Associate Director - Employee Relations

Established in 2004, Dubai Holding is a global investment company with investments in more than 34 countries and a combined workforce of nearly 45,000 individuals. In line with the vision of Dubai’s leadership and economic diversification strategy, Dubai Holding companies have nurtured sectors, irrevocably transforming Dubai’s socio-economic landscape and positioning Dubai as a diversified, globally integrated economy.

Dubai Holding is committed to the diversification of Dubai’s non-oil economy. Our portfolio, valued at over AED 280+billion, spans 10 sectors, including real estate, hospitality, leisure & entertainment, ICT, design, education, media, retail, manufacturing & logistics, and science.

For the Good of Tomorrow

Dubai Holding is looking to hire an Associate Director - Employee Relations reporting to the Vice President – People Operations & Rewards . The role holder will be responsible for leading the employee relations and operations function that serves as the primary human capital advisory channel for all verticals with respect to employee related matters and implementation of policies. In addition, the role holder will be responsible to drive conflict resolution, and risk mitigation while fostering positive employee relationships. This role serves as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on complex employee relations matters, ensuring full compliance with UAE Labor Law and regional regulatory requirements.

If you are ready to embark on a dynamic journey where your talents are valued, and your contributions make a real impact, we would like to hear from you.

Key Accountabilities:

Employee relations case management:

• Lead employee investigations, conflict resolution, and grievance management for Dubai Holding.
• Act as a focal point and HRBP for Dubai Holding Corporate and Dubai Holding Investments Corporate for all employee lifecycle matters including investigations, conflict resolution, grievance management, policy queries, contract clarifications, and employment-related guidance.
• Conduct workplace investigations following due process requirements while ensuring compliance with company practices and government regulations.
• Facilitate conflict resolution processes and mediation sessions.
• Manage performance management escalations and disciplinary processes.
• Handle grievance procedures in accordance with UAE labor law requirements including provide suggestions on how to handle such cases, preparing and filing formal records of the incident and ensuring execution of disciplinary measures.
• Ensure workplace practices prevent discrimination and harassment.
• Manage timely resolution of all employee relations issues escalated by ensuring good internal customer relationships are established through efficient provision of services. This includes maintaining comprehensive documentation and case tracking systems.

Employee Process:

• Oversee key activities related to promotions, transfers within and across verticals, employee exits, disciplinary issues, employee grievances etc. and ensure the ER team provides required support to the line managers and employees during these processes.
• Oversee time and attendance management including absconded procedures
• Administer leave management programs (annual, sick, maternity, paternity etc.,) while ensuring proper documentation for all employment lifecycle events.
• Oversee UAE national pension compliance requirements and ensure full compliance with mandatory pension requirements for UAE nationals across GPSSA systems.

Human Resource Operations:

• Lead the Human Capital operations function to achieve efficient and high-quality employee services covering aspects such as visa services, letters, and document issue, joining and exit associated logistical and administrative support, employee file management, HRMS updates and record maintenance.
• Lead initiatives and projects to enhance HR systems and processes; improve efficiency through enhanced self-service and online workflows and oversee the implementation of HC systems and software.
• Define and standardize the Human Capital services processes and procedures, work instructions and ensure relevant procedures are reviewed and amended as required based on changes of legislation and company policies.
• Oversee the HRMS systems: identifying and leading enhancements and automations to improve overall efficiency and service delivery.
• Oversee medical administration processes including employee enrolment in medical insurance schemes, policy renewals, claims processing coordination, medical invoice reconciliation, insurance provider relationship management etc.,

Leadership Reporting & Strategic Advisory:

• Provide advice to senior leadership on employee relations matters including disciplinary cases, investigations, collecting evidence, interpreting labour and immigration laws, and in the understanding of legal and practical implications of different options/solutions.
• Oversee and manage the preparation of any critical presentations, memos, exception reports etc., to be submitted to the senior management or to relevant committees for necessary approvals while ensuring accuracy, timelines and quality of information.
• Provide regular reports on case logs, response times, closure rates, and resolution quality.

Who we are looking for:

• 8-10 years’ experience in Human Resource including at least 3 years in employee relations
• Minimum 3 years of UAE market experience with knowledge of UAE Labor Law

Education / Professional Certifications:

• Graduate in Human Resource, Business Administration, Psychology, or related field
• CIPD Level 5/7 or equivalent (preferred)

Technical Competencies:

• Knowledge of UAE Labor Law, MOHRE compliance requirements and reporting systems
• Investigation and case management methodologies and documentation
• Policy development and implementation processes
• Strong communication skills
• Working knowledge of HR systems preferably Oracle Fusion.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Customer Focus
• Results Orientation
• Business Awareness
• Curious & Creative
• Sense of Urgency
• Builds Relationships
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Planning and Organizing
• Communication
• Teamwork

As much as we would be delighted to entertain all applicants, due to the high volumes of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted within 14 business days.

This job description is not all inclusive. Dubai Holding reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Dubai Holding is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.