Human Resources Manager

Client of Michael Page; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Client of Michael Page seeks a senior HR leader to establish and grow the HR function for a Dubai operation. You will shape policies, governance, and employee lifecycle processes while ensuring local compliance with UAE regulations.

Responsibilities include recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, payroll, benefits, and visa management, partnering with the managing director and leadership team to build organizational capability.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive HR lifecycle experience in the UAE.
• Strong knowledge of UAE Labour Law and employment regulations.
• Experience building HR functions for growing or new businesses.
• Proven stakeholder management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead recruitment across Dubai operations and onboarding programs.
• Provide practical HR guidance and handle employee relations issues.
• Manage payroll, benefits, performance processes, and compliance.
• Oversee visas, work permits, residency processes and vendor relations.

Skills

Recruitment

Onboarding

Employee Relations

Performance Mgmt

Learning & Development

Compensation & Benefits

Payroll

HR Compliance

Visas & Residency

Stakeholder Mgmt

Arabic Fluency

Tools

HRIS systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Establishing as a key regional hub for its global operations Play a pivotal role in shaping the people agenda from the ground up strong Job Description strong Develop and implement HR policies procedures employee handbooks code of conduct and governance frameworksEstablish HR processes aligned with group standards while ensuring local complianceBuild and maintain employee records documentation and HR reportingSupport the establishment of the new Dubai office and associated people processesManage HR administration across the employee lifecycleLead all recruitment activities for the growing Dubai operationPartner closely with business leaders to identify talent requirements and hiring prioritiesCoordinate recruitment agencies candidates and hiring managersDesign and implement onboarding programmes for new hiresSupport the relocation and transfer of employees from international offices into DubaiAct as the first point of contact for employee relations mattersProvide practical HR guidance to managers and employeesHandle grievances disciplinary matters and workplace issues in line with local legislation and company policyBuild trusted relationships across all levels of the organisationSupport payroll administration and related controlsManage employee benefits administrationCoordinate annual compensation and salary review processesSupport performance-related bonus administration and employee communicationsCoordinate performance management processesSupport learning and development initiativesIdentify opportunities to strengthen organisational capability and employee engagementEnsure compliance with UAE Labour Law and relevant regulationsPrepare and review employment contracts and supporting documentationManage visa work permit and residency processesLiaise with government authorities free-zone entities and external service providersMonitor legislative updates and advise management on potential impactsAct as a trusted advisor to the Managing Director and local leadership teamMaintain effective relationships with external providers and government stakeholdersProvide regular updates and recommendations on employee matters and compliance requirements The Successful Applicant10+ years of progressive HR lifecycle experience within the UAE.Proven experience establishing or developing HR functions in a growing or newly established business.Strong practical knowledge across: Recruitment and onboarding Employee relations Performance management Learning and development Compensation and benefits Payroll administration HR compliance End-of-service processesExcellent understanding of UAE Labour Law.Practical experience working with free zones and mainland employment regulations.Experience managing visas, work permits and residency processes.Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.Fluent Arabic Speaker