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Work Background
gigitIndependent Business Owner
Mar. 2025Dubai, United Arab Emiratesgigit, a new platform designed to revolutionise how hiring companies, part-time workers, consultants, fractional, and project-based workers in the UAE can connect. gigit, a connection platform developed by Sarah Brooks and Amanda Allen’s shared vision as we recognised a gap in the UAE market to connect businesses with skilled consultants, fractional workers, part timers and project workers. As HR consultants we have observed firsthand the challenges faced by overwhelmed recruiters and in-house TA teams faced with large numbers of applications received for every role advertised. There is a growing need for start-ups and SMEs to access specialised, professional expertise without the financial commitment or need for full-time hires and gigit will provide access to these critical skills without overextending their resources. For larger businesses they will have access to specialised, part-time, as and when needed support to better achieve business objectives, whilst leaving the inhouse teams to focus on business as usual for example covering military service. Dubai is home to an estimated 350,000 SMEs, representing a significant portion of the emirate's economy. These businesses often require specialised skills on a project basis, making fractional talent a perfect solution. Inspired by the UAE's forward-thinking vision for the gig economy, particularly Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's support for freelance work and entrepreneurship, as evidenced by the introduction of specialised freelancer visas and initiatives to encourage dynamic business environments, we are creating gigit to provide a low-cost, easy-access matching platform.
Smart SalemHead of Human Resources
Nov. 2023Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
No More BottlesHR Manager
Oct. 2022 - Oct. 2023Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hope Abilitation Medical Center - Pediatric Medical CenterHR Manager
Nov. 2021Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Fikrah HRManaging Director
Mar. 2021Dubai, United Arab EmiratesFikrah HR offers Human Resources with a heart, making the HR world a better place. Projects and consultancy work undertaken to date: UAE based Private Medical Clinic (ongoing/part-time)
• Contracted as their HR Manager UAE based HR consultancy • Supporting in the preparation of Job Descriptions for their Saudi Media and UAE Banking clients. UAE based start up Recruitment Website • Reviewing prototype website, giving objective advice and feedback on all aspects including pricing strategy, candidate applications and database, company contracting and legal requirements. Saudi Government Support & Outsourcing Company • Providing support on an HRIS Transformation Project for a Saudi based business, from scoping through to ‘go-live’ activation and follow-up training and snagging. Collated documentation, prepared and co-ordinated the project internal communication, liaising with key business and vendor stakeholders to ensure completion in accordance with scoping and contractual obligations. Saudi Pharmaceutical Company • Provided bespoke GCC Labour Regulations training to Senior HR Leadership team covering the Labour Regulations requirements for UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. UAE Events Logistics Company • Carried out a total business audit, review the results and provide recommendations for holistic changes. • Organisation structure recommendations were made to improve communications and process flows enabling improved performance within the business. • Created and provided bespoke HR policies & procedures to support the new structure and communications
• Reviewed IT systems and software applicability, recommendations made over suitability and possible alternative cost effective options.
The First GroupDirector Of Human Resources & Training
Mar. 2019 - Jun. 2020Dubai, United Arab EmiratesOverseeing the Operational Management and activities of The First Group's Hotels Division Reporting to the Vice President for The First Group Hotel Management Company as one of the 4 Executive Leaders for the company. The Hotel Management Company consists of: - Wyndham Dubai Marina, - Tryp by Wyndham, - Metro Central, - Grand Heights (pre-opening), - The One JVC (pre-opening) Achievements:
· Liaised with key business stakeholders to trouble shoot and critically analyse manpower planning for the immediate and medium term in the current economic climate resulting from Covid 19
· Worked with business leaders to identify and consolidate payroll savings of 2.8mAED across the properties for immediate and medium term application in response to the Covid 19 economic results
· Sourced and negotiated rates to implement a company wide online training platform to enable upskilling of team members during the Covid 19 crisis and ongoing.
· Problem solving and negotiating business risks for the set up and implementation of a pay per shift scheme linked to the F&B Delivery Project
· Sourcing, negotiating and proposing the implementation of new HRIS software for across the TFG company. The software would improve and streamline the entire HR employee lifecycle from hiring to resigning. · Strategic Organisational Development with key stakeholders to improve the business performance.
· Improved staff catering across the properties saving 200,000AED annually improving Employee Welfare
· Creation and application of an Air ticket encashment policy versus the usual provision of tickets
· Disciplinary, Grievance and Arbitration, Overseeing terminations and redundancies.
