Human Resources Manager

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

Job Description:

• Build and transform the HR function
• Recent UAE HR experience required
  
  

About Our Client

• Our client is a large, manpower-intensive organisation operating within the trading, distribution and operational services sector.
  
  

Job Description

• 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 business requirements and 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, ensuring it can effectively support both operational and strategic business objectives
  
  

The Successful Applicant

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related discipline is required. CIPD, SHRM or equivalent professional qualification
• Minimum 7 years of progressive HR experience with significant leadership and implementation responsibility
• Proven experience building, transforming or significantly improving an HR function, policies and operating processes
• Recent UAE experience is essential, including a strong understanding of UAE Labour Law, payroll, employee relations and workforce compliance
• Experience within retail, FMCG, wholesale, distribution, food trading, logistics or another manpower-intensive operating environment
• Based in Abu Dhabi
  
  

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to build and shape the HR function from the ground up
• Direct exposure to senior leadership and key strategic decision-making
• Broad remit covering HR transformation, organisational design, workforce planning and governance
• Opportunity to drive cultural change and implement best-practice HR frameworks
  
  

Contact: Screenshot 2026-07-28 160154.pngElle Appleby

Quote job ref: JN-092026-7103096

Requirements: