Head of Human Resources Operations

About the JobOur 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 StrategyTranslate 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 LifecycleOversee 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 & ComplianceMaintain 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 & OnboardingLead 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 & PayrollDevelop 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 ManagementManage 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 AdvisoryAct 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 ManagementProvide 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 ManagementBuild 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 & ExperienceEssentialBachelor'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.PreferredPrevious 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 & SkillsHR OperationsTalent Acquisition & RecruitmentEmployee RelationsCompensation & BenefitsPerformance ManagementLearning & DevelopmentHR Policy & GovernanceEmployment PracticesPayroll & HR AdministrationWorkforce PlanningHR Reporting & AnalyticsStakeholder ManagementRisk ManagementConfidentiality & Information ManagementExecutive HR AdvisoryKey CompetenciesThe 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.Strong written communication and documentation skills.Ability to translate workforce data into clear management insights.Strong influencing and stakeholder-management skills.Ability to work independently within a lean and agile environment.Flexibility to respond effectively when priorities change at short notice.Exceptional discretion and professional integrity.Role ContextThis is a senior, hands-on HR leadership role within a lean and highly confidential environment.The successful candidate will be expected to combine senior-level HR advice with practical delivery, taking ownership of day-to-day HR requirements while establishing and maintaining appropriate governance, systems, processes, and controls.The role is primarily based in Abu Dhabi, with potential responsibility for employees or requirements in other jurisdictions where applicable.Please ensure your CV clearly demonstrates:Senior-level HR experienceHR experienceHR operations and employee lifecycle managementEmployee relationsRecruitment and talent managementHR policy and complianceExperience advising senior leadershipDue to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.