· HR Policy Development and Execution in line with the Brands, Legal and operational requirements
· Succession & Resources Planning and Budgeting for existing and pre-opening properties
Wyndham WorldwideMulti-site Director of Human Resources
Aug. 2016 - Mar. 2019Dubai, United Arab EmiratesResponsible for the total HR & Training Departmental Function for two managed Wyndham properties under the ownership of the Arenco Group. Reporting directly to the Cluster General Manager with a dotted functional reporting line to the Regional HR Manager for Wyndham Hotels. The two properties were: - Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai (Now Delta by Marriott)
- Ramada Hotel & Suites Sharjah (now Golden Sands Hotel) Achievements:
· Identified cost saving areas for Outsourcing Transportation, Stewarding, Healthclub, and streamlining other functional positions in Finance and F&B. I managed the project work from proposal, financial impact to actualization, resulting in a reduction in total headcount by 42 FTE, an overall annual saving of 1M AED which will reflect in 2019
· Achieved an AES score of 4.2 and 4.6 (maximum score 5) for Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach and Ramada Hotel & Suites Sharjah respectively for 2018 · Achieved Audit scores of 99.7% for both properties for 2018 in the Wyndham HR Success Review and successfully managed all key indicators within the Wyndham HR Balance Scorecard to below 2018 targets, we were measured on Turnover, Payroll %, and Absence (sick leave).
· Developed a strong relationship with Dubai College of Tourism for the implementation of the Medyaf project offering Emirati’s work experience. · Management and development of the Associate committee with more than 8 activities monthly including environmental and CSR activities (Recognized as the most active Hotels in the Region for 2018)
· Successfully managed the Regional Human Resources Manager function during 6 month maternity leave in 2017– reported directly to the Region VP and VP HR, · Successfully changed the outsourced associate catering provider across the three locations both hotels & accommodation) with savings of 300,000AED annually on costs. · Annual Budgeting and Monthly P&L reviews
Tsogo SunHuman Resources Manager
Sep. 2013 - Jul. 2016Abu Dhabi, UAE353 room 4 star deluxe hotel with a head count of 223 associates. The hotel has held position 3 on Tripadvisor Abu Dhabi consistently for over a year, it was awarded Trip Advisor’s Travellers Choice for 2015, and awarded Best Steakhouse in Abu Dhabi for The Foundry from Time Out, What’s on and FACT (2015 & 2016) magazines. Title : HR Manager Reporting to General Manager
Joined : 1st September 2013 Achievements/Highlights:
• Managed the successful Selection and Recruitment of pre-opening team of 168 associates and meeting ongoing recruitment needs upto a total of 242 by the end of 2015 all direct hire and the majority in country.
• Project managed the visa application process and onboarding.
• Overseeing and managing the associates’ accommodation provision.
• Managing, defining and implementation of the HRIS Civilsoft.
• Creation and Implementation of HR Policies & Procedures in compliance with Southern Sun and Tsogo Sun Standards, and UAE Labour Law
• Design & Creation of Associate Handbook & Induction Manual in compliance with Southern Sun and Tsogo Sun Standards and UAE Labour Law.
• Managed and Trained the Induction Training programme for all associates.
• Oversaw the implementation of the Tsogosun Associate Survey which gave unilateral positive results in excess of 90% for most categories.
• Succeeded in a staff retention rate of 76%
• Active member in the Abu Dhabi HR Managers Network Fully responsible for the HR requirements of the hotel with my HR & Training team (5 associates) including disciplinary, payroll, recruitment, accommodation, visas and licenses, training and application of the UAE Labour law. Reporting directly to the GM and then to Tsogo Sun Head Office in South Africa.
TASC OutsourcingHead of Human Resources Operations
Dec. 2012 - Aug. 2013DubaiAchievements:
• Implementation of streamline processes and procedures for the Employee Care Team
• A member of the ERP Task Force – working to source and implement new ERP and other IT systems across the company
• Successfully reduced the frequency of MOL complaints & Cases (3 cases in the 6 months prior to my joining and zero since)
• Implementation of an effective disciplinary process. Responsibilities Include: • Managing the Employee Care Team, a total of 16 Executives, including the PRO team - The Employee Care team (Operations) is fully responsible for the distribution and submission of Offer Letters to successful and selected employees, liaising with them to collect the necessary documentation, submit and process visas (Tecom & Labour), complete Medicals, contract signing and EID applications, liaise with the clients to confirm the on boarding process and date, managing and overseeing time & attendance data, processing payroll, dealing with employee, Client and Account Management queries. • Overseeing and managing the cancellations and renewals of all Visas and Labour Cards. Effective communication and collaboration with the Account Management team to ensure timely processes and accurate on boarding dates to our clients. • Managing the PRO to effectively to ensure any MOL complaints are effectively handled and closed in our favour, ensure the timely submission of Trade License Renewals and applications for visa quotas (300 granted on last application). • Support given to the Finance Team during Ministry of Labour WPS inspections.
