Dubai HR Architect for a Growing Regional Hub

Michael Page; Dubai; On-site; AED 320,000 - 460,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance for employee, spouse

Company-sponsored employment visa

Long‑term career development

Job summary

Michael Page in Dubai is looking for an experienced HR Manager to shape the people strategy for a growing international energy and commodities group. You will lead recruitment, establish governance, and implement HR processes while ensuring local compliance and UAE Labour Law adherence.

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will manage payroll, benefits, visas, and stakeholder engagement, driving talent acquisition and people development for the new Dubai hub.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive HR lifecycle experience within the UAE.
• Proven experience establishing or developing HR functions in a growing or newly established business.
• Practical experience working with free zones and mainland employment regulations.
• Experience managing visas, work permits and residency processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement HR policies, procedures, employee handbooks, code of conduct and governance frameworks.
• Establish HR processes aligned with group standards while ensuring local compliance.
• Build and maintain employee records, documentation and HR reporting.
• Support the establishment of the new Dubai office and associated people processes.
• Manage HR administration across the employee lifecycle.
• Lead all recruitment activities for the growing Dubai operation.
• Partner closely with business leaders to identify talent requirements and hiring priorities.
• Coordinate recruitment agencies, candidates and hiring managers.
• Design and implement onboarding programmes for new hires.
• Support the relocation and transfer of employees from international offices into Dubai.
• Act as the first point of contact for employee relations matters.
• Provide practical HR guidance to managers and employees.
• Handle grievances, disciplinary matters and workplace issues in line with local legislation and company policy.
• Build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation.
• Support payroll administration and related controls.
• Manage employee benefits administration.
• Coordinate annual compensation and salary review processes.
• Support performance‑related bonus administration and employee communications.
• Support learning and development initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen organisational capability and employee engagement.
• Ensure compliance with UAE Labour Law and relevant regulations.
• Prepare and review employment contracts and supporting documentation.
• Manage visa, work permit and residency processes.
• Liaise with government authorities, free‑zone entities and external service providers.
• Monitor legislative updates and advise management on potential impacts.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Managing Director and local leadership team.
• Maintain effective relationships with external providers and government stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates and recommendations on employee matters and compliance requirements

Skills

Recruitment & onboarding

Employee relations

Performance management

Learning & development

Compensation & benefits

Payroll administration

HR compliance

End‑of‑service processes

UAE Labour Law

Stakeholder management

Microsoft Office

HRIS systems

Tools

HRIS systems

Job description

Michael Page in Dubai is looking for an experienced HR Manager to shape the people strategy for a growing international energy and commodities group. You will lead recruitment, establish governance, and implement HR processes while ensuring local compliance and UAE Labour Law adherence.

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will manage payroll, benefits, visas, and stakeholder engagement, driving talent acquisition and people development for the new Dubai hub.