HR Operations Manager - Construction

About the role

ikonhouse is looking for an experienced HR Manager to run day-to-day HR operations for a large, site-based construction workforce in Dubai. This is a hands-on operational role, not a technical recruitment position. You will own the employee lifecycle from onboarding to exit, keep the company compliant with UAE and Dubai labor regulations, and build HR policies that fit the company.

Key responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end HR operations for head office, project sites and labor camps
• Lead onboarding and offboarding, including documentation, visas, labor cards, medical and Emirates ID processes, and clearances
• Oversee payroll inputs and salary processing in line with WPS requirements, and calculate end-of-service gratuity and final settlements
• Stay current with UAE Labor Law and Dubai-specific regulations and update HR practices accordingly
• Draft and maintain a company-specific HR policy handbook and roll it out across the workforce
• Handle employee relations, grievances, disciplinary matters and labor-related queries for a multicultural blue-collar workforce
• Conduct regular site and labor-camp visits to engage with employees and ensure welfare and compliance standards
• Maintain HR records, leave and attendance tracking, and MIS reporting for management
• Coordinate with MOHRE, immigration and other authorities as required
• Advise department heads on HR matters

Required profile

• 10+ years of HR experience, with hands-on HR operations experience in the UAE construction industry
• Proven track record managing a large blue-collar workforce
• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration or a related field
• Fluent in English and Hindi
• High integrity, honesty and dedication; comfortable working on site and in camp environments and willing to travel locally

Required skills

• Strong working knowledge of UAE Labor Law and Dubai-specific HR rules
• Ability to write policies and handbooks tailored to a specific company
• Communication, negotiation and conflict-resolution skills
• Oracle HR/ERP experience is a plus; HR certifications such as CIPD, SHRM or HRCI are a plus