Associate Manager – Workforce Planning

Whitecrow Research Private Limited; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A research organization in Dubai is looking for an experienced Workforce Planning Lead. The successful candidate will oversee the annual workforce planning cycle, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and delivering insightful analytics. Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree in HR or a related field, with 6–8 years of strategic workforce planning experience. This role emphasizes Emiratization and requires strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills. The position offers a unique opportunity to shape workforce strategy in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 6–8 years of experience in a strategic HR or Workforce Planning function.
• At least 3 years in roles with increasing managerial or leadership responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the annual workforce planning cycle.
• Supervise daily workforce planning activities.
• Manage the integrated annual workforce planning exercise.
• Deliver workforce analytics and Emiratization insights.
• Coordinate and manage organizational structure changes.

Skills

Workforce planning

HR strategy development

Change management

Workforce analytics

Budgeting

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Lead and manage the annual workforce planning cycle by partnering closely with business stakeholders to understand evolving strategies and operating models. The role is responsible for evaluating workforce requirements, cost implications, and governance adherence, and for providing leadership with accurate, data‑driven insights to support informed decision‑making.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Policies, Processes & Procedures

• Recommend enhancements to workforce planning and organisational development policies
• Ensure implementation of procedures and controls in line with internal governance and regulatory requirements
• Deliver high‑quality, cost‑effective workforce planning solutions to internal stakeholders

Day‑to‑Day Operations

• Supervise daily workforce planning and organisational development activities
• Ensure operational processes are executed in line with approved policies, standards, and frameworks

Workforce Planning & Budgeting

• Manage the integrated annual workforce planning exercise and obtain required approvals
• Oversee workforce cost modelling and ensure alignment with approved plans and HR policies
• Conduct cost analysis, trend comparisons, and variance reporting to support strategic decisions
• Participate in business performance and productivity reviews, addressing workforce‑related queries
• Manage manpower requirements for non‑budgeted roles arising from evolving business needs
• Ensure functional adherence to approved manpower plans and workforce budgets

Leadership & Stakeholder Support

• Deliver workforce analytics, Emiratization insights, and scenario analyses to support leadership KPIs and targets
• Act as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders on workforce strategy and governance

Organisation Structure Management

• Coordinate and manage organisational structure changes using approved formats and governance processes
• Facilitate review and approval of structural changes with relevant leadership forums

Standards & Governance

• Design and implement workforce planning standards, controls, and governance frameworks
• Ensure alignment with local regulations and leading market practices

People Management

• Supervise and develop team members through ongoing feedback, performance management, and coaching
• Ensure delivery of objectives in line with agreed targets and timelines

Safety, Quality & Environment

• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, quality, and environmental policies and procedures

Additional Responsibilities

• Undertake other related duties as assigned to support organisational objectives

AUTHORITY / DECISION MAKING

• Operates within defined policies and objectives with general direction
• Responsible for determining priorities, plans, and processes required to achieve workforce planning outcomes
• Actions impacting other functions or business units require appropriate approvals

Skills

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• As part of our Emiratisation initiative, we are seeking Emirati talent for this role.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Organisation Development, Organisational Effectiveness, or a related field
• Postgraduate qualification preferred

Minimum Experience

• 6–8 years of experience in a strategic HR or Workforce Planning function
• At least 3 years in roles with increasing managerial or leadership responsibility

Core Skills

• Workforce planning and manpower management
• HR strategy development
• Change management principles
• Workforce analytics and data interpretation
• Budgeting and cost control
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills