Senior Human Resources Manager

The Senior HR Manager will lead the full spectrum of HR operations and strategic people initiatives for a growing professional services organisation. This role requires a strong business partner who can balance strategic planning with hands-on execution, driving organisational performance, creating a high-trust culture, and ensuring HR excellence across all functions.

The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in the UAE market, strong stakeholder management skills, and a proven ability to influence at senior leadership level.

Key Responsibilities

1. HR Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement HR strategies that support the company’s business objectives and long-term growth.
• Partner with senior leadership to shape organisational culture, workforce planning, and future talent needs.
• Provide guidance on organisational design, capability building, and change management.
• Lead HR projects and transformation initiatives across the region.

2. Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Oversee end-to-end recruitment for all business units, ensuring high-quality and timely hiring.
• Lead annual workforce planning and forecasting.
• Build strong talent pipelines for key roles and ensure succession planning is in place.
• Enhance employer branding and recruitment best practices tailored to professional services.

3. Performance Management & Capability Development

• Drive the full performance management cycle, ensuring fairness, alignment, and accountability.
• Coach managers on performance conversations, team development, and progression plans.
• Partner with leaders to identify capability gaps and implement training, L&D initiatives, and leadership development programs.

4. Compensation, Benefits & HR Policy

• Manage compensation reviews, benchmarking, and job evaluations to ensure internal and external competitiveness.
• Work with Finance and leadership teams on annual budgets, salary reviews, and workforce cost planning.
• Ensure all HR policies, processes, and contracts are compliant with UAE Labour Law and industry standards.
• Lead C&B-related communication and change initiatives across the organisation.

5. Employee Relations & Culture

• Act as the primary point of contact for complex employee relations issues, providing guidance, mediation, and resolution.
• Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture where employees feel supported and engaged.
• Lead engagement surveys, action planning, and initiatives to enhance employee experience.
• Support internal communications, wellbeing programs, and culture-building activities.

6. HR Operations & Compliance

• Oversee onboarding, offboarding, HR documentation, and employee life cycle processes.
• Ensure HR operations, data management, and HRMS systems are accurate, updated, and compliant.
• Maintain compliance with UAE Labor Law, free zone regulations, and professional services governance standards.
• Partner with external legal counsel when necessary to mitigate risk and ensure compliance.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• CIPD, SHRM, or equivalent certification is highly advantageous.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 4–5 years in a managerial or senior HR business partner role.
• Proven experience working in a professional services environment (consulting, legal, audit, financial services, or similar).
• Strong knowledge of UAE Labour Law and regional HR best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to manage senior stakeholders and influence decision-making.