HR Policy & Compliance Manager (Dubai)
Location: Dubai, UAE
Position Type: Full-Time
About the Role
Our client, a leading organization in Dubai, is seeking a highly experienced and proactive HR Policy & Compliance Manager to join their dynamic team. This pivotal role will be responsible for ensuring the company's HR practices are fully aligned with UAE labor laws and international best standards. The ideal candidate will be a strategic advisor, a meticulous auditor, and a trusted expert in all HR legal and policy matters.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Development & Implementation:
- Develop, review, and update the company's HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook to ensure compliance with the latest Dubai and UAE Federal labor regulations.
- Communicate policy changes effectively across the organization and ensure consistent implementation.
- Guide and advise management on the interpretation and application of HR policies.
Compliance & Audit:
- Design and conduct regular internal HR audits to assess compliance levels and identify potential areas of risk.
- Prepare detailed audit reports with actionable recommendations for improvement.
- Lead the implementation of corrective actions and monitor their effectiveness.
- Stay abreast of all changes in UAE labor law, immigration, and related regulations, proactively advising the business on impacts.
Legal Advisory & Dispute Resolution:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for complex HR legal queries from managers and leadership.
- Manage the end-to-end employee grievance process, ensuring fair and lawful resolution.
- Prepare all necessary documentation and represent the company professionally before the Dubai Courts, Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE), and the Central Grievance Committee.
- Liaise with external legal counsel when required.
Employee Relations:
- Provide expert counsel on performance management, disciplinary actions, and termination processes to mitigate legal risks.
- Foster a positive work environment by promoting fair and consistent treatment of all employees.
Qualifications & Experience
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Law, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree or specialized legal/HR certification is a plus.
- Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of proven experience in an HR role with a strong focus on policy, compliance, and legal advisory within Dubai/UAE.
- Language Skills: Full professional proficiency in both English and Arabic is mandatory (written and spoken).
- Technical Knowledge:
- In-depth, practical knowledge of UAE Labor Law, MOHRE procedures, and Dubai-specific government regulations.
- Proven experience in policy drafting, HR auditing, and managing employee grievances formally.
- Experience in representing an organization in legal or governmental proceedings.
Key Competencies
- High Integrity & Discretion: Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism.
- Analytical & Detail-Oriented: Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex legal texts and identify risks.
- Excellent Communicator: Exceptional interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to explain legal concepts to non-experts.
- Proactive & Strategic: A forward-thinking approach to compliance, anticipating changes and preparing the organization accordingly.
