Strategic HR Director | MENA & GCC Leader

Manpower Middle East; Dubai; On-site; AED 500,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower Middle East seeks an experienced HR Director to lead the HR function across the MENA region. The role develops and executes regional HR strategies that align with business objectives, drives performance, and supports a high-performing workforce across multiple units.

The candidate will partner with the executive team, oversee talent acquisition, succession planning, governance, and workforce analytics, while ensuring compliance with GCC labor laws.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, BA, Psychology or related field.
• Master's degree and/or professional HR certification preferred.
• 12+ years of HR experience with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience managing HR across multiple units, industries or geographies.
• Strong knowledge of GCC and MENA labor laws.
• Expertise in talent management, organizational development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and workforce planning.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership to drive transformation and growth.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
• Experience leading HR teams in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement regional HR strategies aligned with the organization's business objectives.
• Act as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on people, culture, organizational design, and workforce planning.
• Lead talent acquisition, succession planning, and leadership development initiatives across the group.
• Oversee performance management frameworks to drive employee engagement and productivity.
• Ensure compliance with local labor laws, employment regulations, and HR governance standards across all operating locations.
• Foster a culture of high performance, diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Manage HR budgets, policies, systems, and operational effectiveness.
• Utilize HR analytics and workforce data to inform strategic decision-making.
• Experience within diversified groups, holding companies, family offices, or large regional organizations.
• Exposure to industries such as technology, manufacturing, retail, real estate, financial services, healthcare, or professional services.
• Experience managing HR operations across multiple countries within MENA region.

Skills

HR leadership

Strategic planning

Talent management

Organizational development

Labor law GCC/MENA

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

HR analytics

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/BA/Psychology

Master's degree or HR certification preferred

Job description

Manpower Middle East seeks an experienced HR Director to lead the HR function across the MENA region. The role develops and executes regional HR strategies that align with business objectives, drives performance, and supports a high-performing workforce across multiple units.

The candidate will partner with the executive team, oversee talent acquisition, succession planning, governance, and workforce analytics, while ensuring compliance with GCC labor laws.