The Senior HR Manager will lead the full spectrum of HR operations and strategic people initiatives for a growing professional services organisation. This role requires a strong business partner who can balance strategic planning with hands-on execution, driving organisational performance, creating a high-trust culture, and ensuring HR excellence across all functions.
The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in the UAE market, strong stakeholder management skills, and a proven ability to influence at senior leadership level.
Key Responsibilities
1. HR Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and implement HR strategies that support the company's business objectives and long-term growth.
- Partner with senior leadership to shape organisational culture, workforce planning, and future talent needs.
- Provide guidance on organisational design, capability building, and change management.
- Lead HR projects and transformation initiatives across the region.
2. Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
- Oversee end-to-end recruitment for all business units, ensuring high-quality and timely hiring.
- Lead annual workforce planning and forecasting.
- Build strong talent pipelines for key roles and ensure succession planning is in place.
- Enhance employer branding and recruitment best practices tailored to professional services.
3. Performance Management & Capability Development
- Drive the full performance management cycle, ensuring fairness, alignment, and accountability.
- Coach managers on performance conversations, team development, and progression plans.
- Partner with leaders to identify capability gaps and implement training, L&D initiatives, and leadership development programs.
4. Compensation, Benefits & HR Policy
- Manage compensation reviews, benchmarking, and job evaluations to ensure internal and external competitiveness.
- Work with Finance and leadership teams on annual budgets, salary reviews, and workforce cost planning.
- Ensure all HR policies, processes, and contracts are compliant with UAE Labour Law and industry standards.
- Lead C&B-related communication and change initiatives across the organisation.
5. Employee Relations & Culture
- Act as the primary point of contact for complex employee relations issues, providing guidance, mediation, and resolution.
- Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture where employees feel supported and engaged.
- Lead engagement surveys, action planning, and initiatives to enhance employee experience.
- Support internal communications, wellbeing programs, and culture-building activities.
6. HR Operations & Compliance
- Oversee onboarding, offboarding, HR documentation, and employee life cycle processes.
- Ensure HR operations, data management, and HRMS systems are accurate, updated, and compliant.
- Maintain compliance with UAE Labor Law, free zone regulations, and professional services governance standards.
- Partner with external legal counsel when necessary to mitigate risk and ensure compliance.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
- CIPD, SHRM, or equivalent certification is highly advantageous.
- 10+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 45 years in a managerial or senior HR business partner role.
- Proven experience working in a professional services environment (consulting, legal, audit, financial services, or similar).
- Strong knowledge of UAE Labour Law and regional HR best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to manage senior stakeholders and influence decision-making.
