Head of Human Resources Operations

About the Job Our confidential client is seeking an experienced Head of Human Resources to lead and continuously develop the Human Resources function within a highly confidential and service-oriented environment. The role provides end-to-end accountability across the employee lifecycle, including workforce planning, talent acquisition, onboarding, employment documentation, compensation and benefits, performance management, employee relations, learning and development, HR operations, governance, and compliance. The successful candidate will act as a trusted HR adviser to senior leadership, ensuring that appropriate people policies, practices, systems, processes, and controls are in place to support the organisation and its employees. This position requires a high level of judgement, discretion, confidentiality, responsiveness, and personal integrity, together with the ability to balance robust HR governance with a highly personalised and professional service. Key Responsibilities: HR Strategy Translate organisational requirements into practical people plans and workforce priorities. Advise senior leadership on organisation structure, role design, workforce requirements, and people-related risks. Develop scalable HR practices appropriate to the organisation's size, culture, and future requirements. Lead the continuous improvement and development of the HR function. HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle Oversee the complete employee lifecycle from joining through to separation. Ensure accurate employee records, leave administration, HR letters, contract changes, and personnel documentation. Establish and maintain appropriate HR systems, data, and reporting arrangements. Coordinate visa, medical insurance, and other employee administration with relevant internal or external providers. HR Governance, Policy & Compliance Maintain and continuously improve the HR policy framework, employee handbook, SOPs, and employment documentation. Ensure HR practices are aligned with applicable employment legislation and regulatory requirements. Maintain appropriate HR approvals, records, controls, confidentiality protocols, and delegated authorities. Coordinate with legal advisers, government relations, and other professional advisers where specialist input is required. Talent Acquisition & Onboarding Lead recruitment for vacant positions. Manage consistent selection, approval, reference/background checking, and offer processes. Manage employment offers, contracts, and onboarding to ensure a high-quality employee experience. Develop and maintain external recruitment partnerships. Compensation, Benefits & Payroll Develop and maintain appropriate salary structures, allowances, benefits, and reward practices. Provide advice on individual compensation decisions and market positioning where appropriate. Oversee annual salary review and bonus processes where applicable. Ensure payroll inputs, employee changes, and end-of-service calculations are appropriately controlled and reviewed. Performance & Talent Management Manage the performance management framework and performance cycle, ensuring clear objectives and accountability. Support leadership in performance assessment, development planning, and management of underperformance. Identify critical roles, succession considerations, and organisational capability requirements. Coordinate learning and development interventions based on organisational and individual needs. Employee Relations & HR Advisory Act as the principal HR adviser to senior leadership and managers on sensitive employee matters. Manage employee relations cases fairly, consistently, confidentially, and in accordance with applicable requirements. Provide guidance on probation, attendance, conduct, grievance, disciplinary, termination, and separation matters. Support a professional, respectful, and service-oriented working environment. HR Reporting & Risk Management Provide concise workforce reporting and management information to senior leadership, including headcount, recruitment, turnover, absence, compensation costs, and other relevant people metrics. Identify emerging people risks and recommend appropriate mitigating actions. Maintain appropriate audit trails and ensure sensitive employee information is protected. Leadership & Stakeholder Management Build trusted relationships with senior leadership and key stakeholders. Manage HR employees and external HR providers to agreed standards. Work effectively with Finance, Legal, Administration, Government Relations, and other relevant functions. Represent the HR function with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgement at all times. Qualifications & Experience Essential Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology, or a related discipline. 10+ years of progressive HR experience. Significant experience across a broad generalist HR remit. Strong HR operations experience, including payroll, HR data management, employee relations, and HR compliance. Demonstrated experience advising senior leaders and independently managing complex and sensitive people matters. Strong practical understanding of employment practices and employee lifecycle requirements. Recognised professional HR qualification or equivalent professional standing. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building capability. High level of confidentiality, discretion, judgement, and personal integrity. Preferred Previous experience as a Senior HR Manager, Head of HR, HR Director, or equivalent. Postgraduate qualification in HR, Business, or a related discipline. CIPD, SHRM, or comparable senior HR accreditation. Previous experience in Abu Dhabi. Experience within a Private Office, family office, government, investment, or similarly confidential environment. Experience managing a small high-performing HR team and/or specialist external HR providers. Experience working with outsourced HR service providers. Knowledge & Skills HR Operations Talent Acquisition & Recruitment Employee Relations Compensation & Benefits Performance Management Learning & Development HR Policy & Governance Employment Practices Payroll & HR Administration Workforce Planning HR Reporting & Analytics Stakeholder Management Risk Management Confidentiality & Information Management Executive HR Advisory Key Competencies The successful candidate will demonstrate: Strategic HR leadership with strong operational capability. Excellent judgement when handling sensitive and confidential matters. Strong commercial and financial understanding, particularly in relation to workforce costs and compensation. Ability to develop and implement practical HR frameworks and processes.

Essential: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology, or related discipline. 10+ years of progressive HR experience. Significant experience across a broad generalist HR remit. Strong HR operations experience, including payroll, HR data management, employee relations, and HR compliance. Demonstrated experience advising senior leaders and independently managing complex and sensitive people matters. Strong practical understanding of employment practices and employee lifecycle requirements. Recognised professional HR qualification or equivalent professional standing. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building capability. High level of confidentiality, discretion, judgement, and personal integrity. Preferred: Senior HR Manager, Head of HR, HR Director or equivalent; Postgraduate qualification in HR or related field; CIPD, SHRM or comparable senior HR accreditation; experience in Abu Dhabi; experience in confidential environments; experience managing small high-performing HR teams or external providers; experience working with outsourced HR providers.

Lead and continuously develop the HR function across the employee lifecycle including workforce planning, talent acquisition and onboarding, employment documentation, compensation and benefits, performance management, employee relations, learning and development, HR governance and compliance. Act as trusted HR adviser to senior leadership; develop scalable HR practices; oversee HR operations such as payroll, data management, records, contracts, and visa/insurance administration. Maintain HR policies, handbook, SOPs, and compliance with employment law; coordinate with legal advisers as needed. Lead recruitment and onboarding processes; manage offers, contracts, and external recruitment partnerships. Develop and maintain salary structures, benefits, and reward practices; oversee annual salary reviews and bonuses where applicable; ensure payroll accuracy and changes are processed. Manage performance management framework and succession planning; coordinate learning interventions. Handle employee relations matters with confidentiality and fairness; provide guidance on probation, attendance, conduct, grievances, disciplinary actions, and separations. Provide workforce reporting and risk management; maintain audit trails and protect sensitive information. Build relationships with senior leadership and stakeholders; manage HR staff and external providers; collaborate with Finance, Legal, and other functions.