A leading government-linked organisation in Dubai is seeking an experienced Senior Manager – Employee Relations to lead and modernise its employee relations function across a large and diverse workforce.

This is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing employee relations operations, HR governance, payroll oversight, employee services, compliance, and workforce engagement initiatives, while ensuring alignment with Dubai Government HR legislation and international best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Employee Relations function and drive the development of policies, procedures, and operational frameworks in line with Dubai Government HR Law.
• Oversee core employee services including payroll, medical insurance, visas, leave management, retirement, end-of-service processes, and employee records management.
• Ensure payroll accuracy, confidentiality, compliance, and timely processing across the organisation.
• Manage and enhance HR systems, employee service platforms, rewards and incentive schemes, and HR operational processes.
• Lead employee engagement and employee happiness initiatives in collaboration with wider HR and organisational culture teams.
• Handle employee complaints, disciplinary matters, investigations, and policy-related issues with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Analyse HR metrics, turnover trends, retirement data, and workforce insights to support strategic decision-making.
• Drive operational excellence, continuous improvement, and government excellence initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government authorities and strategic partners.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Employee Relations team while supporting succession planning and capability development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 11 years’ experience within HR, including significant exposure to employee relations and HR operations.
• Strong knowledge of UAE/Dubai Government HR legislation and HR best practices.
• Experience managing payroll, employee services, HR systems, and workforce compliance within a large or complex organisation.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Experience driving change management, employee engagement, and operational transformation initiatives is highly desirable.

• Due to emiratisation and security clearance reasons candidates must hold a UAE Family book - from Dubai.