Employee Relations Officer

Role overview

This position is focused on building a healthy workplace environment, resolving employee matters, and keeping HR practices aligned with UAE Labour Law. The officer will manage concerns, disciplinary matters, employee lifecycle processes, and visa administration while supporting welfare initiatives across a catering business operating from outlets, central kitchens, and event locations.

Employee relations and communication

• Serve as the primary contact for employee concerns, complaints, and day-to-day workplace matters.
• Promote open communication between staff, supervisors, and leadership.
• Visit operational sites to assess morale and encourage engagement activities.
• Collect employee feedback and help put corrective actions into practice.

Disciplinary handling and grievances

• Review complaints and incidents in line with HR procedures.
• Assist managers in applying fair, consistent disciplinary action.
• Keep complete records of disciplinary cases and grievance outcomes.
• Ensure all corrective actions comply with UAE Labour Law.

Visa processing and government relations

• Manage visa renewals, cancellations, and transfers using the relevant government portals, including MOHRE and GDRFA.
• Work closely with the PRO or government liaison team to keep labour and immigration paperwork moving on time.
• Maintain current records for visas, Emirates IDs, medicals, and work permits.
• Ensure all employee documentation meets UAE labour and immigration requirements.

Onboarding and offboarding

• Coordinate new hire onboarding, including documents, orientation, and initial support.
• Prepare joining paperwork in coordination with Talent Acquisition and PRO teams.
• Handle exit processing such as interviews, clearance forms, and final settlements.
• Make sure company property and records are returned and all separation steps are properly documented.

Promotion and salary administration

• Process approved promotions and pay revisions with HR and Payroll teams.
• Confirm that all changes are backed by the required approvals and supporting documents.
• Update HR systems and employee files accurately after changes are approved.
• Communicate position and salary updates professionally and with discretion.

Policy enforcement and compliance

• Share and enforce HR policies, company conduct standards, and site rules.
• Help management maintain compliance with internal policy and UAE Labour Law.
• Explain policies to employees and supervisors when clarification is needed.

Employee welfare and engagement

• Support welfare initiatives, appreciation events, and engagement programmes.
• Address concerns related to accommodation, transport, and site facilities.
• Administer benefits and reward programmes, including air ticket eligibility and booking in line with company policy and the approved reward matrix.
• Partner with the Quality Assurance team to support health, safety, and well-being across all outlets.

Reporting and documentation

• Keep organised records for employee relations cases, visa activities, onboarding, and offboarding files.
• Prepare routine reports on HR metrics, visa status, disciplinary actions, and engagement trends.
• Assist with internal and external audits involving HR compliance, documentation, and labour regulations.

Qualifications and experience

The role requires a high school qualification or diploma in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related area. Candidates should have 1 to 2 years of HR experience in employee relations, ideally in catering, hospitality, or other large workforce settings. Strong understanding of UAE Labour Law, visa procedures, and government systems such as MOHRE and GDRFA is essential.

Additional information

This role is based in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates, and is a full-time onsite position. The compensation details were not specified.