Human Resources & Administration Manager

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Reports To: General Manager

Job Overview The Human Resources \& Administration Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all Human Resources and Administration functions across the organization. The role ensures effective workforce planning, talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, learning and development, payroll administration, Emiratization compliance, and organizational development.

The position serves as a strategic business partner to management while ensuring compliance with UAE labor laws, company policies, and regulatory requirements. The HR \& Administration Manager is also responsible for fostering a positive work environment, driving employee engagement, supporting operational excellence, and maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders and government authorities.

Key Responsibilities Human Resources Strategy \& Workforce Planning

• Develop and implement long-term manpower planning and staffing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Identify workforce requirements and ensure approved vacancies are filled efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Support organizational development initiatives and recommend improvements to HR policies, procedures, and organizational structures.
• Prepare personnel forecasts and workforce plans to meet current and future business needs.

Recruitment \& Talent Acquisition

• Lead recruitment activities including sourcing, interviewing, selecting, and onboarding employees.
• Develop and administer candidate assessment and selection processes.
• Coordinate with recruitment agencies and external service providers to attract qualified talent.
• Ensure effective new employee orientation programs are conducted to facilitate successful integration into the organization.

Employee Relations \& Performance Management

• Act as the primary liaison between management and employees regarding workplace concerns, grievances, and policy interpretation.
• Manage employee relations matters including disciplinary procedures, conflict resolution, and grievance handling.
• Conduct exit interviews and oversee employee separation and handover processes.
• Guide managers on performance management practices and oversee the annual appraisal process.
• Promote a positive employee experience and maintain a fair and consistent workplace.

Compensation, Benefits \& Payroll

• Review, develop, and enhance compensation and benefits programs to ensure market competitiveness and legal compliance.
• Oversee payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely salary processing.
• Manage employee insurance programs and negotiate medical and life insurance contracts to achieve optimal coverage and value.
• Review job classifications, grading structures, and reward programs to improve employee satisfaction and retention.

Learning \& Development

• Develop and implement employee training and development strategies.
• Conduct training needs analyses in collaboration with department heads.
• Coordinate internal and external training programs and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Maintain comprehensive employee training records and development plans.
• Support technical and leadership development initiatives across the organization.

Administration \& Government Relations

• Oversee day-to-day administration activities to ensure business continuity and operational efficiency.
• Maintain strong relationships with government authorities and external stakeholders, including; Ministry of Human Resources \& Emiratisation (MOHRE), Immigration and visa authorities, Pension authorities, Medical insurance providers, Public utilities and relevant regulatory bodies
• Ensure timely processing of employment-related documentation, permits, and approvals.

Compliance \& Emiratization

• Ensure compliance with UAE Labor Law and all relevant employment regulations.
• Drive Emiratization initiatives and ensure achievement of government-mandated targets.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments and recommend policy updates where required.
• Represent the organization during labor hearings, investigations, audits, and regulatory reviews.

Health, Safety \& Employee Welfare

• Support the implementation of Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) requirements across the workforce.
• Ensure employee medical examinations and records are maintained.
• Investigate and report workplace incidents in coordination with insurance carriers and relevant authorities.
• Promote a strong safety culture and demonstrate leadership in HSE compliance.

Leadership \& Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop HR and Administration team members.
• Set performance objectives and monitor employee performance through structured appraisal processes.
• Foster teamwork, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
• Manage departmental budgets and ensure efficient utilization of resources.
• Drive employee engagement initiatives and promote company values and culture.

Key Requirements: Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline from a recognized university.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum 12 years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in an HR Manager or equivalent leadership role.
• Experience within the power, energy, utilities, industrial, or engineering sectors is highly preferred.
• Proven experience managing recruitment, employee relations, compensation and benefits, training, payroll, and organizational development functions.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of UAE Labor Law, employment regulations, and HR best practices.
• Experience in workforce planning, talent acquisition, compensation and benefits management, and performance management.
• Sound understanding of training and development frameworks and learning management processes.
• Knowledge of HR information systems, personnel administration, and payroll processes.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, financial management, and reporting within HR functions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and HR-related systems.

Skills \& Competencies

• Communication \& Interpersonal Skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Arabic language proficiency is highly preferred.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to influence, negotiate, and resolve complex employee relations matters.

Leadership Skills

• Proven leadership and people management capabilities.
• Experience coaching, mentoring, and developing teams.
• Strong performance management and organizational planning skills.
• Ability to lead by example and foster a high-performance culture.

Behavioral Competencies

• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong conflict resolution and decision-making capabilities.
• Cultural awareness and the ability to work effectively in diverse environments.