Head of HR & Emiratization

Confidential; Dubai; On-site; AED 850,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential in the United Arab Emirates seeks a Head of HR & Emiratization to lead the Group’s HR function and national talent agenda. You will shape HR strategy, governance, and a competitive rewards framework while developing Emirati professionals into future leaders across subsidiaries.

You will own the Emiratization target, partner with universities and government programs, and oversee payroll governance, budgets and HR analytics. Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

Qualifications

• Senior HR leadership experience in a multi-entity/group environment.
• Knowledge of UAE Labour Law and MOHRE regulations.
• Proven hands-on experience implementing HR policies and processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead Group HR strategy and governance across entities.
• Drive Emiratization strategy and national talent programs.
• Design and manage compensation, benefits and annual salary reviews.
• Monitor HR metrics and ensure data-driven reporting.
• Lead and develop HR teams and stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Emiratization strategy

UAE Labour Law

Stakeholder management

Talent development

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or Business Administration

Master's degree preferred

Tools

HRIS

HR analytics tools

Job description

Role Purpose

The Head of HR & Emiratization leads the Group's human resources function and owns its national talent agenda. The role sets HR strategy, policy and governance across the holding company and its subsidiaries, and builds a strong pipeline of Emirati talent that meets and exceeds Emiratization targets. The successful candidate is a hands-on leader who can design practical policies and processes, run a competitive and fair compensation and benefits framework, and develop Emirati professionals into the Group's future leaders.

Key Responsibilities

HR Strategy & Governance

• Develop and execute the Group HR strategy in line with business objectives and growth plans.
• Design, implement and regularly review Group-wide HR policies, procedures and the HR manual, ensuring consistency across subsidiaries.
• Ensure full compliance with UAE Labour Law, MOHRE requirements and other applicable regulations.
• Provide trusted advice to the CEO, Board and subsidiary leadership on people matters, organizational design and workforce planning.
• Drive HR digitization, HRIS adoption and data-driven reporting (headcount, attrition, cost, diversity, Emiratization KPIs).

Emiratization

• Own the Group Emiratization strategy and ensure compliance with MOHRE / Nafis targets and any sector-specific requirements across all entities.
• Build sourcing partnerships with universities, Nafis, government entities and national talent programs to attract Emirati talent.
• Lead the hiring, onboarding and retention of Emirati employees at all levels, including graduates, experienced professionals and future leaders.
• Design and run development programs for Emirati talent, including graduate and internship programs, mentoring, leadership pipelines and succession plans.
• Monitor Emiratization performance, report progress to senior management and relevant authorities, and manage audits and inspections.
• Promote an inclusive workplace where Emirati employees can grow into meaningful, high-impact roles.

Compensation & Benefits

• Design and maintain the Group's grading structure, salary scales and total rewards framework.
• Benchmark pay and benefits against the market and recommend adjustments to stay competitive.
• Oversee annual salary reviews, bonus and incentive schemes, allowances, and benefits (including pension/GPSSA contributions for nationals, medical and end-of-service).
• Manage payroll governance and HR budgets in partnership with Finance.

Employee Relations & Culture

• Handle employee relations, disciplinary and grievance matters fairly and in line with policy and law.
• Champion Group values and culture and lead engagement initiatives.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop the Group HR team and guide HR leads in subsidiaries.
• Manage the HR function's budget, vendors and service quality.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• UAE National (mandatory).
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field; a Master's degree is preferred.
• Significant senior-level HR experience (typically 15+ years), including leadership of an HR function in a multi-entity or group environment.
• Proven hands-on experience developing and implementing HR policies and processes.
• Proven experience in compensation and benefits, including grading, benchmarking and reward design.
• Demonstrated experience hiring and developing Emirati talent, with a track record of meeting Emiratization targets.
• Strong knowledge of UAE Labour Law, MOHRE regulations and Emiratization requirements.
• Proficiency in HRIS and HR analytics tools.
• Fluent in English and Arabic.

Preferred

• Professional certification such as CIPD, SHRM-SCP, SPHR or equivalent.
• Experience in a holding company or diversified group with multiple business sectors.
• Experience working with government and semi-government entities on national workforce programs.