In today’s competitive business landscape, the quest for talent is a critical aspect of organizational success. Companies across industries are constantly seeking innovative ways to identify, attract, and retain top-tier professionals who can drive growth and innovation. Founded by Zaid Alhiali, Saif Shariefi, and Aws Ismail, Marc Ellis has established itself as a leading HR, Recruitment, Outsourcing, and Training Corporation, specializing in serving forward-thinking local and international organizations in the vibrant Middle East market.
With a deep understanding of the region’s unique business environment, Marc Ellis leverages its expertise to provide tailored solutions that meet the diverse talent needs of clients. From sourcing niche professionals for specialized projects to offering comprehensive recruitment and outsourcing services, Marc Ellis is committed to delivering results that exceed expectations.
What sets Marc Ellis apart is its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology and data analytics to optimize the talent acquisition process. By harnessing the power of digital tools and insights, Marc Ellis ensures that clients are connected with candidates who not only possess the requisite skills and experience but also align with the organization’s culture and values.
The organization takes pride in its ability to offer flexible and scalable solutions that adapt to the evolving needs of clients across various sectors and industries. Whether it’s navigating talent shortages, overcoming recruitment challenges, or driving workforce transformation initiatives, Marc Ellis is dedicated to empowering organizations to thrive in today’s business landscape.
With a track record of excellence and a reputation for innovation, Marc Ellis continues to be a trusted partner for companies seeking to build high-performing teams and achieve sustainable growth in the competitive global marketplace.
Setting the Standard for Excellence
Zaid Alhiali, the Founder and Director of Marc Ellis, leads his team with a strategic vision and hands-on guidance. He believes in setting an example for others to follow. Under his leadership, the company cultivates a culture of innovation, collaboration, and agility, empowering employees to excel in their roles.
Recognizing the importance of continuous learning, Zaid prioritizes the professional development of his team members. He has implemented tailored training programs to keep them updated with the latest industry trends and best practices, enabling them to deliver exceptional results for clients and candidates alike.
Communication and transparency are central to Zaid’s leadership style. He encourages open dialogue, actively listens to feedback, and fosters inclusivity, ensuring that every team member feels valued and heard. This commitment to transparency fosters a sense of accountability and trust within the team.
Diversity and inclusion are core values for Zaid. He understands the enriching impact of diverse perspectives and fosters an environment where everyone is welcomed and respected. By embracing these principles, Zaid drives success and fosters sustainable growth in the competitive recruitment and outsourcing industry.
Upholding Core Values
Saif Shariefi, the Founder, Director and CFO of Marc Ellis, upholds integrity, transparency, and accountability as core values in all interactions with the team and clients. These values guide every aspect of operations at Marc Ellis, serving as actionable guidelines rather than mere ideals.
Central to Marc Ellis’s ethos is the concept of earning one’s S.E.A.T. (Skills, Ethic, Attitude, Trust). While skills can be taught, Saif believes that ethics and attitude are intrinsic qualities that must be demonstrated to earn trust and a place within the organization. This philosophy fosters a culture of accountability and excellence among all team members.
Saif advocates for diversity and inclusion at Marc Ellis, recognizing Dubai’s diverse nature. By fostering a team comprising over 20 different nationalities, he has created an inclusive environment where individuals from all backgrounds feel valued and welcomed. This dedication to diversity has not only strengthened client relationships but also earned accolades such as the Best Workplace for Women and Best Workplaces in the GCC.
In the workplace, Saif prioritizes teamwork, emphasizing the importance of actively listening to everyone’s ideas and collaborating to find solutions. Additionally, he underscores the significance of treating everyone with kindness and respect, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member can thrive.
A Technological Leap
As an industry expert, Aws Ismail, Founder and Director at Marc Ellis, remains committed to staying abreast of emerging trends in the employment landscape to ensure Marc Ellis remains at the forefront of innovation. One such trend is the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the recruitment process. Marc Ellis has embraced this trend by introducing AIVI, the region’s first AI-powered virtual interview platform. Additionally, Marc Ellis has ventured into the metaverse, making history as the first recruiting agency to do so, demonstrating our dedication to technological advancement.
In addition to AI integration, the team at Marc Ellis has observed a notable increase in contract jobs, particularly within the technology sector, over the past year. This trend reflects the broader growth of the gig economy, as more workers opt for freelance or contract positions, seeking greater agility and flexibility in their employment arrangements. These developments underscore the importance of adaptability and innovation in meeting the evolving needs of clients and candidates.
Aws shares that there is a growing demand from clients for candidates with specific certifications and skills. Soft skills, in particular, have become increasingly important alongside certifications in new technologies. Marc Ellis Training Academy, a branch of Marc Ellis, has experienced a surge in candidates enrolling in workshops for RPA, Scrum, and soft skill training. Clients are also turning to our upskilling and reskilling programs, recognizing the necessity of continuous learning and development initiatives to navigate the rapid digital transformation occurring across various industries.
