HR Generalist

Michael Page; Dubai; On-site; AED 450,000 - 500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Company visa

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Michael Page in Dubai is seeking an accomplished HR leader to partner with senior leadership to shape HR frameworks and drive people strategies. The role covers policy development, recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, payroll, and compliance with UAE Labour Law and free zone regulations.

The successful candidate will balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution, support the establishment of the Dubai office, and ensure governance across the employee lifecycle.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive HR Generalist experience within the UAE.
• Experience establishing or developing HR functions in a growing or new business.
• Strong knowledge across recruitment and onboarding, employee relations, performance management and compensation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement HR policies, procedures, employee handbooks, code of conduct and governance frameworks.
• Establish HR processes aligned with group standards while ensuring local compliance.
• Build and maintain employee records, documentation and HR reporting.
• Support setting up the new Dubai office and related people processes.
• Manage HR administration across the employee lifecycle.
• Lead recruitment activities for Dubai operations and coordinate with agencies and hiring managers.
• Provide HR guidance to managers and employees and handle grievances and disciplinary matters.
• Support payroll, benefits administration, and annual salary reviews.
• Coordinate performance management and development initiatives.

Skills

Recruitment onboarding

HR policy development

UAE Labour Law

Employee relations

Payroll administration

HRIS familiarity

Stakeholder management

Arabic language

Tools

HRIS systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

The successful candidate will work closely with the senior leadership team to build HR frameworks, implement policies and procedures, manage recruitment activity, and ensure compliance with UAE labour legislation and free zone regulations.

This opportunity is ideally suited to an HR professional who thrives in entrepreneurial environments, enjoys building processes and is comfortable balancing strategic thinking with operational execution.

Client Details

Our client is a well-established international energy and commodities group with a significant presence across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Description

HR Operations & Infrastructure

Develop and implement HR policies, procedures, employee handbooks, code of conduct and governance frameworks.Establish HR processes aligned with group standards whilst ensuring local compliance.Build and maintain employee records, documentation and HR reporting.Support the establishment of the new Dubai office and associated people processes.Manage HR administration across the employee lifecycle.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

Lead all recruitment activities for the growing Dubai operation.Partner closely with business leaders to identify talent requirements and hiring priorities.Coordinate recruitment agencies, candidates and hiring managers.Design and implement onboarding programmes for new hires.Support the relocation and transfer of employees from international offices into Dubai.

Employee Relations

Act as the first point of contact for employee relations matters.Provide practical HR guidance to managers and employees.Handle grievances, disciplinary matters and workplace issues in line with local legislation and company policy.Build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation.

Compensation, Benefits & Payroll

Support payroll administration and related controls.Manage employee benefits administration.Coordinate annual compensation and salary review processes.Support performance-related bonus administration and employee communications.

Performance Management & Development

Coordinate performance management processes.Support learning and development initiatives.Identify opportunities to strengthen organisational capability and employee engagement.

Compliance & UAE Employment Regulation

Ensure compliance with UAE Labour Law and relevant regulations.Prepare and review employment contracts and supporting documentation.Manage visa, work permit and residency processes.Liaise with government authorities, free zone entities and external service providers.Monitor legislative updates and advise management on potential impacts.

Stakeholder Management

Act as a trusted advisor to the Managing Director and local leadership team.Maintain effective relationships with external providers and government stakeholders.Provide regular updates and recommendations on employee matters and compliance requirements.

Profile

10+ years of progressive HR Generalist experience within the UAE.Proven experience establishing or developing HR functions in a growing or newly established business.Strong practical knowledge across:Recruitment and onboardingEmployee relationsPerformance managementLearning and developmentCompensation and benefitsPayroll administrationHR complianceEnd-of-service processesExcellent understanding of UAE Labour Law.Practical experience working with free zones and mainland employment regulations.Experience managing visas, work permits and residency processes.Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.Native Arabic Speaker

Job Offer

Annual package: AED 450,000 - AED 500,000Competitive benefits package including:Medical insurance for employee, spouse and eligible dependentsCompany-sponsored employment visaLong-term career development opportunities within a growing international organisation

Skills

Human Resources