Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

Position: Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist Location: Dubai (Candidate based in Dubai would be preferred) Position Overview Are you ready to lead high-impact talent acquisition for world-class sporting and live events across the GCC and Europe? We’re seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist to join our Dubai office. This role sits at the core of our recruitment operations, focused on sourcing, engaging, negotiating, and deploying top-tier freelance and project-based talent for large-scale sporting events and live productions. You will play a pivotal role in building and maintaining a robust freelancer ecosystem, ensuring our clients have access to the right talent—at the right time and at the right cost—to deliver unforgettable events. Key Responsibilities Freelancer Sourcing & Talent Mapping Proactively source high-calibre freelance and contract talent using platforms such as LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Facebook groups, databases, referrals, and industry networks. Build and maintain a strong pipeline of event-ready freelancers across multiple disciplines. Continuously map talent availability for peak event seasons and large-scale projects. Candidate Assessment & Engagement Screen CVs, conduct structured phone/video interviews, and assess candidates for technical skill, event readiness, and cultural fit. Evaluate freelancers’ prior event experience, availability, flexibility, and compliance documentation. Maintain long-term relationships with freelancers to support repeat deployments. Client & Stakeholder Management Partner closely with internal stakeholders and clients to understand project-based hiring needs, timelines, and budgets. Act as a trusted recruitment advisor, offering market insights and realistic talent solutions. Provide regular progress updates, talent availability reports, and hiring recommendations. Interview & Selection Coordination Manage end-to-end interview scheduling and coordination between freelancers and clients. Prepare candidates with detailed briefings on roles, clients, event environments, and expectations. Offer Management & Negotiation Lead compensation and rate negotiations with freelancers, balancing budget constraints with market realities. Manage offer issuance, confirmations, contract alignment, and onboarding processes for project-based roles. Ensure smooth transitions from offer acceptance through deployment. Market Intelligence & Industry Insight Stay informed on freelancer market trends, daily rates, availability patterns, and competitor activity within the events and sports industry. Advise clients and internal teams on rate benchmarking, talent scarcity, and workforce planning. Compliance & Documentation Ensure all freelancer hiring complies with relevant labor laws, visa requirements, and regional regulations. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of candidates, contracts, negotiations, and placements. Qualifications & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Proven experience as a Talent Acquisition Specialist or Recruiter, preferably within events, sports, live production, or project-based industries. Strong experience hiring freelancers, contractors, or temporary staff at scale. Demonstrated expertise in negotiation, rate management, and offer closure. Solid understanding of recruitment best practices, labor regulations, and freelancer hiring models in the GCC. Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills. Proficiency with ATS platforms, recruitment tools, and social media sourcing. Ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, event-led environment. Fluent in English; Arabic is a strong advantage. Join Our Squad If you're ready to commandeer the sporting events scene and leave an indelible mark on the world of talent acquisition, we want to hear from you. Strap in, buckle up, and send us your CV - let's embark on this electrifying journey together #J-18808-Ljbffr