People & Culture Manager

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

Our client is looking for an experienced People & Culture Manager to lead end-to-end HR operations and support a positive, high-performing workplace culture.

This role will suit a well-rounded HR professional with broad UAE experience across recruitment, employee lifecycle management, HR operations, payroll inputs, employee relations, performance management and engagement initiatives. We are looking for someone who can partner closely with management, lead day-to-day People & Culture delivery, and ensure consistent, compliant practices across the business.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end HR operations across the employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding through to exits
• Partner with hiring managers on workforce planning, recruitment coordination, screening, interviews, offers and onboarding readiness
• Oversee employee records, HRMS data, contracts, letters, probation, renewals, transfers and other lifecycle changes
• Manage payroll inputs, attendance, leave, benefits, insurance and employee-data updates in coordination with Finance
• Act as a key point of contact for employee relations matters, ensuring fair and policy-led resolutions
• Support performance management, employee engagement, recognition and culture-building initiatives
• Maintain HR trackers, dashboards and management reports, identifying risks and opportunities for process improvement
• Ensure compliance with UAE labour regulations, internal policies and HR governance requirements
• Lead and support the development of junior HR team members where applicable.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of progressive UAE HR / People & Culture experience, with exposure to both recruitment and HR operations
• Previous team-leading, supervisory or managerial experience preferred
• Strong understanding of UAE Labour Law, HR operations, employee lifecycle processes and payroll inputs
• Experience using HRIS/HRMS platforms, managing employee data and preparing HR reports
• CIPD certification is preferred; SHRM or an equivalent HR qualification will also be considered
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, confidentiality and organizational skills
• A proactive, hands-on professional who can manage the full HR function rather than a single specialist area.