Head of HR Operations & People Strategy

Pareto People Pty; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Client in Abu Dhabi seeks an experienced Head of Human Resources to lead and develop the HR function. You will own end-to-end employee lifecycle, governance, payroll, and talent management, reporting to senior leadership in a confidential service setting.

The role requires high judgement, discretion, and integrity, with the ability to implement practical HR frameworks in a lean environment. UAE experience and senior HR leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Psychology, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience.
• Broad generalist HR remit including governance and compliance.
• Strong HR operations experience including payroll and data management.
• Experience advising senior leaders and managing sensitive matters.

Responsibilities

• Translate organisational requirements into practical people plans and workforce priorities.
• Advise senior leadership on structure, roles, and workforce risks.
• Develop scalable HR practices aligned with organisation size and culture.
• Lead continuous improvement and development of the HR function.
• Oversee the complete employee lifecycle from onboarding to separation.
• Coordinate visa, medical insurance, and other admin with providers.
• Maintain HR policy framework, handbook, SOPs, and documentation.
• Lead recruitment for vacant positions and onboarding processes.
• Oversee salary structures, allowances, benefits, and payroll processes.
• Manage performance management framework and talent development.
• Provide HR advisory support to senior leadership and managers.

Skills

Strategic HR leadership

Stakeholder management

Confidentiality & discretion

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business/Psychology

Job description

Confidential Client in Abu Dhabi seeks an experienced Head of Human Resources to lead and develop the HR function. You will own end-to-end employee lifecycle, governance, payroll, and talent management, reporting to senior leadership in a confidential service setting.

The role requires high judgement, discretion, and integrity, with the ability to implement practical HR frameworks in a lean environment. UAE experience and senior HR leadership are essential.