Manager, Performance & Rewards

ai71 Careers Site; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

AI71 in Abu Dhabi is seeking a high-calibre Manager, Performance & Rewards to design, implement and continuously improve its performance management and rewards frameworks. This role suits a commercially minded HR professional who enjoys data, systems and stakeholder engagement in a dynamic, high-performance environment.

You will help ensure employees are evaluated fairly, rewarded competitively and recognised in ways that support the organisation’s strategic objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field.
• 5+ years minimum in Performance & Rewards based role.
• Experience in consultancy or fast-paced tech/start-up environment.
• Experience designing and implementing rewards frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the end-to-end annual performance management cycle, including goal setting, mid-year reviews and year-end evaluations.
• Provide guidance and support to employees and managers on performance management processes, tools and timelines.
• Monitor completion rates and ensure consistency in applying performance standards.
• Support performance calibration discussions and prepare documentation and analysis.
• Maintain accurate performance data and provide regular reporting to HR leadership.
• Support the implementation and administration of reward programmes, including salary reviews and bonuses.
• Coordinate the annual compensation review process with timely approvals and data integrity.
• Support analysis of reward outcomes for internal equity and external competitiveness.
• Assist with market benchmarking and maintaining reward databases.
• Support development and implementation of reward initiatives aligned with objectives.
• Maintain confidential performance, salary and reward data and develop dashboards for HR leadership.

Skills

Performance Management

Rewards design

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Zoho HRIS

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related qualification

CIPD qualification preferred

Tools

Zoho HRIS

Job description

About AI71:

AI71 is an industry leader in artificial intelligence, delivering innovative solutions that empower developers, businesses and governments to solve complex challenges. AI71 builds secure, enterprise-ready applications powered by cutting-edge technology—tailored for knowledge workers and sector-specific needs. AI71 bridges the gap between advanced AI and real-world impact. Guided by a strong commitment to research and responsibility, we create transformative solutions that drive progress and empower communities.

The Role:

AI71 are seeking a high-calibre Manager, Performance & Rewards to support the design, implementation and continuous improvement of its performance management and reward frameworks.

This is an excellent opportunity for a fast-paced, commercially minded HR professional who enjoys working with data, systems and stakeholders and is comfortable operating in a dynamic, high-performance environment. The role will play an important part in ensuring employees are evaluated fairly, rewarded competitively and recognised in ways that support the organisation’s strategic objectives.

What You’ll Do:

Performance Management

• Coordinate the end-to-end annual performance management cycle, including goal setting, mid-year reviews and year-end evaluations.
• Provide guidance and support to employees and managers on performance management processes, tools and timelines.
• Monitor completion rates and ensure consistency in the application of performance standards across the organisation.
• Support performance calibration discussions and prepare relevant documentation and analysis.
• Maintain accurate performance data and provide regular reporting to HR leadership.

Total Rewards & Recognition

• Support the implementation and administration of reward programmes, including salary reviews, bonuses and non-monetary recognition initiatives.
• Coordinate the annual compensation review process, ensuring timelines, approvals and data are accurately managed.
• Support analysis of reward outcomes to identify issues relating to internal equity and external competitiveness.
• Assist with market benchmarking and maintain accurate compensation and reward databases.
• Support the development and implementation of reward initiatives aligned with organisational objectives.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and confidential employee performance, salary and reward data.
• Develop and maintain reports, dashboards and analysis for HR leadership and management.
• Conduct regular analysis of performance and compensation data to identify trends, gaps, anomalies and inconsistencies.
• Use AI tools extensively to manipulate, analyse and present complex HR and reward data.
• Prepare data and insights to support decision-making around performance, compensation and reward.

Frameworks, Policies & Governance

• Support the review and continuous improvement of performance management and total rewards frameworks.
• Assist with updating relevant policies, procedures and guidelines in collaboration with the HR Director and wider HR leadership.
• Support audit, governance and compliance requests by preparing accurate documentation and data.
• Track relevant approvals and escalation processes relating to performance and compensation.

Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with HR and Zoho HRIS to align reporting, data and insights.
• Liaise with Finance on compensation and reward budgeting and implementation.
• Collaborate with Talent Management, to ensure performance and reward practices are integrated with wider HR initiatives.
• Build strong working relationships with stakeholders across the organisation and provide timely, accurate support.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelors degree in business or related qualification
• 5 years minimum in Performance & Rewards based role
• Must have experience in consultancy or fast-paced tech / start up company
• Must have experience designing and implementing rewards frameworks

Great Pluses / Preferred Experience

• CIPD qualification preferred

Why AI71:

• Mission-Driven Work: Work on cutting-edge AI applications with a talented and passionate team, solving real-world challenges in critical sectors.
• Unparalleled Opportunity: This is a chance to innovate and solve real-world challenges using AI at a company with unique access to world-leading models and resources.
• Career Growth: We offer competitive compensation, benefits, and significant career growth opportunities as a foundational member of the team.
• World-Class Environment: Enjoy a flexible working environment and the latest tools & technologies needed to do your best work.