People & Culture Leader — UAE HR & Payroll Ops

Talent Higher; Dubai; On-site; AED 279,000 - 424,000; Full time

Job summary

Talent Higher is seeking an experienced People & Culture Manager to lead end-to-end HR operations and support a high-performing workplace culture in the UAE. The role covers recruitment, employee lifecycle management, HR operations, payroll inputs, and employee relations.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of UAE HR experience, strong knowledge of UAE Labour Law, and proficiency with HRIS/HRMS. CIPD/SHRM preferred; SHRM or equivalent qualifications will also be considered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of UAE HR experience across recruitment and operations.
• Experience leading HR teams and supervising staff.
• Strong knowledge of UAE Labour Law and HR governance.
• Experience with HRIS/HRMS data management and reporting.
• CIPD or SHRM qualification preferred; other HR certifications considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end HR operations across the employee lifecycle from recruitment to exits.
• Partner with hiring managers on workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding readiness.
• Oversee employee records, HRMS data, contracts, letters, probation, renewals and transfers.
• Manage payroll inputs, attendance, leave, benefits and employee data with Finance.
• Act as point of contact for employee relations and policy-based resolutions.
• Support performance management, engagement, recognition and culture-building initiatives.
• Maintain HR trackers and reports, identifying risks and improvement opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with UAE labour regulations and internal policies.
• Lead and mentor junior HR team members where applicable.

Skills

HR Operations

Recruitment

Employee Lifecycle

Payroll

HRIS/HRMS

Employee Relations

Labour Law UAE

Stakeholder Management

Education

CIPD/SHRM preferred

Tools

HRIS/HRMS

Job description

Talent Higher is seeking an experienced People & Culture Manager to lead end-to-end HR operations and support a high-performing workplace culture in the UAE. The role covers recruitment, employee lifecycle management, HR operations, payroll inputs, and employee relations.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of UAE HR experience, strong knowledge of UAE Labour Law, and proficiency with HRIS/HRMS. CIPD/SHRM preferred; SHRM or equivalent qualifications will also be considered.