Human Resources Director

Kingston Stanley; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Kingston Stanley in Dubai seeks an experienced HR Director to lead the full HR function within a regulated financial services environment, driving people initiatives and supporting growth.

The ideal candidate will bring 15+ years in HR, senior leadership, deep knowledge of UAE Central Bank regulations and Labour Law, and fluency in English and Arabic.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of HR experience
• Senior HR leadership experience in regulated financial services
• Proven ability to work in a highly regulated environment

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the entire HR function.
• Develop HR strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Ensure compliance with UAE Central Bank regulations, Labour Law.
• Partner with senior leadership on workforce planning and succession.
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, compensation and benefits.
• Drive HR transformation and policy implementation.
• Support Emiratisation initiatives.
• Foster high-performance governance and operations.

Skills

Senior HR leadership

360° HR experience

CBUAE regulations

Labour Law knowledge

Emiratisation experience

Stakeholder management

English & Arabic

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or Business Administration

Master's degree or HR qualification (advantage)

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven HR Director to join a well-established financial services organisation in Dubai.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic yet hands-on HR leader to take ownership of the full HR function, drive people initiatives, and play a key role in supporting the organisation's continued growth and development.

The ideal candidate will bring strong end-to-end (360°) HR experience within the financial services sector, a solid understanding of UAE Central Bank regulatory requirements, and the ability to operate effectively in a highly regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the entire HR function, covering HR strategy, talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compensation and benefits, learning and development, and HR operations.
• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with the organisation's business objectives and growth plans.
• Ensure compliance with UAE Central Bank (CBUAE) regulations, UAE Labour Law, and relevant employment and regulatory requirements.
• Partner closely with senior leadership to provide strategic HR guidance on workforce planning, organisational design, succession planning, and talent development.
• Oversee recruitment and retention strategies to attract and retain high-performing professionals across the business.
• Lead employee relations matters, including disciplinary procedures, grievances, and performance-related issues.
• Manage compensation and benefits frameworks, annual performance reviews, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Drive HR transformation, process improvements, and the implementation of effective HR policies, procedures, and systems.
• Support Emiratisation initiatives and ensure alignment with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Foster a high-performance culture while ensuring strong governance, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum 15 years of progressive HR experience, including substantial experience in senior HR leadership positions.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline. A Master's degree or relevant HR qualification is advantageous.
• Significant HR leadership experience, ideally at Head of HR or HR Director level, within banking, financial services, or another closely related regulated financial institution.
• Proven 360° HR experience, with the ability to manage both strategic and operational aspects of the HR function.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience dealing with UAE Central Bank regulations and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Solid understanding of UAE Labour Law, Emiratisation requirements, and HR governance.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with senior management and influencing business decisions.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
• Commercially minded, proactive, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in both English and Arabic is mandatory, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

DUE TO THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED, ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED