Overview:
We are looking for an experienced HR & Administration Manager to lead all aspects of HR operations for a Dubai-based office. The role calls for strong practical knowledge of UAE employment law and proven experience handling sensitive employee relations matters within a culturally diverse workforce, including Emirati colleagues.

As a trusted adviser to local management and senior HR leadership, you will provide balanced, commercially practical and legally sound guidance on employee relations, recruitment, payroll, compensation, performance management, disciplinary matters and exits. You will also oversee office administration, supported by an administration team.

Key Responsibilities:

Recruitment & Employee Lifecycle

• Partner with hiring managers on recruitment, including role requirements, sourcing, screening and interview coordination.
• Oversee onboarding and mobilisation, including employment documents, visas, travel, temporary accommodation, IT set-up and orientation.
• Prepare and administer contracts, salary certificates, transfer letters, NOCs, work permits, MOHRE/WPS requirements and employee records.
• Manage offboarding, including resignations, terminations, final settlements, visa cancellations, clearance and exit interviews.

HR Operations & Employee Relations

• Lead day-to-day HR operations, giving practical, legally sound advice to local management, employees and senior HR leadership.
• Handle employee relations matters, including grievances, investigations, disciplinary action, performance concerns, absenteeism and exits.
• Administer promotions, transfers, leave, attendance, overtime, claims and medical insurance.
• Keep employee records in the HRIS accurate and up to date.
• Ensure fair treatment, full documentation, data accuracy and compliance with UAE law, company policy and confidentiality requirements.

Payroll, Compensation & Reporting

• Coordinate monthly payroll with Finance, the payroll provider and senior HR leadership, ensuring accurate, timely and compliant processing.
• Validate payroll inputs, maintain supporting records and resolve payroll queries or discrepancies.
• Support salary reviews, bonus exercises and other compensation adjustments.
• Prepare HR and payroll reports and support internal and external audits.

Office Administration

• Lead day-to-day office administration and supervise administrative support staff and the receptionist.
• Oversee invoice processing, office expenses, payment submissions and supporting records in coordination with Finance.
• Coordinate business travel, including itineraries, flight and hotel bookings, visas and ground transport.
• Oversee reception and front-office services, including visitors, calls, couriers, mail, meeting rooms, office supplies and general office support.
• Advise and support expatriate employees on housing rental matters, including property searches, tenancy documentation, renewals, utilities and move-in or move-out coordination.
• Manage office facilities, maintenance, service providers and vendors to ensure a safe, efficient and well-supported workplace.
• Set work priorities, service standards and cover arrangements for the administration team.

General

• Undertake other duties reasonably assigned by senior management.

Requirements:

• Minimum 7 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 3 years in an HR managerial or senior HR generalist role in the UAE.
• Strong working knowledge of UAE employment law and practical experience dealing with MOHRE, employment contracts, WPS, work permits, visas, disciplinary procedures, terminations and end-of-service settlements.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural awareness, with a proven ability to work effectively across a diverse, multicultural workforce.
• Proven ability to advise senior managers independently and to identify legal, employee relations and reputational risks.
• Experience conducting or supporting workplace investigations, grievance handling, disciplinary processes and difficult employee conversations.
• Experience managing payroll inputs and controls, preferably with an external payroll provider.
• High personal integrity and discretion when handling confidential employee, compensation and management information.
• Strong organisation, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience with a modern HRIS platform, together with strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong written and spoken English. Arabic proficiency is highly advantageous, particularly for employee relations and government interactions.