Strategic HR Generalist - Hybrid, Abu Dhabi

Deugro (Scandinavia) Oy; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 402,000 - 536,000; Full time

Job summary

Deugro Shipping LLC in Abu Dhabi seeks a Senior HR Generalist to lead HR administration, payroll coordination, recruitment and employee engagement. You will partner with local leadership to drive HR processes and compliance in a multinational, multicultural setting.

You will oversee benefits, visas, HR data quality, and HRIS usage while supporting Emiratisation goals and global HR projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years’ of experience in human resources.
• Be the point of contact for all local payroll topics.
• Detailed understanding of HR operations processes and record of implementation of process improvement.
• Demonstrated knowledge in recruiting topics, HR marketing, proactive research, interview methods, candidate management.
• Expertise in employee development, project management, and HR strategy aligned with business goals.
• Strong ability to respond to quickly changing demands and priorities.
• Hands-on experience with global HRIS systems and HR operations in international environments.
• Broad understanding of local employment laws, regulations, and contract requirements.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and writing skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and business process-driven mindset.
• Proven people management and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships at all levels.
• Flexible, committed, and a strong team player in every aspect.
• Strong proficiency in MS Office tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Ability to read, understand, and analyze contract requirements.
• Proficient in English and the local language, with exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Must have advanced knowledge of HR administration principles and practices.
• Responsible for maintaining relationships with management and leadership including relationship management, communication, staff direction and motivation.
• Build collaborative teams and strong relationships across all levels of employees.
• Plan and execute team building activities and employee engagement initiatives.
• Coach managers and employees through complex issues.
• Manage changing priorities with calm and control.
• Coordinate payroll data entry with Accounting and monthly payroll practices.
• Monitor absence management system and update leave entitlements.
• Oversee employee benefits and immigration processes for visas.
• Support recruitment processes including research, interviews, and onboarding.
• Utilize internet sourcing strategies and direct sourcing techniques.
• Develop relationships with local recruitment firms and headhunters.
• Align HR strategies with Emiratisation goals.
• Ensure knowledge of local labour laws.
• Maintain HR master data quality.
• Analyze HR processes and drive digitalization projects.
• Serve as regional/local HR contact for interviews, onboarding and offboarding topics.
• Collaborate on global HR projects with Legal, Compliance and Sustainability teams.
• Promote mental wellbeing resources via internal channels.
• Champion OpenUp tool locally and organize engagement campaigns.
• Encourage managers to discuss wellbeing in check-ins.
• Support sustainability initiatives around mental health.

Skills

8+ years HR experience

HR strategy

People management

Stakeholder relationship building

Recruiting & talent sourcing

HR analytics

Payroll coordination

English & local language

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in HR or related field

Tools

MS Office

HRIS systems

Job description

Deugro Shipping LLC in Abu Dhabi seeks a Senior HR Generalist to lead HR administration, payroll coordination, recruitment and employee engagement. You will partner with local leadership to drive HR processes and compliance in a multinational, multicultural setting.

You will oversee benefits, visas, HR data quality, and HRIS usage while supporting Emiratisation goals and global HR projects.