Job Description

Position Summary
The Senior Manager - HR Operations will be a pivotal leader responsible for overseeing the entire employee lifecycle operations within the UAE. This hands-on role requires a strategic thinker with deep expertise in UAE labor law and a proven track record of optimizing HR processes, managing a team, and ensuring seamless day-to-day HR operations. The ideal candidate will be a confident leader who can drive efficiency, compliance, and scalability within the HR function.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic HR Operations Leadership:

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve all HR operational policies, processes, and systems to ensure efficiency, scalability, and a superior employee experience.
• Analyze HR metrics and data to provide insights and recommendations for strategic decision-making to senior leadership.
• Ensure all HR operations are fully compliant with the latest UAE Federal and local labor laws and regulations.

2. Team Management & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing HR operations team (including HR Executives, Officers, and Administrators).
• Set clear team goals, manage workloads, conduct performance reviews, and foster a collaborative and productive environment.

3. HR Systems & Process Management:

• Serve as the functional expert and super-user for the HR Management System (HRMS), ensuring it is optimized for all operational needs including employee data management, reporting, and analytics.
• Drive the digitization and automation of HR processes to increase accuracy and reduce manual effort.

4. Employee Lifecycle Management:

• Onboarding: Oversee and enhance the end-to-end onboarding process, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience for all new hires, including visa processing, offer letters, and orientation.
• Offboarding: Manage the offboarding process, including exit interviews, final settlements, visa cancellations, and knowledge transfer, ensuring a positive and professional separation.
• Oversee all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including probation confirmations, contract amendments, transfers, and leave management.

5. Compliance & Governance:

• Maintain 100% compliance with all UAE visa, labor, and immigration requirements.
• Act as the primary point of contact for government relations and liaise with relevant authorities (MOHRE, GDRFA, etc.) as needed.
• Manage internal and external audits related to HR processes and documentation.

6. Stakeholder Management & Communication:

• Partner closely with HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, Payroll, and Finance teams to ensure integrated and seamless service delivery.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers and employees on complex HR operational and policy-related queries.
• Communicate policies, processes, and changes effectively to the entire organization.

Qualifications & Experience

• Essential: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree or relevant HR certification (e.g., CIPD, SHRM, HRCI) is a strong advantage.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in HR Operations, with a specific and strong focus on the UAE market.
• Proven team management experience for at least 3 years, demonstrating the ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team.
• In-depth, hands-on knowledge of UAE Labor Law, visa processing, immigration protocols, and end-to-end onboarding/offboarding procedures.
• Hands-on experience with implementing and managing HR Management Systems (HRMS) or Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS).

Required Skills & Competencies

• Leadership & Influence: Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire confidence in both the team and senior management.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English. Proficiency in Arabic is advantageous.
• Problem-Solving: Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills and a process-improvement orientation.
• Confidence & Composure: Ability to handle sensitive situations with tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.