Lead Human Resources Business Partner

Title: Lead Human Capital Business Partner

Location: Abu Dhabi

Reporting to: CHRO

Subordinates: Individual Contributor

We are working with a highly reputable financial services related organisation based in Abu Dhabi to appoint a Lead Human Capital Business Partner. This is a both strategic and operational role that will act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, driving people strategy, workforce planning, and talent initiatives across the business.

Role Overview

The Lead Human Capital Business Partner will provide end-to-end HR leadership and advisory support across assigned business functions. The role combines strategic input with hands-on execution, covering workforce planning, talent management, employee relations, compensation, performance management, and organisational effectiveness.

This position is ideal for a commercially minded HR leader with strong experience in financial services or regulated environments.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR & Business Partnering

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on all human capital matters
• Translate the organisation’s people strategy into practical, business-aligned initiatives
• Support leadership teams in driving employee engagement, productivity, and performance
• Ensure alignment between HR strategy and overall business objectives

Workforce Planning & Budgeting

• Partner with business leaders on workforce planning and headcount forecasting
• Support HR budgeting activities and monitor workforce-related costs
• Provide data-driven insights to support strategic decision-making

Policies, Governance & Compliance

• Ensure consistent implementation of HR policies, procedures, and controls
• Stay up to date with UAE labour law and regulatory requirements, advising leadership accordingly
• Act as a change agent when introducing new or updated HR policies
• Coach line managers on policy interpretation and application

Talent Management & Succession Planning

• Contribute to the development and execution of a robust talent management strategy
• Partner with Talent Acquisition on hiring plans for critical and leadership roles
• Lead succession planning and talent pipeline initiatives
• Support leadership development and high-potential programmes

Employee Relations

• Provide expert guidance on employee relations matters including performance management, disciplinary issues, and conflict resolution
• Support managers in resolving complex or sensitive employee issues
• Promote positive employee relations and a high-performance culture

Compensation & Benefits

• Support the design and execution of competitive compensation and benefits frameworks
• Conduct market benchmarking and salary reviews
• Advise on bonus cycles, salary adjustments, and recognition programmes
• Ensure reward practices are market-aligned and compliant

Learning, Development & Performance

• Partner with leaders to identify training and development needs
• Support delivery of learning and development initiatives aligned with business goals
• Oversee performance management processes including goal setting, reviews, and feedback
• Use performance data to drive continuous improvement

Stakeholder & Change Management

• Act as a bridge between HR and executive leadership
• Collaborate with internal HR centres of excellence to deliver seamless people solutions
• Build strong internal and external stakeholder relationships

Continuous Improvement & Risk Management

• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, systems, and employee experience
• Promote best practices, efficiency, and innovation within the HR function
• Ensure HR practices support organisational risk management and business continuity requirements

Mandatory Requirements

• Bachelors degree minimum qualification
• 10 years minimum HR experience
• UAEN Applicants only please
• Employee Relations & Performance Management experience
• HR ERP system improvement and enhancement experience