Calvin James Recruitment

Calvin James was built by our people and those whom we represent. Helping you succeed is at the core of why we want to keep transforming recruitment for the better.

Whether you’re looking for your dream job or you're seeking to recruit the next leader of your business, here at Calvin James, we do the hard work to make sure you get the perfect match.

Why work with us?

It's quite simple. We have a deep knowledge of the market which we deploy through a relationship driven and consultative approach.

Not only are we are specialists in Finance & Accounting, Technology, Marketing, and Human Resources across all industries, we have also built an extensive network to match.

Head of HR & Business Support Recruitment

Mansell Recruitment Group

Senior Recruitment Consultant - Technical Recruitment 

Mansell Recruitment Group specialise in Permanent & Contract Technical Recruitment to clients throughout the UK.

With a constantly-updated database using leading recruitment software, we monitor and adjust to market trends, adapting and developing our own strategies to ensure that we have the necessary resources to meet client needs and objectives.

Established since 1991 Mansell Recruitment has built on its reputation for quality and accuracy within the Recruitment Industry. Our success and achievement is based on a proactive approach, understanding trends and industry sectors, with the ability to respond quickly to client requirements. 

Many HR Departments consider Mansell Recruitment a key part of their recruitment strategy.

Our specialist areas include:

• Manufacturing & Operations
• Engineering
• Plastics & Packaging 
• Process Control & Automation
• ROV, Oil and Gas
• Technology
• IT
• Construction & Rail
• Technical Sales & Marketing

If you need help recruiting or are currently seeking new opportunities then please get in touch with us by using the contact information found under the 'contact info' tab, and I will be in contact as soon as possible.

Recruitment Consultant - Technical Recruitment

I help source highly skilled HR professionals with the most prestigious companies in the Middle East. With 8 years of experience in the recruitment industry, I pride myself on long term relationships. 

HR Professionals
- Are you looking to develop and excel your career in Human Resources?
- Looking for guidance and help on what the best next move is in your career?

Are you hiring for your HR team?
- Are you looking to expand your HR function?
- Finding it hard to source the best talent for your team?
- Want to save time and ensure you are finding the best talent in the market?

If any of the above relates to to you, I can help! 

I am a highly skilled and trained HR consultant who has helped grow HR individuals and teams across the Middle East. 

My Process is simple. 
- I have introduction calls with candidates to get a clear idea of what they are looking for in the next step in their career. 
- We meet face to face to discuss relevant positions that could be suitable. 
- I put you in touch with the best HR teams in the region 
- I manage all the negotiations to ensure its a smooth process

If you are a HR professional who is based in the Middle East or are looking to expand your HR team, please get in touch!

Live HR Roles 🔥 

As we approach the end of 2025, many companies are focused on closing out their remaining vacancies and finalising budgets for the year ahead.

I’m currently hiring for the following roles:

▶️ Senior Talent Manager – AED 35K
▶️ Senior Executive Assistant - AED 35-40k
▶️ Senior HR Manager (Abu Dhabi) - AED 35-40K
▶️ HR Manager (Riyadh) – SAR 20–25K
▶️ PRO – AED 10–15K
▶️ Senior L&D Specialist – AED 15–18K
▶️ Talent Acquisition Lead – AED 15–18K
▶️ HR Executive – AED 15K
▶️ Senior C&B Specialist – AED 10–15K

If you’re interested in any of these opportunities, feel free to send me a message along with your CV.

Please note: due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Piers Holt

I help source the best HR talent in the Middle East.

Congratulations Team HR 🏆 🎾 

Last night we hosted another Calvin James Recruitment active networking session. 

At Calvin James Recruitment we like to do things a little differently. 

Instead of the usual formal networking setup, we encourage active networking, bringing people together in a relaxed, fun, and energetic way that gets everyone moving, connecting, and laughing.

I’m proud to share that Team HR took home the trophy for the very first time! 🏅

The big question now is... can we hold onto our title at our next event in December? 

Anita PK Padmanabhan Nikki Kerr Giti M. Sarmad Floyd Dynel D'Souza Christopher Negus Samir Sabri Alexander Matianis, FCIPD, MBA, MSc Tony Farhat Mehdi Ketfi Hugh Meyer,  MBA RABAB ENNASSIRI

We’d like to make an offer...could you please share three months of payslips?

That was a question I received earlier this week before an official offer was even
made. 

While I completely understand the reasoning companies want to benchmark salaries and ensure internal fairness asking for payslips can often create unnecessary friction and send the wrong message.

Here are a few things worth considering before requesting payslips:

1️⃣ Trust & Candidate Experience
Requesting payslips can come across as a lack of trust. It risks damaging the candidate’s perception of your organisation and may harm your employer brand.

2️⃣ Ethical & Legal Aspects
In some regions, it’s actually illegal to ask for salary proof. Even where it’s
permitted, it’s important to think carefully about the message it sends and whether it aligns with your values.

