HR Manager

The HR Manager is responsible for leading the HR function at SmartStay, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, compliance with UAE labor laws and free zone regulations, and fostering a strong and positive workplace culture. This role drives recruitment, training, performance management, employee administration and employee engagement, while maintaining a clear team structure and accountability across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with the senior leadership team to align HR strategy with business goals, ensuring workforce planning, budgeting, and headcount forecasts support SmartStay s growth and expansion.
• Act as a strategic advisor on organizational design, succession planning, talent retention, and maintaining a clear structure with defined roles, KPIs, and accountability frameworks.
• Develop and implement annual HR plans, budgets, and headcount forecasts in line with SmartStay s strategic direction.
• Lead and execute as required end-to-end recruitment processes, elevate the candidate journey, and leverage employer branding (Workable, LinkedIn, social media) to build a strong, future-ready talent pool.
• Oversee onboarding and ensure smooth integration of new hires into the organization.
• Manage performance review processes, individual development plans, disciplinary proceedings and structured feedback systems to drive accountability and results.
• Ensure compliant and efficient HR administration across contracts, visas, payroll coordination, and full employee lifecycle management in line with UAE Labor Law and Free Zone regulations.
• Mitigate HR-related risks through up-to-date legal knowledge, data protection, and confidentiality practices.
• Drive employee engagement initiatives that support retention, motivation, and a high-performance culture.
• Coach managers on communication, conflict resolution, documentation, and effective people management practices.
• Ensure HR systems, SOPs, and policies are properly documented, implemented, and continuously improved.
• Stay updated with HR best practices, industry trends, and UAE regulatory updates to ensure ongoing compliance and competitiveness.
• Maintain a centralized contracts and compliance tracker, monitoring key dates and escalating risks proactively.