People Experience Manager- UAE

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

Job summary

A global education services company is seeking a People Experience Manager in Dubai, responsible for driving HR initiatives, managing talent acquisition, and ensuring employee satisfaction. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in HR or related field, has relevant experience in a multinational context, and excels in communication and organizational skills. The role requires occasional travel across the UAE.

Qualifications

• Must have at least 2 years’ experience in a similar role for a medium to large multinational organization.
• High degree of initiative and advanced problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage internal and external relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage and drive talent acquisition process effectively.
• Oversee payroll data preparation and benefits programs.
• Implement training and development activities in the country.

Skills

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Fluent English

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint)

SAP

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, we operate in more than 50 countries around the world. Our team is comprised of over 7,000 people of various nationalities, ages and cultural backgrounds. Proudly customer‑first, our expert people are powered by global technology. Together, we offer unmatched services, helping local dreams become realities, all over the world. Learn more at www.careers.idp.com.

Role purpose

The People Experience Manager – UAE is responsible for driving all people‑related matters and managing the day‑to‑day implementation of People Experience initiatives and policies in both operational and strategic levels in order to achieve high performance and high engagement within the organisation. The role will work closely with the Country Director (CD), Regional People Experience Director (RPxD) and the People Experience teams in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices to develop and deliver a number of programs and campaigns aiming to provide our people with the best employment experience. The role will be based in Dubai and, in some instances, cover IDP’s branch across UAE; occasional travel within and outside the country may be required.

People Data & Process Integrity

• Accountable for accuracy and up‑to‑date data of people information in SuccessFactors (SF).
• Collaborate with the RPxD and SF team in designing, testing and implementing 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.
• Effectively identify opportunities to digitise people process administration to increase effectiveness and enhance employment experience.

Talent Acquisition & On‑boarding

• Manage and facilitate the talent acquisition process by collaborating with hiring managers, the CD, RPxD and external recruiting partners through an effective use of the dedicated Application Tracking System (JobScore) to attract, recruit and hire high‑quality talent into the organisation.
• Ensure an effective and efficient talent acquisition process to provide a positive experience for hiring managers as well as candidates.
• Conduct analysis, assess recruitment results, and identify areas of opportunity and change. Use data to evaluate sourcing effectiveness, determine progress and process improvement.
• Manage onboarding and induction programmes to provide new joiners with a smooth and seamless experience, ensuring that they are properly oriented about the company.

Compensation & Benefits

• Oversee payroll data preparation and coordinate with Finance to ensure pay is made to employees correctly and on time.
• Manage the administration and monitoring of benefits programmes such as provident fund, life, medical, dental insurance, pension plans and leave entitlements.
• Lead and facilitate the annual salary and bonus review process by working closely with the CD and RPxD.
• Collaborate with Finance to check information and liaise with relevant authorities for Social Security and tax purposes.

Rewards & Culture

• Manage, facilitate and promote the company’s employee recognition programmes at global and country levels.
• Support the CD in creating a collaborative work environment cross‑department through effective internal communications via email, bulletin boards, newsletters, town halls, social events and instant messaging groups.
• Encourage and advise managers to effectively manage and drive team performance through the use of the company’s performance management tool (RISE).

Capability & Performance

• Act as focal point for organising training and development activities in the country (e.g. STAR/SUCCEED programmes).
• Monitor and follow up with employees on mandatory training completion/e‑Policy acknowledgement in SF.
• Collect training requirements and support the CD and RPxD in conducting training needs analysis and setting up delivery/implementation plans for both internal and external training courses such as leadership training, digital marketing training and conferences.

Policies, Compliance and Others

• Oversee the administration of visa and work permit related issues such as application, renewal, cancellation and updating required employee information to relevant governmental agencies.
• Ensure all policy and procedures, HR Manual and employee handbook are up to date.
• Provide guidance on local employment legislation as and when requested by the CD and employees.
• Oversee statutory compliance related to people (payments and reporting, manpower reports to Ministry of Manpower, etc.).

Required Experience

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in HR Management, Business Studies/Administration/Management or a related field.
• Must have at least 2 years’ experience in a similar role for a medium to large multinational organisation.
• Based in Dubai.
• Excellent fluency in English to collaborate with global teams.
• Sound understanding of the principles underpinning great employee experiences and labour laws.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging all levels of the organisation.
• Highly organised, meticulous, able to prioritise and multitask with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to manage internal and external relationships.
• High degree of initiative and advanced problem‑solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint.

Desirable Requirements

• Proactive in implementing process improvements.
• Experience working in an MNC with a matrix organisation setting.
• Experience with SAP and payroll processing.
• Proactive personality with a positive influence on people.