Strategic HR Director, Higher Education

جامعة الشارقة; Sharjah; On-site; AED 480,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sharjah is seeking a senior HR leader to drive institutional effectiveness through strategic HR management. You will lead policy development, workforce planning, and Emiratisation efforts while guiding organisational design, total rewards, and budget oversight.

Strong experience in higher education HR, ERP systems, and stakeholder engagement is essential. A bachelor’s degree is required, with a master’s and professional HR certification preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a relevant discipline.
• Master’s degree and professional HR certification are highly preferred.
• At least 15 years of progressive HR experience with 7–10 years in senior leadership in higher education is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership to drive institutional effectiveness through human capital management.
• Develop and refine HR policies in line with bylaws and UAE regulations.
• Lead enterprise-wide change management during restructurings.
• Act as primary consultant on staffing, rewards, org design, and complex employee relations.
• Drive adoption of international best practices to improve productivity.
• Oversee manpower planning and Emiratisation initiatives.
• Manage end-to-end hiring processes with merit-based recruitment.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Policy development

Change management

Employee relations

Data-driven decision making

Interpersonal communication

Cross-functional collaboration

People leadership

Emiratisation & UAE labour knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR / Business Admin

Master’s degree in HRM / MBA

Professional certification (CIPD/SHRM)

Tools

Oracle HCM

ERP systems

Excel / MS Office

Job description

The University of Sharjah is seeking a senior HR leader to drive institutional effectiveness through strategic HR management. You will lead policy development, workforce planning, and Emiratisation efforts while guiding organisational design, total rewards, and budget oversight.

Strong experience in higher education HR, ERP systems, and stakeholder engagement is essential. A bachelor’s degree is required, with a master’s and professional HR certification preferred.