People Experience Manager

IDP Education; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education services provider in the UAE is seeking a People Experience Manager to drive people-related initiatives and manage talent acquisition processes. The successful candidate will oversee various HR functions and collaboratively enhance the employee experience. Key qualifications include a bachelor's degree in HR Management, at least 2 years of relevant experience, and strong interpersonal skills. This role is based in Dubai and requires travel across the UAE.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a similar role within a multinational organization.
• Excellent fluency in English and understanding of employee experience principles.
• High initiative and advanced problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive implementation of People Experience initiatives at operational and strategic levels.
• Manage and facilitate the talent acquisition process.
• Oversee payroll data preparation and coordinate with Finance.

Skills

Fluent English

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in HR Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

About IDP

IDP is the global leader in international education services, delivering global success to students, test takers and our partners through trusted human relationships, digital technology and customer research. An Australian‑listed company operating in more than 50 countries around the world.

Role purpose

The People Experience Manager – UAE drives all people related matters and manages the day‑to‑day implementation of People Experience initiatives and policies at both operational and strategic levels, achieving high performance and high engagement.

The role works closely with the Country Director, Regional People Experience Director and People Experience teams in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to develop and deliver programs and campaigns that provide our people with the best employment experience.

The role is based in Dubai and covers IDP’s branch across UAE, requiring occasional travels within and outside the country.

People Data & Process Integrity

• Accountable for accurate and up‑to‑date people information in SuccessFactors (SF).
• Collaborate with the RPxD and SF team to design, test and implement new modules in SF.
• Drive adoption of the internal social media, JAM, to deliver a great people experience through regular content contributions and active participation in relevant discussions and topics.
• Identify opportunities to digitise people process administration, increasing effectiveness and enhancing employment experience.

Talent Acquisition & On‑boarding

• Manage and facilitate the talent acquisition process, collaborating with internal hiring managers, CD, RPxD and external parties to attract, recruit and hire high quality talent using the dedicated Application Tracking System (JobScore).
• Ensure an effective and efficient talent acquisition process that provides a positive experience for hiring managers and candidates.
• Conduct analysis, assess recruitment results, and identify areas of opportunity and change, using data to evaluate sourcing effectiveness and drive process improvement.
• Manage onboarding and induction program to provide new joiners with a smooth and seamless onboarding experience and ensure proper orientation about the company.

Compensation & Benefits

• Oversee payroll data preparation and coordinate with Finance to ensure pay is made correctly and on time.
• Administer benefits programs such as provident fund, life, medical, dental insurance, pension plans and leave entitlements.
• Lead the annual salary and bonus review process, working closely with the CD and RPxD.
• Collaborate with Finance to manage Social Security and tax obligations.

Rewards & Culture

• Manage and promote the company’s employee recognition programs at global and country levels.
• Support the Country Director in creating a collaborative work environment through effective internal communications (emails, bulletin boards, newsletters, town halls, social events, instant messaging).
• Encourage managers to use the company’s performance management tool (RISE) to drive team performance.

Capability & Performance

• Act as focal point for organising training and development activities (e.g., STAR, SUCCEED programs).
• Monitor and follow up on mandatory training completion and e‑policy acknowledgement in SF.
• Collect training requirements and support CD and RPxD in conducting training needs analysis and delivery planning for internal and external courses.

Policies, Compliance and Others

• Oversee visa and work permit administration, including application, renewal, cancellation and updates to relevant government agencies.
• Ensure all policies, HR manual and employee handbook are current.
• Provide guidance on local employment legislation when requested.
• Oversee statutory compliance related to people (manpower reports to Ministry of Manpower, etc.).

Required experience

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in HR Management, Business Studies/Administration/Management or related field.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a similar role within a medium to large multinational organisation.
• Based in Dubai.
• Excellent fluency in English and strong understanding of employee experience principles and labour laws.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, able to engage with all organization levels.
• Highly organised, meticulous, able to prioritise and multitask with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated internal and external relationship management.
• High initiative and advanced problem‑solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft suite, especially Excel and PowerPoint.

Desirable Requirements:

• Proactive implementation of process improvements.
• Experience working in a matrix organisation setting within an MNC.
• Experience with SAP and payroll processing.
• Positive influence on people with a proactive personality.

Legal Notice

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: IDP is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Candidates who are successful in the application process and advance to the next step of the interview and selection process will be provided with the following forms of accommodations: FAFPA (Transportation and Establishment) and AUS legal category (FAFPA).