Landmark GroupHead of Human Resources & Training Middle East
May. 2011 - Dec. 2012United Arab Emirates25 Branded restaurants throughout UAE, Qatar, Kuwait. Title : Head of Human Resources & Training - Middle East (reporting to COO for Landmark Hospitality)
Joined : 22nd May 2011 to date Achievements/Highlights/Responsibilities
• Awarded as Best Restaurant Employer UAE 2011 as voted by Employees through a CatererGlobal.com survey initiative.
• Design, Development and implementation of Strategic Recruitment Policy to meet the demands of the growing business (reduced recruitment costs by 150,000AED across 1st two financial quarters)
• Design and Development of Foodmark HR Policies & Procedures in line with Corporate Group HR • Design and Implementation of Induction Process
• Design and implementation of effective Training & Development process and courses
• Overall HR responsibility for 700 employees across 3 countries • Management of 12 direct reports across 3 countries
• Overall responsibility for monthly payroll in excess of 3.1mAED. • Overall responsibility for total HR process, from CV screening, interview and selection, visa & PRO process to on boarding.
• Over see and manage staff accommodation, maximise occupancy to 96%, implement new policies, procedures and rules. • Review and design of new Corporate Hospitality Handbook
• Review, design and implementation of new Hospitality Disciplinary process. • Design and implementation of Staff Newsletter ‘Spice’
• Manage and co-ordinate annual staff party.
• Implementation and co-ordination on annual and mid year appraisals
• Formulation and calculation of annual increments and incentives plan
• Involvement in annual budget process. • Implementation of company specific HR self service system for leave applications
Accor Middle EastHuman Resources Manager & Hotel Operations Manager
Jun. 2009 - May. 2011Muscat, Muscat, OmanAchievements/Highlights
• Managed the successful Selection and Recruitment of pre-opening team of 44 associates and meeting ongoing recruitment needs
• Managing the defining and implementation of the HRIS OASYS.
• Creation and Implementation of HR Policies & Procedures in compliance with Accor, Ibis Standards, ISO 9001 and Oman & UAE Labour Law
• Design & Creation of Associate Handbook & Induction Manual in compliance with Accor, Ibis Standards, ISO 9001 and Oman & UAE Labour Law.
• Managed and Trained the Induction Training programme for all associates
• Managed the successful Selection and Recruitment of 163 associates for Ibis Al Barsha, Dubai and 55 Associates for Ibis Muscat, Oman.
• Sourcing and contracting Management and associate accommodation with a total cost 5m AED.
• Managing the defining and implementation of the HRIS HRB. Fully responsible for the HR requirements of the hotel including disciplinary, payroll, recruitment, training and application of the Oman and UAE Labour law. Also had strong involvement in all other aspects and operational areas of the hotel including Front Office, Food & Beverage and Sales & Marketing. Reporting directly to the GM and then to Accor Head Office Middle East. I was pivotal in the set up and orchestration of a Human Resources Forum for Muscat Hotels. I implemented and designed the Policies and procedures for HR & Training with involvement in the same for all other departments.
AccorMulti-Site Director of Human Resources
Aug. 2008 - May. 2009Dubai, United Arab EmiratesResponsibility for the overall HR functions for the hotel with a team of 5 HR associates. General HR functions including disciplinary, grievance, appraisals, counselling, contracting, payroll and budgeting. Responsible for the provision of the associate’s accommodation, furniture, transport, canteen, medical insurance, sourcing and contracting, of these provisions and general day to day issues surrounding them. The HR team is solely responsible for the documentation and record keeping within the HRIS HRB for all associates. In addition we manage the visa and residency application process for all associates ensuring the relevant medical and documentation requirements are met. Achievements:
· Managed the successful Selection and Recruitment of 163 associates for Ibis Al Barsha
· Sourcing and contracting Management and associate accommodation with a total cost 5m AED.
· Managing the defining and implementation of the HRIS HRB.
· Design, Creation and Implementation of HR Policies & Procedures and Associate Handbook & Orientation in compliance with Accor, Ibis Standards, ISO 9001 and Dubai, UAE Labour Law
Kuwait National Cinema Company (KNCC)HR Manager
Aug. 2007 - Aug. 2008Kuwait National Cinema Company (KNCC) is the only cinema company in Kuwait with more than 20 sites across Kuwait, both stand alone and within Malls. It has been in operation since 1957 and was privatised in 2007. There were over 600 employees from a variety of countries. It was my responsibility to review, improve and implement HR policies and procedures across the company, including reviewing and defining job descriptions. I was also involved in recruitment, screening candidates, visa applications and mass recruitment from the Philippines and India.
