Human Resources Manager

Michael Page; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking a senior HR leader to build and transform the HR function for a large, manpower-intensive operation in Abu Dhabi. UAE Labour Law expertise and 7+ years of progress HR experience are essential.

You will drive workforce design, payroll governance, policy frameworks and performance management, partnering with senior leadership to align HR strategy with business goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Admin or related field; CIPD/SHRM or equivalent.
• Minimum 7 years HR experience with leadership and implementation responsibility.
• Experience building or transforming an HR function, policies and processes.
• Recent UAE experience, UAE Labour Law knowledge, payroll, employee relations and compliance.
• Experience in retail, FMCG, wholesale, distribution, logistics or other manpower-intensive environment.
• Based in Abu Dhabi.

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 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.

Skills

HR leadership

Change management

Policy design

Payroll controls

Employee relations

Workforce planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

CIPD/SHRM or equivalent

Tools

Payroll systems

HR reporting tools

Job description

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

• 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