Employee Relations Manager

Carter Knight FZ LLC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 334,800 - 502,200; Full time

Job summary

A leading UAE organization is seeking an Employee Relations Manager responsible for managing complex employee relations cases and payroll coordination. This role demands 7–10 years of HR experience, particularly in high-governance environments. The successful candidate will ensure compliance, digitalisation of processes, and maintain confidential records, contributing to the overall governance standards of the organization.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of progressive HR experience with strong exposure to employee relations.
• Experience working in high-governance environments.
• Working knowledge of payroll processes and GPSSA administration.

Responsibilities

• Manage employee relations cases including grievances and investigations.
• Validate and coordinate ER-related payroll inputs.
• Maintain ER trackers and contribute to reporting.

Skills

Employee relations case management

Investigation skills

Attention to detail

Confidentiality compliance

Tools

HRIS systems

Reporting tools

Job description

We are supporting a leading organisation in the UAE in the appointment of an Employee Relations Manager. This role will be responsible for the effective execution of employee relations activities and payroll‑related interfaces, ensuring strong governance, confidentiality, and consistent application of internal policies across the business.

The successful candidate will act as a senior individual contributor, managing complex ER cases while supporting payroll coordination, reporting, and continuous process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations

• Manage employee relations cases including grievances, conduct matters, investigations, and performance‑related issues.
• Conduct interviews, gather information, and prepare accurate case documentation and summaries.
• Ensure consistent application of ER policies and maintain confidential, audit‑ready records in line with governance standards.

Payroll & GPSSA Support

• Validate and coordinate ER‑related payroll inputs, including disciplinary actions, unpaid leave, deductions, recoveries, and final settlements.
• Support GPSSA data updates and documentation in collaboration with Payroll and HR Operations.
• Assist with reconciliation of payroll exceptions arising from ER actions or employee status changes.

Reporting & Governance

• Maintain ER trackers, logs, and case records.
• Contribute to ER reporting, trend analysis, audits, and governance reviews.
• Ensure timely and accurate responses to internal audit and compliance requirements.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Use HRIS and payroll systems to execute ER‑related activities.
• Support digitalisation, automation, and system enhancements across ER and payroll processes.

Candidate Requirements

• 7–10 years of progressive HR experience with strong exposure to employee relations case management and investigations.
• Demonstrated experience working within sovereign wealth funds, investment banks, asset management firms, or similarly high‑governance environments.
• Working knowledge of payroll processes and GPSSA administration.
• High attention to detail, confidentiality, and governance compliance.
• Experience using HR systems, digital workflows, and reporting tools.