People Business Partner

About This Role

About Condé Nast

Condé Nast is a global media company producing top-quality content with a reach of over 1 billion consumers in 32 territories through print, digital, video, and social platforms. The company’s portfolio includes many of the world’s most respected and influential media properties, such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, Glamour, Self, GQ, The New Yorker, Condé Nast Traveler/Traveller, Allure, AD, Bon Appétit, and Wired, among others. Condé Nast Entertainment was launched in 2011 to develop film, television, and premium digital video content.

People Business Partner

The People Business Partner, Middle East (ME), will operate within our matrixed structure to lead all ME People initiatives in collaboration with global COEs and global business partners. This role will also provide leadership for roles and activities that span the ME region. The person will align business goals with People strategies and serve as a change agent and advocate for the launch/startup of Condé Nast and the ongoing development of our new global and regional ways of working. They will have direct access to leaders to guide, partner with, and support them in areas including employee relations, talent strategy, performance management, career development, internal mobility, change management, Diversity & Inclusion, People Operations, and Compensation & Benefits. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in aligning business goals with workforce strategies and be hands-on in solving problems that arise. This role reports to the VP People, International.

The People Business Partner will support all aspects of the Middle East organization related to People initiatives, strategies, and programs to help drive business results at one of the top media organizations. This will be achieved through the delivery and promotion of People best practices and procedures. Under the guidance of the VP International, the People Business Partner will provide operational, strategic, and consultative support to internal client groups. As our team and needs evolve, we continually adapt our ways of working and the partners we collaborate with.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead key People initiatives such as leadership coaching, recruitment and retention strategies, performance management, compensation planning, succession planning, learning and development, career development, recognition programs, organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, and communication.
• Collaborate with the Managing Director Middle East and other business leaders and executives across Condé Nast to align and implement People strategies that support business initiatives.
• Develop and execute change management and transformation plans.
• Handle complex employee relations issues, including organizational and structural changes.
• Work with leaders and employees to foster a positive work environment that leverages diverse talents and abilities; act as an advocate for employees; and support various corporate and departmental initiatives. Champion our culture, standards, and practices.
• Be a key member of the Business People team, taking on responsibilities and contributing to Global People initiatives for ME as appropriate.
• Effectively collaborate with colleagues across the People function to ensure efforts are aligned with client plans.
• Provide guidance and coaching to employees on work-related issues, proactively seeking positive resolutions.
• Coordinate closely with cross-functional teams and subject matter experts on employee matters such as contract negotiations, investigations, compensation, Learning & Development, and People Operations.
• Interpret and communicate People policies, practices, and procedures to employees and managers.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum of 5 years of professional HR experience, including as a People Business Partner.
• Experience in startups, international companies, or relevant business areas is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Excel or Google Sheets, with an analytical mindset.
• Fluency in English and Arabic.
• Workday experience is a plus.
• Highly motivated self-starter capable of working independently.
• Creative problem-solving abilities.
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to understand business needs and develop strategic and tactical solutions.
• Proven capacity to manage conflicting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Comfortable presenting to large audiences.