Director Human Resources Strategy & Performance

Confidential; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Dubai seeks an HR Director to lead the strategic direction of the human resources function. The role involves designing integrated strategies in performance management, workforce planning, and employee relations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The ideal candidate will have extensive HR leadership experience, strong knowledge of UAE labor laws, and a proven track record in developing talent and fostering a high-performance culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10–15 years of progressive HR leadership experience.
• At least 5 years in a strategic or director-level role.
• Strong knowledge of UAE labor laws and HR best practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the HR strategic roadmap aligned with business goals.
• Lead strategic workforce planning initiatives.
• Design and implement a performance management framework.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical capability

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder engagement

Conflict resolution

Change management

Emotional intelligence

Results-driven

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources

Master’s degree in related field

Job description

To lead the strategic direction of the human resources function by designing and implementing integrated strategies in performance management, workforce planning, succession planning, training & development, and employee relations. This role ensures that HR initiatives align with organizational goals, foster a high-performance culture, and support talent development across all levels of the business.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop and execute the HR strategic roadmap in alignment with the organization’s vision, mission, and long-term business goals.
2. Lead strategic workforce planning initiatives to ensure the right talent, skills, and capabilities are available to meet future business needs.
3. Collaborate with executive leadership to translate business strategy into HR objectives and action plans.

Performance Management

• Design and implement a company-wide performance management framework to drive high performance and continuous improvement.
• Lead the annual performance review cycle and ensure performance outcomes are aligned with career progression, learning, and rewards.
• Provide guidance to leadership on performance coaching and improvement plans.

Succession Planning

• Establish and lead the succession planning framework for critical and leadership roles.
• Partner with senior leaders to identify high-potential talent and development pathways.
• Drive leadership development programs to build future-ready leaders.

Training & Development

• Oversee the creation and execution of employee training strategies to support capability building, compliance, and professional development.
• Evaluate and improve learning platforms, content, and delivery methods (classroom, e-learning, blended).
• Ensure learning interventions are aligned with business needs and measurable through ROI metrics.

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Lead the employee relations strategy to maintain a positive, engaging, and compliant workplace environment.
• Ensure fair and transparent handling of grievances, disciplinary processes, and conflict resolution.
• Work closely with management and staff to foster open communication and employee engagement.

Policy Governance

• Review, develop, and implement HR policies and procedures that reflect best practices and legal requirements.
• Ensure consistent application of policies across the organization, with appropriate change management and communication.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead, coach, and mentor the HR strategy and performance team to deliver business impact.
• Build strong relationships with senior business leaders and function heads.
• Actively contribute to the Emiratization strategy and talent pipeline development where applicable.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 10–15 years of progressive HR leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a strategic or director-level role.
• Proven expertise in HR strategy, performance management, succession planning, employee training, and employee relations.
• Experience in both public and private sector organizations in the UAE is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of UAE labor laws and HR best practices.
• Certification in HR (CIPD, SHRM, or similar) is a plus.
• Strategic thinking and analytical capability.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High emotional intelligence and conflict resolution ability.
• Change management and organizational development.
• Results-driven and focused on business impact.