3️⃣ Encourage Transparency Instead
Rather than asking for payslips, have open conversations about salary
expectations and alignment. This fosters honesty, respect, and mutual understanding.

At the end of the day, recruitment should be about building trust, offering fair compensation, and creating a positive experience for everyone involved.

I’d love to hear everyone's thoughts do you think asking for payslips is reasonable or outdated?

I’m increasingly speaking with candidates whose companies still hold a very narrow view of what HR truly does.

❌“They just hire and fire.”
 ❌“They organise lunches and send reminders.”
 ❌“They’re the policy police.”
 ❌“They deal with paperwork.”

But those of us who work closely with HR know a very different reality.

HR is quietly carrying the emotional load of an entire organisation.

It’s being the person an employee turns to on the hardest day of their life and helping them navigate leave, support, and next steps.

It’s offering comfort to someone in crisis, even when you know the company doesn’t yet have the proper resources to fully support them.

It’s advocating for meaningful change, only to be told “now isn’t the right time” when investment is needed.

It’s defending and supporting people who may never realise how much you’re doing behind the scenes.

And though HR rarely gets recognition for any of it, They keep going because they genuinely care. 

Because they believe people deserve support.

New Role Live 🔥 

I am partnering with a leading professional services firm in Abu Dhabi that is currently undergoing a significant growth phase, with plans to double in size over the next 2–3 years.

They are now seeking a Senior HR Manager to support this expansion. The role will oversee the full HR function and act as the second in command to the HR Director, playing a key part in shaping the people strategy and driving operational excellence.

If you are interested in exploring this opportunity, please apply below!

Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates (On-site)

Do they offer hybrid working?

The UAE is booming and unfortunately, so is the traffic.

What used to be a quick 20 minute commute can now stretch to nearly an hour during rush hour. It’s no surprise that more professionals are asking this question before even considering a new role.

Across the UAE, there’s a growing divide between what employees want and what companies are offering.

A few insights worth noting:
 ▶️ 62% of professionals say a hybrid setup is their ideal work model
 ▶️ Only 35% of organiSations currently provide it
 ▶️ 69% of UAE employers fear losing talent without offering flexibility
 ▶️ Gen Z continues to lead the demand for remote and hybrid options

Yet, despite these trends, many businesses are returning to mandatory office attendance.

It’s an interesting shift  as flexibility was once seen as the future of work, but some organisations are reverting to traditional models.

So, where does your company stand? Are you adapting to the changing workforce, or staying committed to full office presence?

New Role Live 🔥 

Kickstarting Monday with an exciting new opportunity with a global leader in the retail industry!

I am looking for a Talent Manager to drive the strategic direction of all talent and retail learning initiatives across the Middle East region.

The ideal candidate must have strong experience in:
✔️ Talent management frameworks
✔️ Learning and development methodologies
✔️ Succession planning within the retail industry

If this sounds like you, please apply below!

"It always comes back around."

It was one of the first pieces of advice I received when I moved to the UAE and it couldn’t be more true.

In this market, relationships genuinely matter. Keeping the bigger picture in mind, staying consistent, and maintaining connections is just as important as the work itself.

Here’s a familiar cycle for many recruiters:

Week 1:
“Here’s the shortlist you requested excited to hear your thoughts!”

A week later:
 “Just checking in any initial feedback on the candidates?”

Another week passes:
 “Happy to walk you through the shortlist whenever you’re ready!”

A month later:
“Quick question… is the role still open?”

Employer, six months later:
 “Hey! I’m exploring new opportunities. Do you have time for a chat?”

Even with the influx of talent in today’s market, the UAE is still a small and reputation, relationships, and trust travel fast.

Nurturing professional connections isn’t just good practice; it’s essential. And eventually… yes, it all comes back around

New Role Live 🔥 

I’m excited to be partnering with a global, market-leading retail organisation that is expanding its entire HR function as part of a major growth phase.

They are looking for candidates with strong expertise in Compensation & Benefits specifically those who can design, review, and maintain job grading structures aligned with international frameworks.

You should also be highly skilled in salary data analysis, internal equity mapping, and market benchmarking.

If this sounds like you, feel free to reach out!

Finding it tough to gain traction in your UAE job search?

You’re definitely not the only one. The local market can be tricky to navigate, and it’s easy to feel stuck or unsure of your next move.

To support job seekers, Calvin Lee-Pickett has introduced the Calvin James Recruitment UAE Job Search Webinar held live this Thursday at 7pm. 
 
This interactive session is packed with insights to help you build structure, confidence, and direction in your search. 

You’ll discover actionable techniques to increase your visibility, attract the right roles, and take control of your career journey in the UAE.

Want to be part of the next session? Drop a comment below, and we’ll share the details with you!

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