Job Description

Job Purpose
To serve as a strategic partner to senior business leaders and line managers within designated business units (e.g., Projects, Operations, Commercial, Engineering). The role is responsible for developing and executing HR strategies focused on talent management, organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, and employee engagement within the unique context of the UAE construction industry.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Partnership:

• Partner with business leadership to understand strategic objectives and provide expert HR guidance on people-related issues.
• Translate business plans into tangible HR priorities, programs, and initiatives.
• Analyze HR metrics and trends (e.g., turnover, headcount, productivity) to develop data-driven solutions and inform business decisions.

Talent Management & Workforce Planning:

• Lead the talent review and succession planning process for critical roles within the business unit, ensuring a robust pipeline for key positions, especially Project Managers, Engineers, and Site Supervisors.
• Drive the annual performance management cycle, coaching managers on goal setting, constructive feedback, and performance differentiation.
• Partner with the Talent Acquisition team to forecast hiring needs, define role requirements, and ensure a smooth onboarding process for new hires, particularly for hard-to-fill technical roles.

Employee Relations & Engagement:

• Act as a trusted advisor to managers on complex employee relations matters, including grievance handling, disciplinary actions, and performance improvement plans, ensuring compliance with UAE labor law.
• Proactively manage and mitigate HR-related risks.
• Champion employee engagement initiatives, conduct stay and exit interviews, and develop action plans to improve morale and reduce attrition in a high-pressure environment.
• Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture that aligns with company values.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Advise managers on compensation decisions (promotions, adjustments) ensuring internal equity and external market competitiveness, in coordination with the C&B team.
• Understand the specific compensation structures common in the UAE contracting sector (e.g., project-based bonuses, allowances).

HR Operations & Compliance:

• Ensure all HR policies and procedures are applied consistently and in compliance with UAE Federal law and local Emirate regulations (e.g., MOHRE, DM/DDA guidelines).
• Manage and resolve complex HR issues efficiently and effectively.
• Oversee key HR processes for the business unit, including probations, leave management, and final settlements.

Learning & Development:

• Identify training needs within the business unit and collaborate with the L&D team to source or develop programs (e.g., leadership development, technical upskilling, safety compliance).
• Coach and mentor line managers to enhance their leadership capabilities.

Qualifications and Experience
Essential:

• Master's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in Human Resources.
• At least 4 years of proven experience as an HR Business Partner or Senior HR Generalist within well-known building contracting companies in the UAE.
• In-depth, practical knowledge of UAE Labor Law and its application within the construction industry.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex employee relations cases.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to understand commercial and operational drivers.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills at all levels, from site workers to senior executives.

Desirable:

• HR certification (e.g., CIPD, SHRM, HRCI) is a significant advantage.
• Arabic language skills are highly preferred.
• Experience with HRIS systems (e.g., SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle HCM).

Competencies

• Strategic Thinker with Operational Execution
• Resilience and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic site environment
• High Integrity and Confidentiality
• Strong Problem-Solving and Decision-Making skills
• Customer-focused and Results-oriented
• Culturally aware and adept at managing a multi-national workforce

Skills Required