People & Culture Manager

About the role

We are partnering with a fast‑growing, founder‑led consumer business that is expanding internationally. This is the first People & Culture role, giving you the chance to design and lead the HR function from the ground up while working directly with the founders.

Key responsibilities

• Own the full employee lifecycle—from recruitment and onboarding to off‑boarding.
• Create a structured onboarding programme that equips new hires for success.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee support, coaching, and guidance.
• Lead performance reviews, probation processes, and employee development plans.
• Drive engagement initiatives and help shape a high‑performing culture.
• Handle disciplinary, grievance, and employee‑relations matters fairly and professionally.
• Advise founders on people strategy, organisational development, and employee experience.
• Ensure HR policies, processes, and compliance align with UAE Labour Law.

Required profile

• Experience in People & Culture, HR Business Partnering, or Employee Experience.
• Background in fast‑paced, high‑growth or founder‑led environments.
• Confidence managing employee relations and difficult conversations.
• High emotional intelligence, approachability, and strong organisational skills.
• Passion for creating structure, improving processes, and building culture.
• Ability to balance empathy with accountability.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to build the people function from scratch and make a tangible impact.
• Direct collaboration with founders on strategy and culture.
• Chance to shape hiring, development, and retention practices in a scaling business.