Senior HR & Payroll Manager (UAE & UK Experienced)

About the role

An experienced Senior HR & Payroll Manager is sought to build the HR function from the ground up for the Dubai operation, putting in place policies, processes and systems and leading recruitment as the team grows. The role also oversees payroll and brings UK HR and payroll expertise, working closely with the group's HR team at the UK head office.

Key responsibilities

• Set up HR in Dubai: design and implement HR policies, procedures and employee handbook in line with UAE labour law
• Set up employment contracts, offer letters, onboarding, probation and exit processes
• Manage visas, work permits, labour cards, medical insurance and other UAE compliance requirements
• Select and implement HR and payroll systems, with process modernisation and streamlining as a key objective in the first year
• Lead recruitment for the new Dubai team, from administrative to first-line management roles, and build hiring processes, job descriptions and interview frameworks
• Shape onboarding and induction so new joiners settle in quickly
• Oversee end-to-end payroll, ensuring accuracy and compliance, and work with the UK team on UK payroll, statutory payments, pensions auto-enrolment and HMRC submissions
• Reconcile payroll with Finance and lead annual pay reviews and payroll budgeting
• Advise managers on performance, absence, disciplinary and grievance matters, and keep HR practice compliant with both UAE and UK laws
• Maintain accurate HR records and data protection, and prepare HR and payroll reports for senior management

Required profile

• Significant HR experience in both the UK and the UAE
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR practice, and of UAE labour law
• At least 3 years overseeing or running end-to-end payroll
• Experience setting up or scaling an HR function, ideally in a growing or start-up operation
• Recruitment experience in the UAE for administrative and first-line management roles
• Comfortable working on site in the Dubai office and travelling to the UK at least once a quarter for a week
• Excellent communication, organisation and discretion

Required skills

• CIPD Level 5 or above preferred
• Sage Payroll experience (other payroll systems also welcome)
• Experience in manufacturing, operations or multi-site businesses
• Track record of using HR software to modernise and streamline processes