Human Resources Director
MVA International Headhunters · Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Apply & track with Apply EdgeHR DirectorInfrastructure Investment Platform
The organisation operates through a lean holding company and a network of project affiliates and special purpose vehicles across multiple infrastructure sectors.This is a hands-on leadership role supporting a senior, international workforce across investment, finance, legal, technical, development and asset management disciplines. The successful candidate will combine strategic judgement with practical delivery, building a high-quality employee experience without introducing unnecessary complexity.The RoleWorking closely with the CEO, executive leadership and affiliate leaders, you will shape an agile and scalable people model for the holding company and its wider network. Your priorities will include international talent acquisition, employer attractiveness, performance, engagement, leadership development, succession and proportionate HR governance.Key ResponsibilitiesAct as a trusted adviser to the CEO and senior leadership on organisation design, workforce planning, leadership, succession and sensitive people matters.Translate the business strategy and investment pipeline into clear talent, capability and resourcing priorities.Shape lean organisation structures, decision rights and role accountabilities across the holding company, affiliates and project entities.Lead the international attraction and selection of high-calibre executives and specialists, ensuring quality, pace and a strong candidate experience.Build direct talent pipelines and external networks across investment, finance, legal, technical, project development and asset management functions.Develop a compelling employee value proposition and onboarding experience suited to a selective, entrepreneurial and internationally diverse organisation.Establish a consistent, light-touch HR framework that can support multiple small affiliates and SPVs without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.Support affiliate leaders with workforce planning, recruitment, performance, development and employee matters throughout the project lifecycle.Create practical performance, reward, recognition and retention approaches that reinforce accountability, collaboration and delivery.Build a cohesive culture and strong team spirit across a dispersed network of senior professionals, entities and portfolio companies.Design focused learning and leadership programmes that strengthen commercial, technical, managerial and cross-functional capability.Maintain compliant policies, contracts, records, HR systems and employee lifecycle processes, coordinating effectively with Group People and Culture and other shared functions.Ensure employment and immigration compliance across the UAE and other relevant jurisdictions, using specialist advice when required.Candidate ProfileA broad-based senior HR leader with substantial experience partnering directly with CEOs, executive teams and senior professional workforces.Demonstrated success within a lean holding company, investment platform, professional services business, project organisation or similarly high-calibre environment.Experience supporting multiple entities, subsidiaries, joint ventures, SPVs or portfolio companies with differing ownership and governance arrangements.Strong international executive and specialist recruitment capability, supported by credible networks across senior white-collar functions.A track record of improving employer attractiveness, engagement, learning, succession and retention, while remaining personally involved in delivery.Commercially astute, discreet and decisive, with the judgement to keep HR solutions proportionate to the needs of the business.International experience is welcomed. Previous UAE experience is advantageous but not essential for candidates able to become effective quickly in the local employment environment.Qualifications and ExperienceBachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related discipline. A relevant master's degree or professional HR qualification would be advantageous.Typically 15 or more years of progressive HR experience, including meaningful responsibility in a senior HR leadership or business partnering position.Experience in infrastructure, investment, asset management, engineering, project development, professional services or another internationally focused sector is preferred.Knowledge of UAE employment practices is advantageous, alongside the ability to navigate international employment matters and manage specialist advisers.Why JoinThis is an opportunity to define the people agenda for an ambitious infrastructure platform at an important stage of its development. You will work directly with senior decision-makers, influence the formation of new ventures and build a modern people model designed for a high-performing international workforce.How to ApplyPlease apply with an up-to-date CV outlining your experience of senior HR leadership, international talent acquisition and supporting lean, multi-entity organisations.