Head of Human Resources

Job Description – Head of Human Resources

Position: Head of HR

Location: Dubai, UAE

Industry: FMCG

Experience: 15+ years

Reporting To: CEO / Managing Director

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Head of Human Resources to lead the HR function for a well-established FMCG business in Dubai. The role will be responsible for developing and executing the people strategy while ensuring strong HR operations, talent management, organisational effectiveness and employee engagement across the business.

The ideal candidate should have significant UAE HR experience, preferably within FMCG, retail, consumer goods, manufacturing or a similarly fast-paced environment, with a strong understanding of the UAE employment landscape and ability to partner closely with senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities

HR Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement the overall HR strategy aligned with the company's business objectives and growth plans.
• Lead and manage the HR function, ensuring effective delivery across all areas of the employee lifecycle.
• Partner with the CEO and senior leadership team on organisational, people and workforce-related priorities.
• Develop HR policies, frameworks and processes that support business growth and operational efficiency.
• Drive a high-performance, accountable and employee-focused culture.

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Lead workforce planning and talent acquisition strategies across corporate, commercial, supply chain, manufacturing and other business functions.
• Build strong talent pipelines for critical and leadership positions.
• Oversee senior and critical hiring and ensure effective onboarding and integration of new employees.
• Develop succession planning and internal talent development frameworks for key positions.

Performance & Talent Management

• Establish and continuously improve performance management frameworks and processes.
• Drive talent reviews, succession planning and career development initiatives.
• Identify high-potential employees and develop appropriate retention and development strategies.
• Partner with business leaders to address performance and organisational effectiveness matters.

Compensation, Benefits & Rewards

• Develop and manage compensation and benefits frameworks in line with market benchmarks and business requirements.
• Lead annual salary reviews, incentive structures, bonus programmes and other reward initiatives.
• Ensure internal equity and external competitiveness of compensation practices.
• Work with management on retention strategies for key talent.

Employee Relations & UAE HR Compliance

• Ensure HR policies and practices comply with applicable UAE labour laws and MOHRE requirements.
• Provide guidance to management on employee relations, disciplinary matters, grievances and other employment-related issues.
• Oversee employment contracts, employee documentation, leave, benefits and other HR administration.
• Manage employee relations matters in a fair, consistent and legally compliant manner.
• Keep the organisation updated on relevant changes in UAE employment regulations.

Organisation Development & Culture

• Drive organisational development and change-management initiatives.
• Support organisational restructuring, workforce optimisation and business transformation projects.
• Develop employee engagement initiatives and strengthen organisational culture.
• Identify opportunities to improve employee experience and HR effectiveness.
• Promote leadership development and continuous learning across the organisation.

HR Operations & Governance

• Ensure efficient HR operations and service delivery across the organisation.
• Oversee HR policies, procedures, HRIS, employee records and reporting.
• Establish HR dashboards and people analytics to support management decision-making.
• Develop and monitor HR KPIs and budgets.
• Ensure appropriate HR governance, controls and documentation.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field.
• 15+ years of progressive HR experience, with significant experience in senior HR leadership roles.
• Strong UAE HR experience is mandatory.
• Experience within FMCG, retail, consumer goods, manufacturing or a similar fast-paced industry is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of UAE Labour Law and MOHRE regulations.
• Proven experience managing the complete HR function across strategy, HR operations, talent, performance, rewards and employee relations.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with CEOs, MDs and senior leadership teams.
• Strong track record in building and developing HR teams and HR infrastructure.
• Experience managing organisational change, restructuring and workforce planning.
• Strong commercial understanding and ability to align HR strategy with business objectives.
• Excellent leadership, communication, influencing and stakeholder-management skills.