People Operations Lead - UAE

Innovo Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Innovo Group in the United Arab Emirates seeks an experienced Head of People Operations to oversee HR strategy, employee relations, performance management, and talent development across the UAE portfolio. You will partner with business leaders to drive organizational effectiveness and an engaging employee experience.

The role focuses on governance, compliance with UAE Labour Law, and delivering people initiatives aligned with business objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Professional HR certification such as CIPD, SHRM, or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 3–5 years in an HR management, People Partnering, or supervisory role.
• Strong experience in employee relations, performance management, talent management, and HR operations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UAE Labour Law, employment regulations, and HR best practices.
• Experience within construction, engineering, infrastructure, or project-based industries preferred.
• Proven experience managing People teams and supporting business leaders.
• Strong understanding of HR policies, organizational structures, and employee lifecycle processes.
• Experience using SAP SuccessFactors or similar HR management systems.
• Excellent communication, coaching, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and sensitive employee matters in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage People activities across assigned business units, ensuring alignment with business objectives and Group People policies.
• Act as a key People advisor to managers on employee-related matters and organizational requirements.
• Support the People Director in implementing People strategies, initiatives, and operational priorities.
• Build strong relationships with business leaders to ensure effective People service delivery.
• Manage employee relations matters, including grievances, disciplinary actions, investigations, and conflict resolution.
• Provide guidance to managers on employee relations issues and the consistent application of company policies.
• Ensure compliance with UAE Labour Law, company policies, and applicable employment regulations.
• Escalate complex or sensitive employee relations matters to the People Director when required.
• Oversee the implementation of performance management processes across assigned business units.
• Guide managers on performance reviews, objective setting, PIPs, and PDPs.
• Monitor performance review cycles and ensure timely completion and compliance.
• Oversee probation management processes and ensure appropriate follow-up and documentation.
• Support talent review and planning activities across assigned business units.
• Partner with managers to identify high-potential employees, critical roles, and development needs.
• Coordinate with Learning & Development to address capability gaps and support career development.
• Promote internal mobility and career progression in line with Group talent management frameworks.
• Lead employee engagement initiatives and action plans within assigned business units.
• Analyse employee feedback, turnover trends, and exit interview findings to identify improvement opportunities.
• Partner with managers to develop and implement retention and employee experience initiatives.
• Promote Innovo's culture, values, recognition, and employee wellbeing programs.
• Support organizational changes, restructuring initiatives, and role alignment within assigned business units.
• Ensure consistency in job titles, reporting lines, and role responsibilities in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
• Support change management initiatives and employee communication during organizational transitions.
• People Operations & Governance: Oversee the effective delivery of People processes and ensure adherence to established policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with Shared Services, Talent Acquisition, Payroll, and Government Relations teams to resolve employee-related matters.
• Ensure accurate employee records, documentation, and HR system data in collaboration with People Specialists and Shared Services.
• Support internal audits, policy reviews, and implementation of corrective actions.
• People Analytics & Reporting: Monitor key People metrics, including turnover, absenteeism, probation completion, performance management, and employee relations cases.
• Prepare regular People reports and provide insights to business leaders and the People Director.
• Identify trends and recommend actions to improve employee experience and organizational performance.
• Ensure data accuracy and effective use of SAP or any other HR systems.

Skills

Employee relations

Performance management

Talent management

HR operations

Stakeholder management

Change management

SAP SuccessFactors

UAE Labour Law

People partnering

Coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR / Business Administration

CIPD/SHRM certification

Tools

SAP SuccessFactors

HRIS

Job description

Innovo Group in the United Arab Emirates seeks an experienced Head of People Operations to oversee HR strategy, employee relations, performance management, and talent development across the UAE portfolio. You will partner with business leaders to drive organizational effectiveness and an engaging employee experience.

The role focuses on governance, compliance with UAE Labour Law, and delivering people initiatives aligned with business objectives.