HR Manager – UAE (Group HQ)

About Ayn Al Fahad (AAF)

Ayn Al Fahad (AAF) is a diversified distribution and retail group headquartered in Dubai, UAE, with core operations across Iraq and a growing presence in other Middle Eastern markets. The Group operates across consumer electronics, retail, e-commerce, and selected diversified sectors.

As part of its growth strategy, AAF is strengthening its Group HQ capabilities to support scalable operations, strong governance, and performance-driven expansion across markets.

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced HR Manager to lead Human Resources activities for UAE operations, based at the Group Headquarters in Dubai.

Reporting directly to the Group COO, the HR Manager will be responsible for managing day-to-day HR operations while building scalable processes, strengthening governance, and supporting a professional, performance-oriented culture as the organization grows.

This is a hands-on role requiring high ownership, discretion, and the ability to operate independently within a lean HQ structure.

Key Responsibilities

1. HR Operations & Compliance

• Manage the full employee lifecycle (onboarding, contracts, documentation, probation, exits).
• Ensure full compliance with UAE labor law and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate visa processing and government documentation with PRO.
• Maintain accurate and confidential HR records and documentation.
• Monitor legal updates and implement necessary policy changes.

2. Payroll, Compensation & HR Budget Control

• Manage payroll processing in coordination with Finance and external providers.
• Administer employee benefits (insurance, leave, allowances, etc.).
• Ensure high numerical accuracy in payroll, accruals, and compensation reporting.
• Support HR budgeting and workforce cost tracking.

3. Recruitment & Workforce Planning

• Lead end-to-end recruitment across UAE entities.
• Partner with management to identify hiring needs aligned with growth plans.
• Improve hiring processes and candidate evaluation standards.
• Support workforce planning as headcount scales.

4. Employee Relations & Performance Management

• Serve as primary HR advisor to management and employees.
• Manage employee relations matters, disciplinary processes, and investigations in line with policy and law.
• Support performance management cycles, goal setting, and development planning.
• Promote a structured, accountable, and performance-driven work environment.

5. HR Policies, Systems & Governance

• Develop, implement, and standardize HR policies and SOPs.
• Strengthen documentation, reporting standards, and HR controls.
• Coordinate with HR teams in other markets to align reporting frameworks where applicable.
• Produce monthly and annual HR reports including:
• Headcount and turnover metrics
• Revenue vs. compensation analysis
• Recruitment and visa cost tracking
• Payroll and HR budget performance
• Drive continuous improvement in HR processes and systems (HRIS experience preferred).

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 6–10 years of progressive HR experience.
• Strong knowledge of UAE labor law and HR best practices.
• Demonstrated experience managing payroll and HR reporting with high numerical accuracy.
• Experience in a structured SME or regional group environment is preferred.
• Strong business acumen and ability to operate in a growing organization.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Office.
• Fluent in written and spoken English. Arabic is an advantage (not mandatory).

Personal Attributes

• High integrity and professionalism.
• Structured, analytical, and detail-oriented.
• Confident and capable of handling sensitive matters with discretion.
• Proactive and solution-oriented.
• Able to balance employee engagement with business discipline.
• Comfortable working in a lean and evolving environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED8,000.00 - AED12,000.00 per month