HR Director (UAE National)

Keolis; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public transportation organization in Dubai seeks an HR Director to oversee human resource strategy, partnerships with stakeholders, and enhance organizational effectiveness. The ideal candidate must have extensive HR experience, strong leadership skills, and familiarity with local culture. Responsibilities include managing HR operations, labor relations, and advising senior management. This role demands a proactive approach and a commitment to ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10–15 years’ generalist/operational HR experience.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience advising at a senior management level.
• Experience of leading a team in a complex environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the HR strategy in line with business objectives.
• Coordinate the implementation of the organizational effectiveness model.
• Manage labor relations and ensure compliance with agreements.

Skills

Professional liaison skills

Strong local cultural knowledge

Excellent communication and negotiation skills

Proactive attitude

Leadership and business acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences

Postgraduate specialization in HR

Job description

HR Director – Job Description

The HR Director is responsible for recommending and coordinating the execution of the human resource strategy in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• HR Strategy — Provides strategic leadership by articulating HR needs and plans to the executive management and translates strategic and tactical business plans into HR plans. Evaluates and advises on the impact of long-range planning of new programs/strategies and regulatory action as those items affect attraction, motivation, development and retention of people resources.
• Participates in the development of the organization’s plans and programs as a strategic partner, particularly from the perspective of the impact on people.

• HR Systems and Process — Enables the management of all people functions in accordance with policies and practices, ethics, and applicable laws and regulatory rulings. Supports effective managerial application through the development and deployment of fit-for-purpose HR processes including succession planning, talent management, change management, organizational and performance management, training and development, compensation and benefits, employee and labour relations, payroll and employee administration (within the context of regional policy and HR framework).
• Develops staffing strategies and implementation plans to identify talent within and outside the organization. Identifies external sources for candidates for all levels.
• Develops programs to embrace applicants and employees of all backgrounds and to enable full development and performance of all employees.

Organizational Design

• Coordinate the implementation of the Keolis Way – organizational effectiveness model to ensure conditions enable each employee to contribute to business objectives and reach full potential.
• Coordinate the annual employee survey program to drive engagement through targeted interventions on identified deficiencies.

HR Leadership and Organization

• Participate in the development of plans and programs as a Strategic Business Partner (HRBP), focusing on impact on people.
• Plan, develop, organize, implement, direct and evaluate the organization’s human resources function and performance.
• Provide technical advice and knowledge within the HR discipline.
• Manage the budget and financial measures of the HR department.

Stakeholder Relations

• Develop, implement, and manage labour relations to ensure compliance with the collective bargaining agreement.
• Maintain productive trade union relationships, ensuring organizational interests are represented and unions are engaged to enable sustainable success.
• Work with trade unions to establish working conditions that enable change and career development in a safe and efficient manner.

KEY SKILLS

• Ability to liaise professionally with staff at all levels; the HR Director needs to understand the metro system at hand as well as the organization and policies in place.
• Strong experience in local culture and regulatory environment. Understanding of political and economic trends in the country.
• Service-oriented culture: build trust with operational managers at all levels. Strong experience in working collaboratively and cross-functionally.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and negotiation skills, and relationship management skills.
• Role model in integrity and ethical standards.
• Proactive attitude with a strong sense of conviction.
• Experience from large complex disposal/integration processes, and large and long contracts.
• Previous work in Public Transportation (desirable) or in complex and big organisations.
• Comfortable representing the corporation to relevant stakeholders.
• Ability to manage priorities effectively with flexibility to respond to changing needs and requirements.
• Acts on own initiative and can take a creative, innovative approach as well as work as part of a team.
• Strong leadership and business acumen.
• Competent in Global & Cultural Awareness, Critical Evaluation and Consultation.
• Expert in Requisite Organization model (foundation of Keolis Way).

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 10–15 years’ generalist/operational HR experience.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience advising at a senior management level / board level as an HR Director.
• Experience of leading a team of people.
• Practical experience delivering change in complex and demanding environments.
• Experience of working in a diverse, multi-site organisation.
• Client-facing experience.
• Experienced coach and mentor.

EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences or a related field, with a postgraduate specialization in HR, master’s degree in HRM, business or public administration, or closely related field.
• At least ten years of applicable experience in the Public Service industry (preferred) or in complex organisations.