HR Transformation Lead — UAE Labour Law & Org Design

Michael Page; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 260,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page is partnering with a large UAE-based, manpower-intensive organisation to build and transform its HR function from the ground up in Abu Dhabi. You will lead a comprehensive workforce review, design governance aligned with UAE Labour Law, and drive payroll controls, data integrity and reporting across the business.

The successful candidate will bring at least 7 years of HR leadership experience in the UAE, with a track record of implementing major HR policy frameworks, organisation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration or related discipline is required.
• CIPD, SHRM or equivalent professional qualification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a full review of workforce structure, HR processes, organisation design, payroll controls, employee data and existing policies.
• Design and implement HR policies, procedures, frameworks and governance aligned to UAE labour regulations.
• Drive organisation design, manpower planning, workforce productivity and headcount management initiatives.
• Introduce structured performance management, job grading, compensation frameworks and succession planning processes.
• Strengthen payroll, attendance, overtime and employee data controls while improving HR reporting and workforce visibility.
• Lead recruitment, employee relations, compliance and employee lifecycle processes across the organisation.
• Build and develop the HR function to support both operational and strategic objectives.

Skills

HR leadership

Organisational design

Workforce planning

Payroll controls

UAE Labour Law knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related discipline

CIPD/SHRM certification

Tools

HR systems (Payroll/HRIS)

Job description

Michael Page is partnering with a large UAE-based, manpower-intensive organisation to build and transform its HR function from the ground up in Abu Dhabi. You will lead a comprehensive workforce review, design governance aligned with UAE Labour Law, and drive payroll controls, data integrity and reporting across the business.

The successful candidate will bring at least 7 years of HR leadership experience in the UAE, with a track record of implementing major HR policy frameworks, organisation