Human Resources Director (MENA)

Manpower Middle East; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 260,000 - 340,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower Middle East is seeking an experienced HR Director to lead the Human Resources function across the MENA region. The role focuses on aligning HR strategy with business objectives, developing a high-performing workforce across multiple units and markets.

You will partner with the executive team, drive talent management, succession planning, performance frameworks, and workforce planning while ensuring compliance with GCC labor laws and HR governance standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or related field.
• Master's degree and/or professional HR certification preferred (CIPD, SHRM, HRCI).
• 12+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience managing HR across multiple units, industries, or locations.
• Strong knowledge of GCC and MENA labor laws and regulations.
• Expertise in talent management, organizational development, compensation and benefits, ER, and workforce planning.
• Experience partnering with executives to drive transformation and growth.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement regional HR strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Advise executives on people, culture, organization design, and workforce planning.
• Lead talent acquisition, succession planning, and leadership development across the group.
• Oversee performance management frameworks to boost engagement and productivity.
• Ensure compliance with local labor laws and HR governance across locations.
• Foster a culture of high performance, diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Manage HR budgets, policies, systems, and operational effectiveness.
• Utilize HR analytics to inform strategic decisions.

Skills

Leadership

HR Strategy

Talent Management

Org Development

Compensation & Benefits

Employee Relations

Workforce Planning

HR Analytics

Stakeholder Mgmt

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business

Master's degree or HR certifications (CIPD/SHRM/HRCI)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and strategic HR Director to lead and oversee the Human Resources function across a diversified business operating within the MENA region. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing HR strategies that align with business objectives, drive organizational performance, and support a high-performing workforce across multiple business units.

About the Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field.
• Master's degree and/or professional HR certification (CIPD, SHRM, HRCI) preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience managing HR functions across multiple business units, industries, or geographic locations.
• Strong knowledge of labor laws and employment regulations across the GCC and MENA region.
• Demonstrated expertise in talent management, organizational development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and workforce planning.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership teams to drive business transformation and growth.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
• Experience leading HR teams in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

About You

• Develop and implement regional HR strategies aligned with the organization's business objectives.
• Act as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on people, culture, organizational design, and workforce planning.
• Lead talent acquisition, succession planning, and leadership development initiatives across the group.
• Oversee performance management frameworks to drive employee engagement and productivity.
• Ensure compliance with local labor laws, employment regulations, and HR governance standards across all operating locations.
• Foster a culture of high performance, diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Manage HR budgets, policies, systems, and operational effectiveness.
• Utilize HR analytics and workforce data to inform strategic decision-making.
• Experience within diversified groups, holding companies, family offices, or large regional organizations.
• Exposure to industries such as technology, manufacturing, retail, real estate, financial services, healthcare, or professional services.
• Experience managing HR operations across multiple countries within MENA region.