Job Description

CHRO or AVP - HR

About Macwise Group of Companies

Macwise Group is a diversified group of companies headquartered in Dubai, encompassing interests in luxury experiences (The Experience Store), wellness products (Verve Wellness), sports ventures (Veterans Pro Cricket International), Venture Capital Firm (Macwise Capital), and CFO advisory services (Macwise CFO Advisory).

Role Summary

The CHRO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive leadership, driving human capital strategy across the Group's Dubai operations. You will build and lead a high-performing HR team, champion a culture of excellence, and ensure compliance with UAE labor laws and best-in-class people practices.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic HR Leadership

Develop and execute a 3- to 5-year People Strategy aligned with business goals. Act as advisor to the CEO and Board on organizational design, succession planning, and leadership development. Lead change management initiatives to support new ventures and strategic pivots.
2.

Talent Acquisition & Retention

Architect end-to-end recruitment strategies to attract top talent across functions and levels. Oversee employer-branding initiatives and partnerships with universities, professional bodies, and executive search firms. Implement retention programs (mentoring, career-path frameworks, recognition).
3.

Performance Management & Development

Design and roll out a competency-based performance review process, tied to KPI and OKR frameworks. Lead learning & development strategy, including leadership academies, technical upskilling and compliance training. Drive continuous feedback culture and coaching for managers.
4.

Compensation & Benefits

Ensure competitive, compliant total-reward structures for the UAE market (salary, allowances, bonuses, equity, benefits). Partner with Finance to manage head-count planning and annual merit/incentive cycles. Oversee provider relationships (healthcare, insurance, employee assistance programs).
5.

HR Operations & Compliance

Guarantee full adherence to UAE Labour Law, DIFC/ADGM regulations (as applicable), and visa/immigration requirements. Maintain HR policies, employee handbook, and standard operating procedures. Oversee HRIS implementation and data integrity, producing actionable analytics (turnover, time-to-hire, engagement).
6.

Employee Relations & Engagement

Foster an inclusive, high-trust culture via town halls, pulse surveys, and leadership communications. Lead investigations and resolution of employee grievances, ensuring fairness and legal compliance. Champion diversity, equity & inclusion initiatives across all levels.
7.

Organizational Design & Change Management

Advise on structures for new business launches, M&A integrations, and joint ventures. Manage workforce planning to ensure agility and scalability.

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

Master's degree in human resources management, Business Administration, Organizational Psychology or related field.

Experience:

10+ years in HR leadership roles within multi-national organizations, with at least 5 years senior-executive experience in the UAE/GCC. Proven track record of building HR functions from the ground up, preferably in diversified or high-growth environments.

Technical Skills:

Proficient with leading HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday, Darwinbox / GreytHR Oracle HCM, SAP SuccessFactors). Strong data-analytics acumen (HR dashboards, workforce metrics).

Core Competencies

Strategic Mindset:

Ability to translate business objectives into people strategies.

Influence & Collaboration:

Builds credibility with executives, managers and external stakeholders.

Change Leadership:

Skilled in driving organizational transformation and complex change initiatives.

Cultural Agility:

Deep understanding of UAE labor regulations, cultural norms and expatriate workforce dynamics.

Communication:

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; adept at storytelling and executive presentations.

Integrity & Confidentiality:

Upholds the highest ethical standards and discretion.

Reporting & Location

Reports to: CEO, Macwise Group of Companies Location: Dubai (Head Office), with occasional travel to India or other Group locations as required
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent