Head of People & Culture / HR Manager

About Dizzaract

Dizzaract is a UAE-based game development studio founded in 2022, headquartered at Yas Creative Hub, Abu Dhabi. We develop cutting-edge AI-powered games and systems, including our innovation R&D laboratory FAR labs, the upcoming hero shooter Farcana, and the AI gaming identity platform GAMED. Our research and development team boasts over 100 peer-reviewed papers and more than 20 patents in AI-driven gameplay, digital ownership, and competitive design. With a diverse team of more than 80 professionals from over 20 countries, we are committed to innovation, excellence, and building a culture that drives performance and results.

Role Summary

We are seeking a strategic, visionary HR leader to be the driving force behind transforming our company culture into one of high performance, transparency, and accountability. This role requires establishing and embedding a company-wide OKR framework that aligns teams, promotes clarity of priorities, and fosters a results-driven mindset. You will lead initiatives to improve organizational structures, reporting, workflows, and performance management processes, ensuring every employee’s objectives are clear, measurable, and aligned with our strategic vision.

This person will work closely with the CEO, C-Level team, and HR partners to create an environment where execution, recognition, and continuous improvement are prioritized. They will also oversee talent management, employee relocation to Abu Dhabi, compliance with UAE labor laws, and the development of incentives that support a culture of high achievement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Culture & Performance Transformation

• Lead the development and implementation of a high-performance culture centered on transparency, accountability, and results.
• Establish a company-wide OKR framework, ensuring each team and individual sets clear, measurable objectives aligned with strategic goals.
• Embed OKRs into employee bios and company dashboards to promote visibility and shared responsibility.
• Develop a quarterly evaluation system with scoring that influences recognition, rewards, and career progression.
• Promote a mindset shift towards execution excellence and results focus.

2. HR Strategy & Operations

• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with business objectives, emphasizing performance, growth, and innovation.
• Establish and manage HR processes: recruitment, onboarding, performance management, offboarding, and talent development.
• Create and maintain detailed job descriptions based on staffing needs.
• Manage and optimize the People Force HR system and employee records.

3. Organizational Structures & Workflow Improvements

• Propose and implement structural changes to improve reporting lines, workflows, and operational efficiency.
• Standardize processes to empower teams, enhance visibility, and facilitate better decision-making.

4. Relocation & Abu Dhabi Office Management

• Lead the employee relocation program, including market research, offer negotiations, and onboarding in Abu Dhabi.
• Ensure compliance with UAE labor laws, manage visa processes, renewals, and health insurance administration.
• Support Abu Dhabi office operations and team integration.

5. Talent Acquisition & Management

• Source, interview, and hire top talent aligned with company needs and cultural values.
• Negotiate employment agreements, manage contracts, and oversee onboarding.
• Monitor KPIs, conduct performance reviews, and develop wellness and engagement programs.

6. Employee Relations & Engagement

• Handle personnel matters such as accommodations, salary negotiations, and contract updates.
• Plan and execute quarterly team-building events and internal training sessions.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment.

7. AI Tool Adoption & Automation

• Go beyond just using tools — actively embed AI into the company's culture and daily workflows.
• Drive the adoption of AI tools to automate HR processes, including sourcing, communication, analytics, and administrative tasks.
• Ensure the team leverages AI not only for efficiency in recruitment and data analysis, but also as a core mindset across functions.
• Champion AI literacy across the organization — help teams understand how to integrate AI into their own work.
• Track and promote AI-driven performance improvements, making AI a natural part of how we operate and innovate.

8. Incentives & Recognition Programs

• Collaborate with leadership, including CEO, to design incentive schemes that reinforce OKRs and high performance.
• Recognize outstanding achievements and embed a culture of celebrating excellence.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 5+ years of HR management experience, preferably in startups or tech companies.
• Proven experience in implementing performance management frameworks, especially OKRs.
• Strong knowledge of UAE labor laws or the ability to quickly learn and ensure compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and cultural transformation.
• Track record of using AI tools to automate HR workflows and improve operational efficiency.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently, handle multiple operational tasks, and influence across levels.

KPIs (First 3 Months)

• Review and optimize current HR and operational processes.
• Lead the proposal and initial implementation of the OKR framework across teams.
• Develop a comprehensive HR and culture strategy aligned with business goals.
• Complete legalizations and relocation processes for the Abu Dhabi office.
• Establish regular meetings with the C-Level team and CEO to track progress.
• Demonstrate knowledge of UAE labor laws and compliance readiness.
• Initiate employee onboarding programs and gather feedback on cultural alignment.

Final Note

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape Company’s culture and operational excellence at a pivotal growth stage. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker, a change agent, and a champion of results—driving us toward a high-performance, innovative future.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED25,800.00 per month

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Abu Dhabi: Reliably commute or willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (Required)

Experience:

• OKR Implementation & Performance Management: 5 years (Required)
• Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding: 5 years (Required)
• UAE Labor Law & Compliance: 5 years (Required)
• AI Integration in HR: 2 years (Required)
• Working in startups (AI, Gamedev.): 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• English C1 / Native (Required)
• Russian C1 / Native (Preferred)

Location:

• Abu Dhabi (Preferred)