Senior Director - HR Operations (UAEN)

We are looking to hire a Senior Director – HR Operations who will be responsible for leading and governing HR Operations, Employee Services, manpower governance, Emiratization compliance, outsourced workforce oversight, and workforce analytics for our client based in Dubai , which is one of the largest organizations in the region.

This is a permanent role within the organization.

The role sits within the Human Resources Department .

We are looking for a Senior Director – HR Operations who will drive operational excellence, compliance, and governance across the full employee lifecycle. You should also possess strong expertise in UAE Labour Law, MOHRE and GPSSA compliance, manpower budgeting, outsourced workforce management, HR systems governance, and workforce analytics.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction and governance oversight for HR Operations and Employee Services.
• Establish and enforce operating models, process standards, and service level agreements (SLAs).
• Ensure compliance with UAE Labour Law, MOHRE, GPSSA, and internal governance frameworks.
• Oversee manpower governance, budget alignment, and Emiratization target tracking.Lead governance and performance oversight of outsourced workforce providers.
• Manage end-to-end employee lifecycle operations including onboarding, payroll inputs, HRIS management, leave administration, and exits.
• Oversee employment contracts, visa processing, medical insurance, and government registrations.
• Deliver executive-level reporting on headcount, manpower utilization, and HR KPIs.
• Ensure HR data integrity, audit readiness, and operational compliance.
• Align subsidiary HR Operations with group HR standards and policies.
• Lead and develop the HR Operations team, fostering a service-oriented and compliance-driven culture.

Knowledge, skills & experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Professional certification such as SHRM-SCP or CIPD Level 7 is an advantage.
• Minimum 10 years of HR experience, with at least 8 years in a senior leadership role managing HR Operations in a multi-entity or government-linked environment.
• Strong knowledge of UAE Labour Law, MOHRE, and GPSSA regulations.
• Proven experience in HR operational governance, manpower control, outsourced workforce management, and workforce analytics.
• Strong stakeholder management, leadership, and presentation skills.

Availability:

• Preference will be given to candidates available immediately or with a maximum 30-day notice period after accepting the offer.

We are looking for a candidate who will be able to work in the United Arab Emirates . Please apply with your resume and remember to provide us with your contact details.

We will review your job application within 7 working days. Should your profile fit the requirements of the role, a consultant from Edari will be in touch with you to gain a deeper understanding of your profile, discuss the role in more detail, and outline the potential next steps.