Senior Manager Talent Acquisition - UAE National Role

About the Role

A prominent manufacturing company in Abu Dhabi is expanding and transforming, seeking a Senior Manager to lead their Talent Acquisition function. This strategic leadership position focuses on enhancing recruitment operations, managing high-volume hiring, workforce planning, and supporting Emiratization efforts to meet business growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement a talent acquisition strategy aligned with business objectives and Emiratization targets.
• Lead recruitment across diverse functions, including corporate, manufacturing, engineering, technical, commercial, and leadership roles.
• Develop and nurture proactive talent pools, emphasizing Nationalisation initiatives.
• Spearhead employer branding campaigns to establish the company as an employer of choice.
• Collaborate with HR partners and business leaders to forecast hiring needs and devise strategic recruitment plans.
• Monitor market trends and apply innovative sourcing methods to secure top talent.
• Manage the end-to-end recruitment lifecycle, ensuring timely requisition approvals, offer management, and onboarding transitions.
• Maintain exceptional candidate and hiring manager experiences during large-scale recruitment drives.
• Optimize recruitment processes by leveraging Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and other recruitment technologies.
• Track and report on recruitment KPIs, including time-to-fill, quality of hire, cost-efficiency, offer acceptance rates, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with recruitment agencies, executive search firms, universities, and other talent sources.
• Ensure compliance with local labor laws and internal policies throughout recruitment activities.
• Lead Emiratization efforts aligned with NAFIS goals, fostering relationships with government bodies, universities, and professional networks.
• Monitor Emiratization progress and provide strategic insights to senior leadership.
• Develop programs to attract, engage, and retain Nationalisation talent.
• Manage, coach, and build a high-performing Talent Acquisition team with clear objectives and KPIs.
• Work closely with senior leadership to influence hiring strategies and long-term workforce planning.
• Train hiring managers in best practices for interviewing and candidate evaluation.
• Promote a culture focused on continuous enhancement, operational excellence, and a candidate-centric approach.

Candidate Profile

• Hold a bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; master's degree preferred.
• Possession of professional HR certifications (CIPD, SHRM, or equivalent) is advantageous.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible Talent Acquisition experience, including 4+ years in leadership roles.
• Experience handling high-volume recruitment in complex organizations across various functions.
• Previous work within manufacturing, engineering, industrial, heavy industry, or construction sectors is highly desirable.
• Proven track record managing Emiratization or Nationalisation hiring programs.
• Proficiency with LinkedIn Recruiter, ATS platforms, talent intelligence tools, and advanced sourcing strategies.
• Successful management of external recruitment agencies and executive search collaborations.
• Strong understanding of regional talent market dynamics and Emiratization landscape.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, data-driven decision-making, and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and presentation capabilities with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, transformation-driven environment.
• Fluency in both Arabic and English is mandatory.

Performance Indicators

• Meeting Emiratization hiring targets consistent with company goals.
• Efficient time-to-fill metrics across all departments and seniority levels.
• Successful execution of high-volume hiring plans.
• Strong offer acceptance and candidate conversion rates.
• Quality hires assessed at 3 and 6 months post-onboarding.
• Recruitment cost control aligned with budget parameters.
• Positive feedback from hiring managers and candidates.
• Well-maintained talent pipelines and succession readiness for critical positions.

Work Location

This is an on-site role based at the client's headquarters in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi. The position requires full-time presence at this location.