HR Manager – Lead Employee Experience & Emiratisation

About the role

We are seeking a proactive, people‑focused HR Manager to lead our human resources function in the UAE. The role will own the full employee lifecycle, develop practical HR policies, strengthen employee relations, support recruitment and ensure compliance with UAE labour law and Emiratisation initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the complete employee lifecycle from onboarding to offboarding, including performance management and retention.
• Develop, implement and regularly update HR policies, procedures and the employee handbook.
• Lead end‑to‑end recruitment: workforce planning, job advertising, screening, interviewing, offer management and onboarding.
• Provide confidential, fair guidance to employees and managers, handling grievances, disciplinary matters and workplace investigations.
• Drive employee engagement, well‑being, recognition and retention initiatives.
• Support managers with performance reviews, development plans, succession planning and organisational needs.
• Develop and execute the company’s Emiratisation strategy, attracting, hiring, developing and retaining UAE nationals.
• Monitor Emiratisation targets, maintain accurate records and report in line with UAE requirements.
• Build relationships with government entities, universities, career platforms and recruitment partners to strengthen the UAE national talent pipeline.
• Ensure HR practices comply with UAE labour regulations and internal standards.
• Maintain accurate employee records, contracts and HR documentation.
• Track key HR metrics and use data to recommend improvements.
• Promote an inclusive, collaborative and high‑performance workplace culture.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of HR experience, including HR management or business partnering.
• Strong knowledge of the full employee lifecycle and modern HR practices.
• Proven experience in recruitment, employee relations, policy development and performance management.
• Practical knowledge of Emiratisation programmes and UAE national recruitment strategies.
• Good understanding of UAE labour regulations and HR compliance.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, negotiation and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism.
• Comfortable using HR systems, recruitment platforms and data‑driven decision making.
• Strong written and spoken English.
• Professional HR certification (CIPD, SHRM or equivalent) is an advantage.

Required skills