Overview
The HR Operations Manager will be responsible for managing and continuously improving the organisation's end-to-end HR operational processes while serving as a trusted advisor on employee relations matters. This role is purely operational.
The successful candidate will ensure HR policies, procedures, and employee lifecycle processes are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and consistently, while providing hands-on support in complex employee relations cases.
Key Responsibilities
HR Operations
- Own and manage the full HR employee lifecycle from onboarding to offboarding (excluding recruitment).
- Ensure accurate administration of employee records, contracts, HR systems, and personnel files.
- Oversee payroll inputs, leave management, benefits administration, EOS calculations, and compliance checks in coordination with payroll/finance teams.
- Lead HR policy development, implementation, and periodic review to ensure compliance with local labour laws and internal governance.
- Drive process improvements, standardisation, and automation across HR operations to improve efficiency and employee experience.
- Act as the primary point of contact for HR operational queries from employees and managers.
- Ensure HR audits, reporting, and documentation are maintained to a high standard.
- Manage visa, work permit, and regulatory processes where applicable (if relevant to the organisation).
Employee Relations
- Lead and manage employee relations matters including disciplinary actions, grievances, investigations, performance management issues, and terminations.
- Provide practical, compliant advice to managers on ER issues, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation.
- Conduct investigations, prepare documentation, and ensure fair and consistent outcomes.
- Support change management initiatives, restructures, and organisational changes from an ER and compliance perspective.
- Maintain strong working knowledge of labour laws and ensure ER practices align with legal and organisational requirements.
Key Requirements
Experience & Background
- Proven experience in HR operations with strong hands-on ownership of HR processes.
- Solid, practical experience handling employee relations cases independently.
- Strong understanding of UAE labour law and HR compliance (regional knowledge preferred where applicable).
- Experience working in a structured, policy-driven HR environment.
Skills & Competencies
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
- Confident in managing sensitive and complex employee situations with professionalism and discretion.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence managers at all levels.
- Process-driven mindset with a focus on efficiency and continuous improvement.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Comfortable working in HR systems and producing accurate HR reports.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
- HR certification (e.g., CIPD, SHRM, or equivalent) is an advantage.
Language
- Arabic speaker is required for this position.
