Director of People

We're Seez, an AI-powered automotive technology company transforming how cars are bought and sold. We're a globally distributed team of around 60 colleagues with big ambitions, a collaborative spirit, and a culture we're genuinely proud of. At Seez, people matter. We celebrate wins together, support one another through challenges, and believe the best work happens when people are trusted, empowered, and encouraged to be themselves. Now part of Pinewood.AI, we're navigating an exciting chapter of growth and transformation. As we evolve, we're committed to preserving the close-knit culture, entrepreneurial mindset, and sense of ownership that make Seez special. 🚀 THE OPPORTUNITY We're looking for a Director of People who combines strategic thinking, strong business judgment, and a genuine passion for people with the ability to roll up their sleeves and make things happen. As our People team of one, you'll have end-to-end ownership of the People function, shaping everything from how we attract and develop talent to how we lead, collaborate, and grow as an organization. This isn't a role for someone who wants to lead from the sidelines. One day, you'll be advising leadership on organizational strategy. The next, you'll be recruiting exceptional talent, navigating a complex people challenge, processing visas, or making sure the office is stocked with coffee and the plants are thriving. 🪴And yes, sometimes all in the same day. You'll also play a pivotal role in Seez's continued integration with Pinewood.AI, helping our people navigate change, embrace new ways of working, and thrive through organizational evolution. We're looking for someone who sees the bigger picture but never loses sight of the details. Someone who brings clarity to complexity, turns ideas into action, and understands that building a great workplace takes equal parts strategy, execution, and heart. Job Key Responsibilities Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning Own the full recruitment lifecycle, from sourcing and interviewing to offers, onboarding, and external recruitment partnerships Partner with leaders to anticipate workforce needs, build strong talent pipelines, and attract people who will raise the bar People Operations & Compliance Keep the People function running seamlessly, owning everything from contracts, visas, and probation to policies, HR systems, benefits administration, and offboarding Navigate employment requirements across our markets while building efficient, scalable processes that make life easier for everyone Business Partnering & Organizational Change Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership, influencing decisions around organizational design, workforce planning, employee relations, and team effectiveness Coach managers, challenge thinking, navigate difficult conversations, and help leaders bring out the best in their teams Help drive Seez's continued integration with Pinewood.AI, guiding colleagues through organizational shifts, cultural alignment, and evolving ways of working with clarity, empathy, and purpose Performance, Development & Rewards Lead performance management, talent development, career progression, and promotion cycles, fostering a culture where high performance and continuous growth go hand in hand Own compensation benchmarking, salary reviews, and benefits, partnering with leadership and Finance to make thoughtful, competitive, and sustainable reward decisions Culture, Engagement & Workplace Experience Champion our CODE values (Collaboration, Ownership, Differentiation, Efficiency), ensuring they're reflected in how we work, make decisions, and show up for one another Shape the employee experience through engagement initiatives, feedback, recognition, celebrations, and the moments that bring our globally distributed team together Take ownership of our Dubai office experience, from facilities and supplies to coffee, snacks, and keeping our plants alive. Because the little things matter, too. 🌱 AI, Technology & Smarter Ways of Working Harness AI and automation to eliminate repetitive work, streamline processes, and amplify your impact as a team of one Own and continuously improve our People technology ecosystem, using data and insights to drive smarter decisions Challenge the status quo, experiment with new approaches, and find better ways to get things done Requirements WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO THE PARTY (MUST HAVES) 8+ years of progressive People/HR experience, ideally within technology, SaaS, startups, or high-growth environments A strong generalist foundation with proven hands-on experience across recruitment, People operations, talent management, and employee relations The credibility and confidence to partner with senior leadership, influence decisions, and navigate complex people challenges Experience guiding teams through organizational change, ambiguity, and evolving business priorities Solid expertise in compensation, benefits, performance management, and employment practices, with UAE experience a strong advantage Experience supporting internationally distributed teams and navigating diverse cultures, markets, and employment arrangements Strong digital fluency and practical experience using AI, automation, and HR technology to improve how work gets done YOU'LL THRIVE IN THIS ROLE IF YOU'RE SOMEONE (GREAT-TO-HAVE) You think strategically and execute relentlessly. You connect people priorities to business outcomes, but you're equally comfortable getting into the details and making things happen. No task is beneath you, and no challenge is too big to tackle You take ownership, naturally. You don't wait for direction or perfect conditions. You anticipate needs, make thoughtful decisions, and take pride in delivering results. You see gaps as opportunities to make things better You have exceptional emotional intelligence. You understand people, read the room, and adapt effortlessly to different personalities, communication styles, and perspectives. Whether you're engaging with a quiet thinker, an outspoken leader, or someone in between, you know how to build trust and bring out the best in them You influence through trust, not authority. You're a credible, approachable partner who knows when to listen, when to challenge, and how to navigate difficult conversations with empathy, honesty, and sound judgment You turn change into progress. You're comfortable operating in ambiguity, bringing structure to uncertainty, and helping people navigate transitions with confidence. You're adaptable, resilient, and know how to bring people along for the journey You work smarter, not just harder. You're curious about technology, actively embrace AI, and constantly look for ways to simplify, automate, and improve. You recognize that being a team of one means finding creative ways to multiply your impact You bring the right energy. You're grounded, collaborative, and genuinely enjoy working with people. You have strong opinions, an open mind, and the humility to know you won't always have the answer. You take your work seriously, but never yourself too seriously Education/Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Psychology, or a related field. A master's degree or professional HR certification (CIPD, SHRM, or equivalent) is a strong advantage Benefits 25 days of paid annual leave plus public holidays Flexible remote work options Open door policy to CEO and all Leadership team One-on-one wellness coaching sessions because your well-being matters An annual wellness budget to fuel whatever keeps you balanced—whether that's yoga, hiking, or visit to the museum An annual learning budget to power your growth—be it a new course, certification, or skill you've been eyeing Regular team events, social calls, the best company SWAG, and a vibrant remote culture WHY JOIN SEEZ? At Seez, we're all about attracting and keeping top talent, the kind of people who bring ideas, energy, and curiosity to the