Head of HR, ZILL Middle East

Zurich Insurance; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Zurich Middle East is seeking a Head of HR to lead HR strategy and support change initiatives in Dubai. This role involves advising leadership on HR issues, managing talent initiatives, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in HR management and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in HR management.
• Deep understanding of UAE HR policies and market trends.
• Experience in managing diverse HR teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR strategy and support change initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted HR partner to leadership.
• Oversee HR processes and manage local HR team.

Skills

Communication

Relationship Management

Attention to Detail

Stakeholder Management

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field

Professional HR certification (e.g., PHR, GPHR, SPHR, CIPD)

Job description

Job Summary

Zurich Middle East, part of Zurich Insurance Group, is one of the world's leading insurers. Our mission is to help our community understand and manage risks locally and globally.

Reporting to the CEO, Middle East, the Head of HR will lead the HR strategy, support change initiatives, and collaborate closely with business leaders to align HR practices with organizational goals. The role requires providing expert advice on HR issues, workforce planning, talent management, and employee engagement.

Job Accountabilities

The Head of HR must demonstrate seniority, independence, and analytical skills, capable of influencing leadership in areas such as organizational development, talent acquisition, retention, performance management, and employee relations. Responsibilities include:

1. Serving as a trusted HR partner and advisor to leadership.
2. Building strong relationships with business leads and contributing to the ME leadership team.
3. Setting and executing HR strategies aligned with business goals.
4. Leading talent initiatives like performance management, succession planning, and organizational design.
5. Advising on employee relations, disciplinary issues, and organizational development.
6. Overseeing HR processes and ensuring consistency across the organization.
7. Managing the local HR team and Centers of Excellence.
8. Managing benefits, overseeing compliance, and developing governance policies.
9. Analyzing data to identify improvement opportunities and drive initiatives.
10. Leading recruitment efforts, including Emiratization targets.
11. Providing strategic HR advice to minimize disruptions during change initiatives.
12. Representing HR on local committees and managing the HR budget.
13. Aligning HR activities with local and regional strategies.
14. Mentoring HR team members and responding to ad hoc HR needs.

Job Qualifications

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Excellent communication skills and cultural awareness.
• Strong relationship management abilities.
• Attention to detail with commercial acumen.
• Deep understanding of HR policies, local laws (UAE Federal and DIFC), and market trends.
• Experience managing diverse HR teams and leading change projects.
• Ability to understand business needs and advise on organizational planning.
• Confidentiality and experience in international, matrix organizations.
• Arabic language skills are advantageous.
• Strong stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Professional HR certification (e.g., PHR, GPHR, SPHR, CIPD).
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field with 6+ years of experience.

Additional Information

Location: Dubai, UAE. Full-time, no remote work. Closing date: 21 May 2025. Recruiter: Ilia Bakali.