Associate Director- Organization Effectiveness, Rewards and Governance - Dubai Holding Real Estate

About Dubai Holding Real Estate:

Dubai Holding’s real estate business has developed strategic destinations and communities that offer unique and attractive lifestyle opportunities to meet the evolving needs of Dubai’s residents and visitors alike. As a master developer, we invest in sustainable infrastructure, accessibility, community amenities and family-focused facilities including community centres, mosques, schools, supermarkets and landscaping.

Our integrated real estate offering also includes a robust land sales portfolio, project management for large-scale projects, as well as top-notch facilities management services.

About the Job:

An opportunity has arisen for an Associate Director- Organization Effectiveness, Rewards and Governance to join Dubai Holding Real Estate . The job holder is responsible for leading the design and implementation of the Company’s organization structure, workforce planning, and total rewards framework—including recognition programs—to support business growth and strategic objectives.

Key job responsibilities :

Rewards & Compensation Strategy

• Design and implement the Company’s total rewards strategy, covering salaries, allowances, incentives, and benefits, ensuring competitiveness and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage the implementation and ongoing refinement of the Company grading structure and reward policies, ensuring alignment with market benchmarks and internal equity.
• Lead the annual salary survey exercise; analyze market data and propose compensation adjustments to senior management.
• Provide salary recommendations for new hires based on internal benchmarks and market trends, ensuring consistency and fairness.

Workforce Planning & Budgeting

• Establish and manage the framework for manpower planning and budgeting (SLA, Opex, G&A, Capex allocations).
• Lead the annual manpower planning cycle across the Company, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and budgetary constraints.
• Monitor workforce movements (joiners, exits, transfers, promotions) to ensure alignment with approved manpower budgets and report variances to management.

Organization effectiveness, Design, Job Evaluation & Grading

• Facilitate organizational design initiatives, including restructuring and redefining roles to improve accountability, communication, and span of control.
• Analyze complex situations, identify challenges and develop innovative solutions to improve organizational performance and operational effectiveness
• Execute change management and organizational development plans to support business transformation.
• Oversee job definition and evaluation processes to ensure roles are clearly articulated, systematically graded, and aligned with organizational hierarchy.
• Submit evaluated roles for final approval to relevant leadership stakeholders.
• Continuously review and recommend enhancements to organizational structure, spans of control, and communication flows to support agility and performance.

Payroll, Policy & Process Governance

• Oversee monthly payroll processing ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.
• Drive the development, implementation, and governance of HR policies, procedures, and Delegation of Authority (DOA) systems to promote consistency and scalability.
• Ensure all documentation related to rewards, governance, and policy are accurately maintained and audit-ready.

Rewards & Recognition Program

• Design and manage Company’s Rewards and Recognition (R&R) framework that promotes a culture of appreciation and high performance.
• Define recognition categories, criteria, frequency, and mechanisms in alignment with organizational values and goals.
• Collaborate with business leaders to implement both monetary and non-monetary recognition programs that enhance employee motivation and retention.
• Oversee communication, nominations, approvals, and delivery of R&R programs, ensuring transparency and inclusivity.
• Monitor program effectiveness and recommend enhancements based on feedback and evolving organizational needs.

Audit & Compliance and Operational Excellence

• Partner with management consultants on strategic HR initiatives as per business needs.
• Identify and respond to stakeholder requirements proactively, ensuring alignment with Company’s mission.
• Manage external and internal audit processes (e.g., Deloitte, PWC, Government, Internal Audit), ensuring timely submissions and closure of audit observations.
• Implement mitigation plans for audit findings and maintain comprehensive documentation.
• Promote a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement through strong governance and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure all functional communications and documentation related to rewards, talent, and policy are timely, accurate, and securely maintained on shared platforms.

About you:

The ideal candidate for this position will have the following experience and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field ; Master’s degree - preferred
• Professional certifications such as CIPD, SHRM-SCP, WorldatWork (GRP/CCP), or equivalent in rewards, organization design, or workforce planning – preferred
• In depth knowledge of organization design principles, compensation structures, Rewards & Recognition Programs, HR Policy Development and manpower planning and analytics.
• Minimum 10-12 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with at least 5 years in a leadership role in developing and executing successful HR Plans and scorecard.
• Experience in managing large-scale HR projects, audits, and working with external consultants.
• Prior exposure to real estate, holding companies, or multi-business environments is an advantage.
• Extensive experience mentoring and coaching diverse teams with varying levels of expertise and specialization.
• Proficient in HR systems (ERP/HRMS), data visualization/reporting tools (Power BI), and advanced use of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong business acumen, strategic thinking and data-driven mindset.
• Expert in job evaluation methodologies (e.g., Hay, Mercer, Towers Watson) and application of grading frameworks.
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities
• Highly effective communicator and influencer, with the ability to engage and collaborate with senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail, with a commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with governance standards.
• Excellent organizational skills
• Efficient Time and Workload Management
• Ability to manage and facilitate change
• Be able to align with Company’s culture and values. Open-minded and excited by cultural and professional diversity
• Exhibit high degree of “emotional intelligence”, remaining rational and calm under pressure.

About the Benefits:

At Dubai Holding, we're committed to nurturing the success and well-being of our colleagues. Join our dynamic and diverse team, and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive compensation, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment. We strongly believe in creating an empowered workforce that will help us build a connected city for tomorrow. We are committed to attracting the brightest minds and nurturing the most pioneering candidates who desire to make a great impact on the future of Dubai.