Anam Irfan

Chief People Officer

Description

We are seeking a seasoned Chief People Officer (CPO) with extensive experience to lead our human resources strategy and initiatives for a grocery retail business. As a critical member of the executive leadership team reporting directly to the CEO, the CPO will drive the alignment of HR with business objectives and foster a culture of engagement and inclusivity. The successful candidate will oversee talent acquisition, employee experience, performance management, and organizational design. This role requires a strategic thinker and people-focused leader capable of navigating the dynamic retail environment with 15+ years of HR experience. The ideal individual will serve as a trusted advisor and contribute to the long-term success of the organization by enhancing workforce productivity and retention. Job Title: Chief People Officer (CPO) – eCommerce Grocery Retail Location: United Arab Emirates Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer Scope: 15+ countries with operational eCommerce presence Industry: eCommerce, Retail (Grocery preferred) Role Purpose The Chief People Officer (CPO) is a core member of the executive leadership team, responsible for building and executing a progressive human capital strategy to support a high-growth, multi-country eCommerce grocery retail business. This role leads the global People function—including Talent, Culture, Total Rewards, Organizational Development, People Operations, and HR Technology—driving a culture of agility, inclusion, innovation, and performance. The CPO will provide strategic direction and operational leadership to ensure the company attracts, develops, and retains top talent across 15+ markets. They will act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board on people matters, guiding the organization through scaling, digital transformation, and rapid geographic expansion. Measurable Success Metrics Design and execution of global people strategy aligned with business vision and goals Leadership team engagement and trust in the people function Reduction in attrition and increased employee engagement (OHI score YOY) Readiness of leadership pipeline and depth of succession across functions Timely and cost-effective hiring across all regions and functions Legal and policy compliance in all operating countries Positive employer brand perception in key talent markets HR digital transformation and analytics maturity People Leadership Lead, inspire, and scale a high-performing global HR team, including HR Business Partners, COEs (Centers of Excellence), and country HR leads Foster a values-driven, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture Develop leadership bench strength and succession readiness across the organization Drive accountability and development across the HR organization Key Responsibilities Strategic People Leadership Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO, executive team, and Board on all people-related matters Drive the global People strategy aligned to business growth, digital transformation, and customer experience Act as a cultural architect to preserve and evolve company values as the organization scales Organizational Design & Workforce Planning Lead organizational design for agility and efficiency across all markets Drive annual workforce planning, ensuring alignment with financial and strategic objectives Champion operating model transformation where needed to support growth Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding Oversee a scalable global talent acquisition strategy that delivers high-impact hires Ensure the company is positioned as an employer of choice in key talent markets Introduce data-driven hiring practices and predictive analytics Talent Management, Culture & Development Lead executive succession planning, talent reviews, and leadership development Champion culture-building initiatives, values activation, and engagement programs Oversee performance management frameworks that drive accountability and high performance Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels of the organization Total Rewards & Compensation Strategy Oversee the design of competitive, equitable, and scalable reward and recognition frameworks Ensure compensation, benefits, and incentive plans are aligned to performance and business outcomes Lead annual salary, bonus, and equity review processes Employee Experience, Engagement & Retention Shape and measure the employee experience from onboarding to offboarding Partner with internal communications to drive high-impact engagement campaigns Oversee grievance management, compliance, and resolution strategies Technology, Analytics & Compliance Lead the HR digital roadmap, ensuring tech-enabled people processes and data accuracy Leverage analytics to drive strategic people decisions and workforce insights Ensure legal compliance, governance, and ethical practices across all operating markets Experience and Skills Required Education Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology or related field Master’s degree (MBA/HR) is preferred Global HR certifications (e.g., SHRM-SCP, CIPD, AHRI) are a plus Experience 15+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, including 5+ years in a C-level or SVP/VP HR role Significant experience in eCommerce, digital retail, or omnichannel retail; grocery retail experience is a distinct advantage Proven success leading across diverse geographies, ideally with MENA, South Asia, and/or Southeast Asia exposure Experience leading organizations through scale-up, transformation, or hypergrowth Key Skills and Competencies Executive presence and strategic influence Strong understanding of eCommerce and consumer tech business dynamics Cultural fluency and deep experience in multi-country HR leadership Commercial acumen and ability to link people strategy to P&L impact Change leadership and transformation expertise Excellent stakeholder management and executive coaching ability Advanced HR tech and data literacy

Requirements

1. 15+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, including 5+ years in a C-level or SVP/VP HR role

2. Significant experience in eCommerce, digital retail, or omnichannel retail; grocery retail experience is a distinct advantage

3. Proven success leading across diverse geographies, ideally with MENA, South Asia, and/or Southeast Asia exposure

4. Experience leading organizations through scale-up, transformation, or hypergrowth

Desirable

1. Executive presence and strategic influence

2. Strong understanding of eCommerce and consumer tech business dynamics

3. Cultural fluency and deep experience in multi-country HR leadership

4. Commercial acumen and ability to link people strategy to P&L impact

5. Change leadership and transformation expertise

6. Excellent stakeholder management and executive coaching ability

7. Advanced HR tech and data literacy

Candidate Applications :

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