HR Manager – Lead HR Operations & Talent Acquisition

About the role

We are seeking an experienced HR Manager to lead the Human Resources function for a fast‑growing asset valuation and consulting firm in the UAE. The role partners with senior leadership to align workforce planning, talent acquisition and employee engagement with business objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Act as product owner for internal HR systems (recruitment, staff, leave), defining requirements, testing features and driving continuous improvement.
• Manage the full UAE visa lifecycle, labour cards, Emirates ID and related medical/insurance formalities, liaising with PROs, MOHRE and GDRFA.
• Ensure contracts, policies and procedures comply with UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree‑Law No. 33 of 2021) and handle disciplinary, grievance and termination matters.
• Lead end‑to‑end recruitment: write job descriptions, source and screen candidates, manage agency relationships and build talent pipelines for specialist roles.
• Oversee onboarding and off‑boarding, employee relations, leave and attendance, and maintain audit‑ready personnel files and HR reporting.
• Design and run retention initiatives such as town‑halls, recognition programmes and career development activities.

Required profile

• Minimum 7 years progressive HR experience in the UAE, including at least 2 years in a senior HR manager or generalist role.
• Master’s degree in HR, Law, Business Administration or a related field; HR certification (CIPD, SHRM‑CP, PHRi) is a strong plus.
• Experience shaping HRIS or HR technology solutions together with IT or development teams.
• Legal background is preferred.

Required skills

• In‑depth knowledge of UAE Labour Law and its practical application.
• Strong understanding of UAE visa, immigration and labour‑card processes.
• Familiarity with the property/asset valuation or building surveying sector, or willingness to learn quickly.
• Ability to write basic system requirements and collaborate with developers on HR tech projects.
• Proven track record of managing full‑cycle recruitment and agency relationships.