Head of People and Culture Full Time

WHO WE ARE

FitRepublik and StudioRepublik form The Republik(s), one of the UAE’s leading fitness, wellness, and performance lifestyle companies.

Built around the belief that movement, performance, creativity, and community have the power to transform lives, The Republik(s) delivers a unique multi-disciplinary experience spanning fitness, performance arts, recovery and wellness.

Our environments are designed to bring together ambitious individuals, families, athletes and wellness-focused communities under one ecosystem.

As the business continues to grow and evolve, we are focused on building a high-performance culture driven by accountability, collaboration, innovation, and exceptional member experiences.

This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role in shaping the future growth, culture, and organizational development of one of the region’s most dynamic wellness brands.

ROLE

The Head of People & Culture is responsible for leading the people strategy across The Republik(s), ensuring the organization attracts, develops, and retains high-performing talent while building a strong culture rooted in accountability, collaboration, and excellence.

This role acts as a strategic partner to leadership while overseeing all core HR functions including talent acquisition, employee engagement, performance management, organizational development, learning & development, and compliance.

The ideal candidate is commercially aware, people-focused, operationally strong, and experienced in fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environments.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and leadership team on organizational structure, workforce planning, and people strategy.

• Support organizational growth, change management, and leadership development initiatives.

• Drive a culture of accountability, performance, and employee engagement.

• Support organizational design and leadership coaching initiatives across the business.

Talent Acquisition & Development

Lead recruitment and onboarding across the organization.

• Develop talent pipelines and succession planning initiatives.

• Implement leadership development and employee training programs.

• Support career progression and performance management processes.

Culture & Employee Experience

• Champion and strengthen company culture and values.

• Lead employee engagement, recognition, and retention initiatives.

• Support managers in handling employee relations and team development.

• Foster a positive, high-performing, and collaborative work environment.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Oversee HR policies, procedures, and employee records.

• Ensure compliance with UAE labor law and HR best practices.

• Manage compensation, benefits, payroll coordination, and HR systems.

• Monitor HR metrics and provide insights to leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.

• HR certification preferred (CIPD, SHRM, CHRP, or equivalent).

• 8+ years of HR experience, including leadership responsibility.

• Experience in hospitality, fitness, wellness, or luxury hospitality industries preferred.

• Strong understanding of UAE labor law and HR best practices.

• Proven experience in organizational development, employee engagement, and leadership support.

• Experience working in multi-site or operationally complex businesses preferred

• Experience managing both full-time and freelance workforces.

KEY SKILLS

• Strategic thinking and execution

• Leadership and people management

• Organizational development

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Conflict resolution and coaching

• Commercial and operational awareness

• Problem-solving and decision-making

• High accountability and professionalism

• Proficiency in HRIS and HR systems