HR Operations

Thales Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 201,000 - 335,000; Full time

Job summary

Thales Group in Abu Dhabi seeks a Generalist HR professional to deliver compliant HR operations, manage employee relations, and contribute to talent development across a multinational environment in the UAE.

The role requires experience in UAE labour law, stakeholder collaboration, and a proactive approach to organizational development and change. Arabic and English proficiency are preferred for effective engagement.

Qualifications

• Master in HR preferred with 5–10 years in HR generalist roles.
• Experience in UAE labour law and multinational settings.
• Arabic and English proficiency preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely, compliant HR operations delivery and performance cycle support.
• Advise on employee relations matters, investigations, grievances, and disciplinary actions in line with UAE law.
• Support UAE nationals talent development, succession planning, and partnerships with local universities.
• Collaborate with People Support Services to improve HR service delivery and organizational effectiveness.

Skills

HR Operations

Employee Relations

Talent Management

Organizational Development

Change Management

People Analytics

UAE Labour Law

Education

Master's in HR

Job description

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible. For over 50 years, Thales has been a trusted partner of the United Arab Emirates, providing innovative and cutting-edge solutions in Defence, Aeropsace and Cyber & Digital, aligned with the nation’s long-term vision. With a strong local presence and more than 500 employees across three offices, Thales is deeply embedded within the UAE’s ecosystem. Thales Emarat Technologies plays a pivotal role as a key industrial enabler, fostering national sovereignty, self-reliance, and innovation. Through localization, strategic collaboration, and exporting ‘Made in the Emirates’ technologies to global markets, we contribute significantly to the UAE’s ambitious growth and development while helping build a future we call all trust.

JOB OBJECTIVE

To deliver efficient, compliant, and business-focused HR operations that enable organizational performance and a positive employee experience. The role supports the execution of core HR processes, manages employee relations, contributes to talent and organizational development initiatives, and collaborates with internal stakeholders to ensure consistent, high-quality HR service delivery. Through data-driven insights, continuous improvement, and effective partnership with business leaders and People Support Services, the role helps strengthen workforce capability, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. HR Operations Excellence Ensure the timely and accurate execution of key HR processes and the overall Performance Management Cycle. Monitor HR process effectiveness and recommend continuous improvements to policies, procedures, and best practices. Leverage HR metrics and people analytics to provide data-driven insights that support business decisions.
2. Employee Relations & Employee Experience Act as a trusted HR advisor to managers and employees on HR policies, procedures, and employment matters. Manage employee relations cases, including grievances, investigations, disciplinary matters, and corrective action plans, ensuring compliance with UAE Labour Law and company policies. Analyze employee engagement survey results, develop action plans, and support the implementation of initiatives to improve employee experience and engagement. Drive initiatives that strengthen organizational culture, employee engagement, inclusion, recognition, and well-being, fostering a positive, collaborative, and high-performing workplace.
3. Talent Management & Workforce Development Support Emiratization initiatives by developing strategies to attract, recruit, and retain UAE Nationals in line with regulatory requirements. Build and maintain partnerships with universities, training institutions, and industry organizations to develop future talent pipelines. Identify current and future leadership and technical capability needs, supporting succession planning and talent development aligned with business objectives. Partner with Regional Centers of Excellence on Talent Management, Learning & Development, Talent Acquisition, and Compensation & Benefits initiatives.
4. Organizational Effectiveness & Change Support organizational transformation initiatives, ensuring effective change management and assessment of people impacts. Partner with managers to implement organizational changes while maintaining employee engagement and business continuity. Support communication and adoption of organizational changes across the business.
5. Collaboration with People Support Services (PSS) Work closely with the People Support Services (PSS) team to ensure the efficient delivery of HR services and a seamless employee experience. Partner with PSS to resolve employee and manager inquiries related to HR policies, employee records, benefits, payroll, and HR systems. Support continuous improvement of HR service delivery by identifying process enhancements and collaborating with PSS to implement standardized and efficient solutions. Escalate complex employee cases to PSS as appropriate while maintaining effective communication with stakeholders.

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

A Generalist HR who has experience in human resources in the areas of staffing, performance management, change management, compensation and benefits, organization development, employee relations, training and knowledge of UAE labour law. In-depth knowledge and understanding of progressive HR practices. Successful track record of initiating People strategies to support business growth and change. Strong capability in managing dynamic and matrix relations with different stakeholders. Excellent influencing, communication, and presentation skills Result orientation with high productivity; strong desire for success Experience of working across projects, including knowledge of Project Life Cycle. Working in a complex, multidisciplinary, multi-site organization

QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATION & EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Preferably a Master majoring in HR; between 5-10 years of experience in the HR domain with appropriate experience in the HR generalist function in good multi-national organizations. Arabic & English speaker is preferable.

PREFERRED SKILLS

Business and solution focus, analytical skills, critical thinking and self-initiative. Strong organizational, problem-solving, interpersonal, and influencing skills. Strong team spirit.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.