“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs’s statement resonates immensely with Tamer Amer‘s personality and dedication in his distinguished career in Human Resources. His journey began as a recruitment specialist, where he developed a keen eye for identifying talent and matching candidates with roles that suited their skills and aspirations. This early experience was instrumental in shaping his understanding of the importance of finding the right talent to drive organizational success.
Currently serving as the Vice President of Human Resources for a leading main contractor in Saudi Arabia, Tamer brings over 15 years of extensive experience in the GCC, covering the UAE, KSA, and Qatar. His expertise spans across main contractor construction companies and engineering consultancy firms, where he has played a crucial role in managing HR functions and leading teams across multiple countries.
Tamer has held leadership positions, including serving as the Regional Director of HR for EMEA at internationally recognized companies. His comprehensive experience covers all aspects of human resources, making him a seasoned HR Generalist with deep expertise in Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, Performance Management, Learning & Development, and Organizational Development. Additionally, his strong command of GCC labor and immigration laws has enabled him to handle both staff and labor operations effectively.
With a track record of successfully staffing mega-construction projects across the GCC, Tamer has demonstrated his ability to manage large-scale HR operations efficiently. His leadership in managing HR teams across different countries shows his adaptability and strategic approach to human capital management in diverse business environments.
Eager to deepen his knowledge, Tamer pursued an advanced degree in Human Resources Management, equipping him with the tools needed to tackle complex challenges in the field. His dedication to continuous learning and professional growth has been a cornerstone of his career, allowing him to stay ahead of industry trends and best practices.
Tamer’s commitment to excellence and innovation has been evident throughout his career. He has consistently sought opportunities to expand his knowledge and skills, attending industry conferences and pursuing various certifications. This proactive approach has enabled him to navigate the complexities of the HR field effectively, driving impactful initiatives that have significantly contributed to organizational success.
His ability to adapt to changing environments and embrace new challenges has made him a respected leader in the industry. Tamer’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in achieving professional success.
Career Milestones
Tamer’s career progressed as he took on leadership roles, starting as an HR manager and eventually moving up to a director position. In these roles, he led various initiatives, including performance management and employee development programs, honing his leadership skills and strategic thinking.
A pivotal moment in his career was gaining international experience, particularly in the GCC region. Working in diverse cultural and legal frameworks broadened his perspective and enhanced his ability to manage cross-cultural teams effectively.
Throughout his career, Tamer has led several successful HR projects, such as implementing a company-wide performance management system and launching employee engagement programs that fostered a positive work environment and increased productivity. His ability to navigate complex challenges and drive impactful HR initiatives has been key to his success.
Continuous Learning
Committed to continuous learning, Tamer pursued various certifications and attended industry conferences to stay updated with the latest HR trends and best practices. Building strong relationships with mentors and expanding his professional network also played a crucial role in his career development. Learning from experienced HR leaders provided valuable guidance and opened doors to new opportunities. The culmination of these experiences led Tamer to his current role as the VP of People & Organizational Development.
In this position, he aligns HR initiatives with strategic objectives, driving growth and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. His commitment to professional growth ensures that he remains at the forefront of the HR field, continuously bringing fresh insights and strategies to his role.
Primary Responsibilities
As the VP of People and Organizational Development, Tamer’s primary responsibilities include aligning HR strategies with long-term business objectives, leading change management initiatives, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment, and ensuring talent acquisition and retention. He also focuses on employee development, implementing training programs to enhance workforce skills, and overseeing performance management systems to ensure employees are aligned with business goals.
These responsibilities ensure that the organization has a skilled, motivated, and engaged workforce capable of delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget. Tamer’s strategic approach to HR management plays a crucial role in driving success and maintaining a competitive edge.
International Leadership
Leading internationally, especially with diverse teams across different cultural and legal frameworks, requires a nuanced and adaptable approach. Tamer emphasizes the importance of developing cultural intelligence, understanding and respecting cultural differences, and fostering mutual respect and effective collaboration.
He ensures clear and open communication, adapts his leadership style based on cultural contexts, and stays informed about labor laws and regulations in each region. By implementing inclusive policies, building trust, leveraging technology, and engaging in continuous learning, Tamer effectively leads diverse teams and contributes to growth and success on an international scale. His ability to navigate the complexities of global HR management has been instrumental in fostering a cohesive and productive work environment.
Overcoming Challenges
One of the biggest challenges Tamer has faced in HR program development and implementation is managing resistance to change. To overcome this, he focuses on effective communication and stakeholder engagement, clearly explaining the reasons behind changes and involving employees in the development process. Providing comprehensive training and securing leadership support are also crucial strategies.
Another significant challenge is aligning HR programs with the diverse needs of the workforce. Tamer addresses this by conducting thorough needs assessments, designing flexible programs, and continuously reviewing and refining initiatives based on feedback and changing needs. His proactive approach to addressing challenges ensures that HR programs are effective and well-received by employees.
Work-Life Balance
Maintaining a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life is crucial for Tamer, especially in a demanding role. He prioritizes tasks based on urgency and importance, delegates effectively, sets clear boundaries between work and personal time, and engages in self-care activities.
Having a strong support system at work and home is essential, allowing him to remain effective in his role while taking care of his well-being. By implementing these strategies, Tamer ensures a healthy balance that promotes productivity and personal fulfillment. His approach to work-life balance serves as a model for his team, encouraging them to prioritize their well-being while achieving professional success.
Staying Ahead with the Emerging Trends
Staying ahead of evolving HR trends and adapting to changes in labor laws, especially in dynamic regions like the GCC, requires a proactive approach. Tamer builds a strong network with HR professionals, monitors regulatory changes, collaborates with legal experts, participates in industry forums, and conducts regular training sessions.
By staying informed, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, he ensures that the organization remains compliant and competitive in the GCC region. His commitment to staying ahead of industry trends allows him to anticipate and respond to emerging challenges effectively.
Advice for Aspiring HR Professionals
Tamer advises aspiring HR professionals to focus on continuous learning, networking, developing strong communication skills, embracing technology, understanding business acumen, and prioritizing employee experience. Seeking mentorship, developing problem-solving skills, and upholding high ethical standards are also crucial.
By focusing on these areas, aspiring HR professionals can build a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling career, making a positive impact on the lives of employees and the organization as a whole. Tamer’s insights and experiences provide valuable guidance for those looking to advance in the HR field.
Professional Goals
Over the next five years, Tamer aims to enhance talent management, drive organizational excellence, foster a culture of innovation, strengthen employee engagement, champion diversity and inclusion, and adapt to regulatory changes. To contribute to growth and success, he plans to align HR strategies with business goals, leverage technology, promote a high-performance culture, enhance employee experience, and build strong leadership. By focusing on these goals and strategies, Tamer is confident in his ability to contribute significantly to growth and success. His vision for the future includes creating a dynamic and inclusive workplace that supports strategic objectives and drives long-term success.
