Head of People

Role Overview

Based in Dubai, UAE, the Head of People leads the People & Culture department, ensuring that HR strategies, policies, and daily operations effectively support the company's goals. This key leadership role partners with top management to foster a high-performing, compliant, and engaged employee base through managing the entire employee lifecycle.

Core Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior leaders to devise and execute People strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Provide trusted HR counsel and coaching to leadership on personnel matters.
• Continuously enhance HR policies, procedures, and processes, including maintaining the Employee Handbook and organizational job descriptions.
• Support strategic initiatives such as organizational design, workforce planning, and succession planning.
• Lead full recruitment cycle including advertising roles, screening, interviewing, extending offers, contract issuance, and onboarding.
• Coordinate visa, work permit, MOHRE, and immigration compliance with external vendors.
• Manage the employee lifecycle encompassing probation, confirmation, transfers, promotions, and exit procedures while ensuring accurate records and compliance.
• Oversee HR systems, reporting, and documentation management.
• Drive performance management processes including probation and annual appraisals, supporting managers in goal setting and employee development.
• Develop and implement L&D programs to build leadership and support growth.
• Handle employee relations cases including disciplinary actions, grievances, investigations, and terminations, fostering positive workplace culture.
• Conduct engagement surveys and recommend actionable improvements.
• Administer payroll ensuring accurate, timely processing; support salary benchmarking and reward programs.
• Manage employee benefits, including medical insurance, leave management, and End of Service Benefits in a cost-effective manner aligned with market standards.
• Ensure full compliance with UAE Labour Law, liaising with PROs and government agencies for regulatory matters.
• Lead and develop the People team, promoting accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the organization.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or closely related field.
• CIPD Level 5 or higher preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive HR experience, including senior management roles.
• Deep knowledge of UAE Labour Law, MOHRE procedures, visas, and overall HR compliance requirements.
• Proven expertise in recruitment, employee relations, HR operations, and organization development.
• Experience in a dynamic, fast-growing environment is highly favorable.
• Strong leadership abilities with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Balance strategic thinking with practical, hands-on operational execution.
• Availability to start immediately or within 2 weeks.

Compensation and Location

Salary range is AED 25,000 to AED 30,000 monthly, dependent on candidate's experience. Position is onsite in Dubai, UAE.