HR Manager - UAE National

Confidential Opportunity: HR Manager (UAE National)

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Pension Registration: Abu Dhabi

A newly established organization is seeking a seasoned UAE National HR professional to take on a foundational leadership role and build the Human Resources function from the ground up. This position is ideal for someone with a strong generalist background who is ready to design, implement, and lead HR strategy and operations in a dynamic, start-up environment.

The Role

The HR Manager will work directly with the CEO to design and establish the company's HR framework, driving initiatives across recruitment, rewards, performance management, and employee relations. The role also involves close collaboration with the Board of Directors, requiring strong communication, governance awareness, and presentation skills.

This is a hands-on role for a professional who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial setting someone capable of balancing strategic thinking with practical execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and manage all HR frameworks, policies, and processes in line with UAE labor laws and organizational goals.
• Oversee talent acquisition and onboarding, ensuring the attraction and retention of top local and international talent.
• Design and manage the performance management cycle, including KPIs, reviews, and continuous feedback frameworks.
• Develop and implement compensation and rewards programs, including benchmarking, grading, and incentive schemes.
• Serve as the HR lead for the Board of Directors, preparing reports, presenting updates, and ensuring governance standards are met.
• Provide strategic and operational HR advice to the CEO and senior leadership team.
• Drive initiatives that strengthen organizational culture, engagement, and productivity.
• Ensure full compliance with UAE labor and pension regulations, Emiratization policies, and company governance frameworks.

Candidate Profile

• UAE National (Emirati) mandatory.
• Must be willing to work in Dubai, with pension registration and contribution based in Abu Dhabi.
• 812 years of progressive HR experience, ideally in a Generalist or HR Business Partner capacity.
• Proven expertise in:
• Rewards and compensation management
• Talent acquisition and workforce planning
• Performance management frameworks
• Policy design and implementation
• Prior experience in a start-up, transformation, or high-growth organization is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership presence and communication skills, with confidence engaging senior executives and board members.
• Hands-on, proactive, and able to operate independently in a developing organization.

The Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to build an HR function from inception, directly shape the company's people strategy, and work alongside the CEO and leadership team during an exciting growth phase.

Confidentiality will be strictly maintained throughout the selection process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.