Director of Human Resources (UAEN)

Overview

Strategic HR Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive Human Resources strategy aligned with the organization’s growth plans, transformation agenda, and long-term business objectives.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, advising executives on organizational design, workforce capability, succession planning, culture, and people risk.
• Lead enterprise-wide HR transformation initiatives to modernize processes, systems, structures, and service delivery models.
• Drive a high-performance culture through robust performance management frameworks, accountability measures, and leadership effectiveness programs.

Talent Management & Emiratization

• Design and implement an advanced Emiratization strategy focused on attracting, developing, engaging, and retaining high-caliber Emirati professionals across all business functions.
• Build strategic partnerships with government entities, universities, programs, and talent networks to create sustainable Emirati talent pipelines.
• Establish structured graduate programs, leadership development pathways, succession plans, and career progression frameworks for Emiratis.
• Ensure achievement of Emiratization targets while embedding meaningful development and retention strategies.

Full HR Functional Oversight

• Provide executive oversight across Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Compensation & Benefits, Employee Relations, HR Operations, HRIS, Organizational Development, Rewards, and Internal Mobility.
• Lead the review and enhancement of HR policies, procedures, frameworks, and governance standards to ensure operational excellence and compliance.
• Oversee workforce planning and manpower budgeting in line with commercial priorities and growth forecasts.
• Implement people analytics and HR metrics dashboards to support strategic decision-making and workforce optimization.

Organizational Effectiveness & Culture

• Lead change management programs associated with restructuring, mergers, expansion, digitalization, or business transformation initiatives.
• Champion employee engagement, wellbeing, diversity, inclusion, and culture enhancement initiatives across the organization.
• Strengthen leadership capability through executive coaching, management development, and succession readiness frameworks.
• Foster a values-driven culture focused on collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Labour Law, regulatory requirements, internal controls, and corporate governance standards.
• Manage employee relations matters with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Mitigate people-related risk through proactive planning, policy alignment, and governance discipline.

Candidate Profile

• Emirati candidate is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or related discipline. Master’s degree / MBA highly preferred.
• Professional HR certifications such as CIPD, SHRM, HRCI or equivalent are highly advantageous.
• Minimum
• 15+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including significant leadership experience within large, complex, or fast-paced organizations.
• Demonstrated success leading full HR functions at a strategic level with hands-on operational oversight.
• Strong track record in Emiratization strategy, talent development, and stakeholder engagement within the market.
• Proven experience in organizational transformation, change management, and culture building initiatives.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate business strategy into people strategy.
• Excellent executive presence, communication, influencing, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• High levels of professionalism, confidentiality, resilience, and leadership maturity.