People & Culture Manager

About the role

We are seeking an experienced, commercially‑minded People & Culture Manager to lead the people function of a growing professional‑services firm. The role blends day‑to‑day HR management with longer‑term people strategy, working closely with senior leaders to build an engaged, high‑performing workplace while ensuring compliance with UAE labour law.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement a people strategy aligned with business objectives and partner with senior leadership on priority areas.
• Drive employee engagement, retention and culture initiatives, acting as a trusted advisor to managers and staff.
• Lead full‑cycle recruitment, onboarding, succession planning and talent development across the organisation.
• Own performance‑management processes, support goal setting, reviews and address performance issues.
• Provide employee‑relations guidance, manage grievances, disciplinary actions and promote an inclusive workplace.
• Maintain HR policies, procedures and records in line with UAE legislation; oversee contracts, benefits, payroll coordination and HR reporting.
• Design and run employee‑wellbeing and engagement programmes, gathering feedback and translating insights into action.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology or a related field.
• Progressive HR experience, preferably in professional services, consulting, finance, legal or accounting environments.
• Demonstrated experience in a broad, standalone HR or People & Culture role.
• Strong knowledge of UAE employment legislation and HR best practices.
• Proven ability to partner with senior stakeholders and advise on people matters.
• Excellent employee‑relations and performance‑management capabilities.
• Highly organised, proactive and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to use HR data to identify trends and inform decisions.