Senior Employee Relations Manager - UAE National

Overview

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Employee Relations function and drive the development of policies, procedures, and operational frameworks in line with Dubai Government HR Law.
• Oversee core employee services including payroll, medical insurance, visas, leave management, retirement, end-of-service processes, and employee records management.
• Ensure payroll accuracy, confidentiality, compliance, and timely processing across the organisation.
• Manage and enhance HR systems, employee service platforms, rewards and incentive schemes, and HR operational processes.
• Lead employee engagement and employee happiness initiatives in collaboration with wider HR and organisational culture teams.
• Handle employee complaints, disciplinary matters, investigations, and policy-related issues with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Analyse HR metrics, turnover trends, retirement data, and workforce insights to support strategic decision-making.
• Drive operational excellence, continuous improvement, and government excellence initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government authorities and strategic partners.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Employee Relations team while supporting succession planning and capability development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 11 years' experience within HR, including significant exposure to employee relations and HR operations.
• Strong knowledge of UAE/Dubai Government HR legislation and HR best practices.
• Experience managing payroll, employee services, HR systems, and workforce compliance within a large or complex organisation.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Experience driving change management, employee engagement, and operational transformation initiatives is highly desirable.
• ***Due to emiratisation and security clearance reasons candidates must hold a UAE Family book - from Dubai.***