Head of People

Location: Dubai, UAESalary: AED 25,000 – AED 30,000 per month (dependent on experience)Start Date: Candidates available to join within 2 weeksWhat You'll Be DoingThe Head of People is responsible for leading the day-to-day delivery of the People & Culture function, ensuring HR strategies, policies, and practices support the Company's business objectives. The role partners closely with leadership to deliver a high-performing, compliant, and engaged workforce while overseeing the full employee lifecycle, HR operations, recruitment, employee relations, payroll, performance management, and organisational development.ResponsibilitiesStrategic HRPartner with senior leadership to develop and implement People strategies aligned with business objectives.Provide trusted HR advice and coaching to managers on people-related matters.Drive continuous improvement across all HR policies, procedures, and processes.Develop and maintain the Employee Handbook, HR policies, and organisational job descriptions.Support organisational design, workforce planning, and succession planning initiatives.Recruitment & OnboardingLead the end-to-end recruitment process, ensuring the attraction and selection of high-calibre talent.Manage advertising, candidate screening, interviews, offers, employment contracts, and onboarding.Coordinate visa, work permit, MOHRE, and immigration requirements with external providers.Ensure a seamless induction and onboarding experience for all new employees.HR OperationsOversee the full employee lifecycle, including probation, confirmations, transfers, promotions, employee changes, and offboarding.Ensure employee records, HR systems, and documentation remain accurate and compliant.Manage and continuously improve HR systems and reporting.Performance, Learning & DevelopmentLead Land Sterling’s performance management process, including probation and annual performance reviews.Support managers with objective setting, coaching, performance improvement, and employee development.Develop and implement learning and development initiatives that support business growth and leadership capability.Employee RelationsManage employee relations matters, including disciplinary cases, grievances, investigations, and terminations.Promote positive employee engagement and support a collaborative, high-performing workplace culture.Conduct employee engagement surveys and recommend improvement initiatives.Compensation, Benefits & PayrollOversee monthly payroll, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.Support salary benchmarking, annual salary reviews, grading, and reward initiatives.Manage employee benefits, medical insurance, leave administration, and End of Service Benefits.Recommend cost-effective employee benefits aligned with market practices.Compliance & GovernanceEnsure compliance with UAE Labour Law and all applicable employment legislation.Manage relationships with external PRO providers and government authorities.Maintain compliance with employment documentation, visas, work permits, and regulatory requirements.Keep abreast of legislative changes and implement required updates.LeadershipLead, coach, and develop the People team.Build strong working relationships across all business functions.Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.RequirementsBachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline.CIPD Level 5 or above preferred.Minimum 10+ years’ experience within HR/People functions, with experience operating at a senior HR management level.Strong knowledge of UAE Labour Law, MOHRE processes, visa requirements, and HR compliance.Proven experience managing recruitment, employee relations, HR operations, and organizational development.Experience working in a fast-paced, growing organisation is highly desirable.Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.Ability to balance strategic HR initiatives with hands-on operational delivery.Immediate availability or ability to join within 2 weeks.