Human Resources Director

About This Role

Job Title: HR Director – Asset Maintenance (Oil & Gas / Utilities)

Location: Abu Dhabi - Middle East (with frequent travel across Middle East & Caspian Region)

Reporting To: Group HR Director / Business Unit CEO

Role Overview

We are seeking a seasoned HR Director to lead the human resources function for our Asset Maintenance Division, supporting large-scale Oil & Gas and Utilities projects across the Middle East and Caspian region.

This role requires a strategic HR leader with strong experience in project-based environments, workforce mobilization, and managing multicultural teams across geographically dispersed operations.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership

Develop and execute HR strategies aligned with business objectives for asset maintenance operations

Partner with senior leadership to drive organizational effectiveness and workforce planning

Lead transformation initiatives including restructuring, workforce optimization, and localization

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

Oversee large-scale recruitment for technical roles (engineering, maintenance, shutdown projects)

Build pipelines for critical roles across multiple countries

Ensure compliance with local labor laws and nationalization programs

Employee Relations & Engagement

Manage complex employee relations issues across diverse cultures

Drive engagement, retention, and performance culture in remote project sites

Lead grievance handling, disciplinary processes, and conflict resolution

Performance & Talent Management

Implement performance management frameworks and succession planning

Identify high-potential talent and leadership development programs

Support leadership capability building across regions

Compensation & Benefits

Design competitive compensation structures aligned with regional benchmarks

Oversee payroll, benefits, and expatriate packages

Ensure internal equity and external competitiveness

HR Operations & Compliance

Ensure compliance with labor laws across Middle East and Caspian countries

Oversee HR policies, procedures, and governance

Manage audits, risk, and HR reporting

Candidate Profile

Experience

15–20+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 8+ years in a leadership role

Strong background in Oil & Gas, Utilities, EPC, or Asset Maintenance projects

Experience managing HR across multiple countries (Middle East / Caspian preferred)

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field

Master’s degree or MBA preferred

Skills & Competencies

Strategic thinking with strong business acumen

Experience in project-based workforce environments

Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills

Deep knowledge of international labor laws and mobility

High cultural intelligence and adaptability

Preferred Criteria

European national with willingness to relocate/travel extensively

Experience working in emerging markets or remote project environments

Exposure to joint ventures or multinational organizations