Employee Relations Lead

Title: Employee Relations Lead

Location: Dubai or Abu Dhabi (office in both locations)

Reporting to: Senior HR Leadership

Subordinates: ER Managers

UAEN Applicants only please - non negotiable

Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Employee Relations Lead to oversee the enterprise-wide ER function. This role will lead on complex employee matters, governance frameworks, and workforce risk, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant practices across multiple regions. The position plays a key role in safeguarding organizational integrity while promoting a high-performance and respectful workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities Employee Relations Leadership

• Lead and develop the ER function across multiple geographies
• Establish consistent ER standards, policies, and governance frameworks
• Coach and support ER teams on complex and high-risk cases
• Promote a culture of accountability, fairness, and risk awareness

Discipline & Grievance Management

• Oversee disciplinary and grievance frameworks and processes
• Manage complex, high-risk, or reputational ER cases
• Ensure consistency and legal defensibility in decision-making

Advisory & Stakeholder Support

• Act as a strategic advisor to HR and business leaders on ER matters
• Provide guidance on performance management, investigations, and compliance
• Support resolution of sensitive workforce issues

Policy & Compliance

• Interpret and communicate ER policies across the organization
• Ensure consistent application aligned with local regulations
• Strengthen adherence through HR and leadership teams

Escalation & Risk Management

• Act as final escalation point for critical ER issues
• Identify systemic risks and define mitigation strategies
• Ensure proper documentation and governance standards

Governance & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze ER trends and identify areas of risk or improvement
• Enhance ER frameworks, reporting, and controls
• Drive proactive initiatives to reduce workforce risk

Mandatory Requirements

• Bachelor's degree minimum qualification
• 8 years minimum in HR Ops/Employee Relations
• Must be fully compliant with all responsibilities mentioned above without exception.