Senior HR Operations specialist

Confidential; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company based in the UAE is seeking a Senior HR Operations Specialist to lead HR operational functions across Mainland and Free Zone entities. This role requires extensive knowledge of UAE Labour Law and includes responsibilities such as payroll management, document handling, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will contribute to policy development and ensure seamless HR service delivery while interacting with governmental authorities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive HR operations experience in the UAE.
• Strong knowledge of UAE Labor Law and government processes.
• High proficiency in HRIS management.

Responsibilities

• Draft and manage HR documents; ensure legal compliance.
• Coordinate with PROs on visa and government-related processes.
• Oversee payroll and employee lifecycle activities.

Skills

Document Management

Regulatory Compliance

Payroll Processing

Interpersonal Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior HR Operations Specialist to lead and execute a wide range of HR operational functions across both Mainland and Free Zone entities in the UAE. This role requires deep knowledge of UAE Labour Law, meticulous document management skills, and hands-on expertise in payroll, visa coordination, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will serve as a key link between internal teams, PROs, and government authorities, ensuring seamless HR service delivery and legal compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft, review, and manage the full suite of HR documents, including offer letters, employment contracts, promotion/transfer notices, warnings, terminations, NOCs, and more.
• Lead the development and implementation of HR policies, SOPs, and employee handbooks aligned with UAE labor regulations and company values.
• Coordinate all government-related processes in collaboration with PROs—visa applications, medicals, Emirates ID issuance, e-contracts, and submissions on portals such as MOHRE, GDRFA, and various Free Zones.
• Oversee end-to-end employee lifecycle activities: onboarding, internal movements, offboarding, and calculation of End of Service Benefits (EOSB).
• Collect, verify, and prepare monthly payroll data (attendance, leaves, overtime, deductions, bonuses) and generate accurate WPS files for timely salary disbursement.
• Ensure consistent compliance with UAE Labour Law across both Mainland and Free Zone jurisdictions, recognizing differences in contract types and regulatory obligations.
• Support internal and external audits, government inspections, and respond to queries from labor authorities.
• Manage sensitive employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, grievances, and contractual disputes.
• Act as a trusted advisor to managers and employees on HR policies, employment law, and company procedures.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records in the HRIS and ensure data confidentiality.
• Drive continuous improvement of HR operational processes and contribute to employee engagement and cultural initiatives.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive HR operations experience in the UAE, with at least 2 years in a senior-level or lead role.
• Strong knowledge of UAE Labor Law and hands-on familiarity with MOHRE, GDRFA, and Free Zone authority processes.
• Proven experience working closely with PROs and managing government interactions including audits and inspections.
• Demonstrated expertise in payroll processing and WPS file generation.
• Solid experience handling complex employee relations and HR compliance issues.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including advanced formulas, pivot tables, and data management tools).
• Fluency in English (written and spoken); Arabic language skills are a plus.

Key Competencies:

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in documentation and payroll preparation.
• Strong legal and regulatory acumen with a structured, compliance-driven mindset.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams.
• Resilient, proactive, and solutions-oriented, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to manage sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.