Human Resources Director

Job Details

Title: Human Resources Director

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Reporting To: Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Industry: Construction & Industrial

Note: UAE National Applicants only please - non negotiable

Overview

HR Director required to provide strategic leadership across all Human Resources, Organisational Development and Administration functions for a workforce of over 10,000 employees. The role will drive HR transformation, Emiratization, capability building, performance management and government relations, while ensuring the organisation operates with best-in-class people practices, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Human Resources Leadership

• Develop and implement the Group Human Capital Strategy aligned with the organisation's business objectives and growth plans.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team on all people-related matters.
• Lead workforce planning initiatives to ensure the organisation maintains the appropriate workforce structure, capability and capacity across all business units.
• Establish and monitor HR governance frameworks, policies and procedures across the Group.
• Drive a culture of accountability, performance excellence, employee engagement and continuous improvement.
• Lead succession planning and leadership development initiatives across critical business functions.

HR Transformation & Operational Excellence

• Lead the transformation of the HR function into a modern, efficient and commercially focused department.
• Drive the implementation and optimisation of HR technologies, systems and digitalisation initiatives.
• Review, redesign and streamline HR processes to improve service delivery, efficiency and employee experience.
• Establish HR metrics, dashboards and reporting mechanisms to support informed decision-making.
• Introduce best-practice HR frameworks, operating models and service delivery standards.
• Ensure consistent HR practices across all Group entities and operating companies.

Organisational Development & Capability Building

• Lead organisational design and restructuring initiatives to support business growth and operational effectiveness.
• Develop and implement organisational development strategies that enhance capability, productivity and performance.
• Establish competency frameworks, career pathways and talent development programmes.
• Drive change management initiatives across the organisation.
• Partner with business leaders to identify capability gaps and implement targeted development solutions.
• Foster a high-performance culture through effective performance management and talent review processes.

Performance Management & KPI Frameworks

• Design and implement robust performance management systems across all levels of the organisation.
• Establish, monitor and evaluate organisational, departmental and individual KPIs.
• Drive accountability through performance reviews and performance improvement initiatives.
• Develop performance reporting mechanisms for executive leadership and Board-level review.
• Ensure alignment between organisational objectives and individual performance goals.

Emiratization & National Talent Development

• Lead the Group's Emiratization strategy and ensure achievement of all applicable nationalisation targets.
• Develop structured programmes to attract, develop and retain UAE National talent.
• Act as a mentor, coach and sponsor for high-potential Emirati employees.
• Establish capability-building and leadership development pathways for UAE Nationals.
• Build strategic partnerships with universities, government entities and talent development institutions.
• Ensure the organisation is recognised as an employer of choice for Emirati talent.

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Management

• Oversee end-to-end recruitment activities across corporate, technical and operational functions.
• Develop workforce acquisition strategies to support large-scale project mobilisation requirements.
• Ensure effective sourcing, onboarding and retention strategies for both white-collar and blue-collar employees.
• Lead manpower planning and workforce optimisation initiatives.
• Ensure effective management of labour supply, accommodation and employee welfare programmes.

Employee Relations & Labour Management

• Oversee all employee relations matters across a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees.
• Ensure compliance with UAE Labour Law and all applicable employment regulations.
• Manage complex employee relations cases, investigations, disciplinary matters and dispute resolution.
• Promote employee engagement initiatives that enhance workforce stability and productivity.
• Develop strategies to minimise employee turnover and improve workforce retention.

Administration & Government Relations

• Lead and manage all Group Administration functions, ensuring efficient delivery of employee and business support services.
• Oversee employee documentation, visa processing, work permits, labour cards and residency requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with all immigration, labour and regulatory requirements.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key government authorities and regulatory bodies.
• Act as the primary liaison with entities including Municipalities, Immigration, Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE), Ministry of Health, Civil Defence, Homeland Security and other relevant government agencies.
• Oversee all administration activities related to labour camps, employee accommodation, transportation and workforce logistics.
• Ensure effective management of government inspections, audits and compliance reviews.
• Lead crisis management and employee welfare initiatives relating to workforce administration.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor and develop a large HR and Administration team across multiple locations.
• Build a high-performing HR function capable of supporting a large and geographically dispersed workforce.
• Establish clear objectives, KPIs and accountability measures for the HR and Administration teams.
• Promote a culture of service excellence, professionalism and continuous development.
• Develop future HR leadership capability within the organisation.

Mandatory Requirements

• 12 years minimum in Human Resources
• UAE National Applicants only - non negotiable
• MUST be proficient and experienced within Government relations
• Bachelor's degree minimum qualification
• Construction or large head count business experience required