Making a Positive Impact in Recruitment and Beyond
Zaid believes in finding a balance and purpose in the impact he has on people’s lives through the recruitment industry. He understands that Marc Ellis isn’t just about finding jobs; it’s about creating change, supporting families, and advancing societal progress. For Zaid, success goes beyond financial gains; it’s about the positive difference made in individuals’ lives.
To maintain passion and authenticity, Zaid prioritizes nurturing a supportive and inclusive company culture at Marc Ellis. He promotes an open-door policy, actively engaging with junior team members and mentoring them. Zaid emphasizes their importance as the future of Marc Ellis, shaping its direction. By taking on various roles within the business and offering support not only to the recruitment department but also to marketing, HR, and finance, he ensures inclusivity and provides learning opportunities for everyone.
Zaid finds inspiration and fulfillment in giving back to the community. He participates in humanitarian initiatives and social responsibility programs, using Marc Ellis’s resources to make meaningful contributions to society. Through these efforts, Zaid embodies Marc Ellis’s commitment to making a positive impact beyond just recruitment.
Values, Mindset, and Ethics
Saif believes in the importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself. He warns aspiring leaders against taking shortcuts, as he has seen many fail on this path. Saif believes that genuine dedication and hard work are essential for long-term success.
Saif encourages aspiring leaders to have a hustle mindset, always striving to achieve more and reach for their goals. In the talent acquisition field, facing challenges and bouncing back from setbacks is common. Maintaining a mindset of perseverance and resilience helps individuals stay strong and positive, even during tough times.
Having the right ethics and attitude in the workplace is crucial to Saif. He advocates for the S.E.A.T. mentality, which emphasizes skills, ethics, attitude, and trust. This principle reflects the core values of Marc Ellis. Saif believes that possessing the necessary skills is just the beginning; it’s equally important to demonstrate integrity, positivity, and reliability in all interactions.
Creating a Culture of Learning and Collaboration in Recruitment Leadership
As a leader in the recruitment and outsourcing field, Aws understands the importance of networking and connecting with like-minded individuals to learn from their experiences. By attending events and collaborating with others in the industry, he stays up-to-date with new trends and best practices.
Aws values learning from his own team members above all else. At Marc Ellis, they promote an open and collaborative culture. Their office layout encourages spontaneous interactions and knowledge-sharing among team members. During lunch breaks, they gather at a common table to discuss industry updates and exchange ideas. Aws ensures that this culture of continuous learning and improvement is maintained.
Given the constantly evolving tech industry in the UAE, Aws stresses the importance of staying informed about local developments. The UAE offers various opportunities and innovations, making it crucial to stay updated on new technologies and market trends. By analyzing these developments, Aws can anticipate how the recruitment industry will evolve to meet changing demands.
Building Trust through Transparent Communication and Personalized Services
Saif believes in keeping communication open and transparent, making sure everyone feels heard, valued, and respected. He thinks it’s important to understand each client and candidate’s unique needs and goals. By doing this, Marc Ellis can customize its services to meet specific needs and get the best results. Saif makes sure the team keeps in touch with clients and candidates regularly, giving updates, feedback, and support at every step.
Saif led the creation of AIVI, the first AI interview platform in the region. It aims to improve the interview process and reduce bias. AIVI uses AI to give candidates helpful feedback, helping them improve their interview skills and feel more confident.
This personal support makes candidates feel good about their experience with Marc Ellis and builds trust. AIVI also speeds up the hiring process for clients. Saif is committed to creating value for both clients and candidates, which strengthens long-term relationships based on trust and mutual benefit.
Leadership in Talent Acquisition
As a leader in talent acquisition, Zaid believes certain qualities and skills are crucial for success in leadership roles in the industry. Setting a good example is important to him. During the challenges of COVID-19, Zaid showed resilience. Instead of cutting jobs or salaries, he found new ways to make money. One way was starting the Training Academy, which helps people learn new skills and find jobs.
Zaid thinks hands-on leadership is vital. He often takes junior team members to meetings with clients, so they can learn and he can mentor them. He believes in leading by doing, never asking others to do something he wouldn’t do himself.
Continuous learning and training are also key to Zaid’s leadership. He knows the industry changes fast, so he makes sure his team is always learning new things. With initiatives like the Training Academy, Zaid makes sure his team has the latest skills and knowledge to succeed.
AI’s Transformative Impact
For future, Aws believes that AI will have a significant impact on the future of hiring. With the introduction of AI-powered technologies like AIVI (Artificial Intelligence Virtual Interview platform) and initiatives such as Marc Ellis’s venture into the Metaverse, he understands that the way companies find new talent is changing.
AI provides great opportunities to improve the hiring process. For example, AIVI changes how candidates are evaluated by using AI algorithms to conduct virtual interviews, analyze responses, and give instant feedback. Similarly, Marc Ellis’s work in the Metaverse creates new ways to find talent and hold virtual meetings, which makes it easier to find the right people.
AI-driven solutions help recruiters automate repetitive tasks like screening resumes and matching candidates to jobs. This frees up time for recruiters to focus on making important decisions and building relationships. With data analytics and machine learning, recruiters can learn about trends in the workforce and what skills are needed. This helps them find the best candidates for the job and identify areas where improvement is needed.
