Head of Human Resources

Head of People & Culture - Dubai, UAEWe are working with a leading Dubai-based real estate developer to appoint a Head of People & Culture for its contracting division.This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced HR professional who understands the demands of the construction and contracting sector and can drive the people strategy across a diverse, project-led organisation.The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership to strengthen organisational capability, develop talent, enhance workforce planning and build a high-performance culture that supports the division's continued growth.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and implement the People & Culture strategy, ensuring alignment with the division's business objectives and long-term growth plans.Partner with the senior leadership team on organisational design, workforce planning and talent strategy across multiple projects and operational functions.Oversee the full employee lifecycle, including talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, employee engagement, retention and succession planning.Develop effective recruitment and workforce mobilisation strategies to support project requirements and changing business demands.Establish and enhance HR policies, procedures and frameworks in line with UAE labour legislation and best practice.Drive leadership development, employee engagement and performance management initiatives to foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.Oversee compensation and benefits, salary structures, employee relations and HR budgeting.Support organisational change, leadership transitions and the development of a strong internal talent pipeline.Lead and develop the HR team, ensuring the delivery of a commercially focused and service-oriented function.Use HR metrics and workforce analytics to support informed decision-making and improve organisational effectiveness.RequirementsBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related discipline. A relevant postgraduate qualification or professional HR certification would be advantageous.Extensive experience in a senior HR leadership role, ideally within construction, contracting, real estate development or a large project-driven organisation.Strong understanding of workforce planning and mobilisation within complex construction and contracting environments.Proven experience partnering with C-suite executives and senior operational leaders to deliver strategic HR initiatives.Strong knowledge of UAE labour law and local employment practices.Demonstrable experience in organisational development, talent management, employee engagement and performance management.Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.A commercially minded approach, with the ability to balance people strategy with operational and business priorities.