Park PlazaGroup Training & Development Manager
Mar. 2005 - Sep. 2005UKThe group consists of 7 4* properties in the UK; Cardiff, Nottingham, Leeds, and 4 in London. Cardiff Park Plaza was awarded AA Hotel of the Year 2006 for Wales; Achievements Developing and Implementing a Reservation Upselling course generating in excess of £60,000 profit.
Completed company wide training needs analysis and implemented training to meet immediate needs at operational and management level.
Identifying training needs for the newly opened Riverbank Park Plaza and Plaza on the River hotels
Co-ordinating, organising, facilitation and follow up of the pre opening training plan for Riverbank Park Plaza and Plaza on the River. (150 associates) Responsibilities Defining and presenting the Training and Development Objectives for Park Plaza Hotels, Performing a Company Training Needs Analysis, Presenting the Park Plaza Disability Awareness Training Course in all properties, Presenting Park Plaza Guest Friendliness Course in all properties, Developing and Implementing new Park Plaza courses Interview & Selection, Disciplinary & Grievance, Appraisal Skills, Working with the HR Team to establish the HR & Training Function within the company
Baglioni HotelsHR Manager
Jan. 2005 - Dec. 2007London, United Kingdom155 associates, 5* deluxe, 68 rooms incl. 50 Suites, Restaurant, Bar, Conference facilities, 24 hour Room Service & Butlers, Implementation of HR Procedures & Policies
Preparation and presentation of Payroll Budget 2007
Accurate forecasting, monitoring and analysis of payroll (total annual payroll budget £2.6m)
Identified recruitment development areas through data analysis
Diversifying Workforce through positive recruitment and succession planning Creation and Management of personnel files and documentation (155 staff), Administration and management of total Payroll function, Selection, Interview & Recruitment of all candidates, Identifying Staff Development opportunities, HOD & Staff Annual and Probationary appraisals, Identifying Training Needs, sourcing and administering courses, Employee Relations, Building relationships with Hospitality Schools for Internship candidates, all disciplinary & grievance matters arising, liaising with the company solicitors concerning any issues, work permit applications and documentation.
Park PlazaHuman Resources Manager & Regional Trainer for London
Mar. 2004 - Mar. 2005London, England, United Kingdom4 * Boutique Style, 119 rooms, 55 associates, AA rosette restaurant, bar, conference facilities; Devising Park Plaza Standard Induction Procedure which has been adopted across Park Plaza UK, Identifying Training needs, sourcing, planning and monitoring, Developed Park Plaza Disability Awareness Training Course, Developed and Implemented a F&B Upselling course, Statutory Training - Fire, COSHH, Manual Handling, Implementation of Recruitment Process, Screening, Selection, Interview and Recruitment of all staff members, Management of Personnel Files to comply with legal requirements, Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures, Staff Appraisals, Applications for Work Permits, Organised Staff Christmas Party, Duty management shifts on a weekly basis
AccorHuman Resources & Training Manager
May. 2001 - Mar. 2004London, England Metropolitan AreaIbis Euston 380 rooms, 1 restaurant, 1 bar, conference facilities for 180pax, 55 associates Ibis Heathrow 364 rooms, 1 restaurant, 1 bar, 55 associates; Reducing Total staff turnover from in excess of 100% (2000) to 19% for both hotels (2004)
Creating and Implementing a Telephone Techniques Training Course that has been adopted by Ibis UK
Creating an Induction programme that has been adopted throughout Ibis UK Responsibilities Identifying Training needs, sourcing, planning and monitoring, Sourcing and developing Telephone Techniques course which has been adopted across Ibis UK, Training & Monitoring Players 2003 Program, Devising Ibis Standard Induction Procedure which has been adopted across Ibis UK, Provision of Induction training to new members of staff, Implementation of Recruitment Process to Ibis/Accor standards, Screening, Selection, Interview and Recruitment of all staff members, Administration of Internal Transfers, Management of Personnel Files to comply with ISO 9001 & 9002 and legal requirements, Membership of Ibis UK, Accor London and Heathrow Area Human Resources Committees, Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures, Staff Appraisals, Applications for Work Permits, Organising team building events
Achievements/
Royal Holloway, University of LondonDeputy General Manager
Jul. 1999 - May. 2001Egham, England, United Kingdom
De VereDeputy General Manager
Mar. 1999 - Jun. 1999Buckinghamshire, UK
Millennium Hotels and ResortsConference & Banqueting Executive
Aug. 1997 - Mar. 1999London, United Kingdom
Thistle HotelsOperations Manager
Sep. 1995 - Aug. 1997UKPosition held: Junior Assistant Manager F&B - Gatwick Thistle - Internal Transfer
Room Service Manager - Cardiff Thistle - Internal Transfer
Assistant Manager F&B - Astor Hotel (Thistle)
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