, leveraging on synergies and optimisation of resources. - Manage the salary/bonus and promotions process for the business offering advice to each Service Line Head to ensure they are working to the timetable and receiving the necessary support from HR. - Responsible for developing or adopting the necessary staff training around all legal and compliance requirements. - Design and continually