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