People and Culture Manager
We are a fast-growing organization, looking for an experienced People and Culture Manager to lead the HR function in Kuwait.
This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for managing the full employee lifecycle while partnering closely with business leaders to deliver a high-performing, compliant, and people-focused workplace. You will lead a small HR team and oversee all People & Culture operations within the country.
About the Role
The People and Culture Manager will serve as the primary HR partner for Kuwait, leading HR operations, talent acquisition, employee relations, payroll governance, compliance, and employee engagement.
This role requires a proactive HR professional who can balance strategic thinking with operational execution while ensuring compliance with Kuwait Labour Law and supporting the continued growth of the business.
Key Responsibilities
Talent Acquisition & Onboarding
- Manage the end-to-end recruitment process for junior to mid-level positions.
- Partner with hiring managers to understand hiring needs and drive efficient recruitment processes.
- Coordinate the onboarding experience, including employment documentation, induction, and system access.
- Ensure new employees have a seamless onboarding experience.
Payroll & HR Operations
- Manage the monthly payroll preparation process, including attendance, leave, overtime, allowances, deductions, and payroll validation.
- Ensure payroll is processed accurately and in compliance with Kuwait statutory requirements.
- Maintain strong knowledge of Kuwait Labour Law, including end-of-service indemnity, residency and work permit requirements, disciplinary procedures, and employment regulations.
- Maintain accurate employee records within the HRIS and ensure all employee lifecycle changes are updated promptly.
- Ensure HR documentation and processes remain fully compliant with company policies and local legislation.
Employee Relations
- Act as the primary HR contact for employees across Kuwait.
- Provide guidance on company policies, procedures, benefits, and employment matters.
- Support disciplinary processes, investigations, grievances, and conflict resolution.
- Manage probation reviews, contract renewals, transfers, and employee exits.
Employee Engagement
- Lead employee engagement, wellbeing, and recognition initiatives.
- Support internal communication activities that strengthen employee experience.
- Gather employee feedback and recommend initiatives that improve engagement and workplace culture.
Team Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop a small team of HR professionals.
- Set priorities, review work quality, and support the team's development.
- Act as the first point of escalation for complex HR matters.
Compliance & Reporting
- Prepare HR reports and dashboards covering headcount, turnover, recruitment, and other HR metrics.
- Maintain HR records and documentation to ensure audit readiness.
- Support internal and external audits and implement required improvements.
- Ensure ongoing compliance with Kuwait Labour Law and internal HR policies.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
- CIPD or SHRM certification is an advantage.
- 4–6 years of progressive HR experience across HR Operations, Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, and Payroll.
- Previous experience in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
- Strong knowledge of Kuwait Labour Law, including employment regulations, end-of-service indemnity, residency and work permit processes, and statutory compliance.
- Hands-on experience managing payroll and HR operations.
- Experience using HRIS platforms; SAP SuccessFactors experience is preferred.
- Previous experience managing or supervising a small HR team.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and conflict resolution skills.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Fluency in Arabic and English is required.
