People Services Specialist

IMI is a privately owned global media group that aims to bring the world closer by sharing stories that open minds, connect people and enrich lives, empowering audiences through trusted journalism, knowledge and factual entertainment.IMI is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with operations across 15 countries. Our portfolio includes leading media brands such as Sky News Arabia, The National, Al-Ain News and CNN Business Arabic, in addition to our training arm, IMI Media Academy.Our investments span some of the world's leading media, entertainment and live experiences businesses. Through RedBird IMI, our joint venture with RedBird Capital Partners, we invest in companies including Banijay Entertainment, the world's largest independent content production and distribution company, EverWonder Studio, Media Res Studios, Front Office Sports, BrightNorth Studios and Hidden Pigeon Company.Other IMI Ventures include a minority stake in Euronews, as well as a stake in MARI, a live events and experiences company established with Ari Emanuel to develop and produce premium events for global audiences.Together, IMI's operating businesses and investment portfolio reach audiences across news, entertainment, sport and live experiences worldwide.Role SummaryThe People Services Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely delivery of core HR operations, including payroll administration, employee lifecycle transactions, benefits and insurance administration, and the maintenance of employee records and workflows. The role also acts as a key contributor to group HR reporting and analytics, producing reports, dashboards, and analysis that support management decision-making, while safeguarding data accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality at all times.Main DutiesPayroll AdministrationAdminister end-to-end payroll processing across the assigned entities, covering both the UAE and Bureau payrolls, including input collection, validation, reconciliation, approval routing, and closure of each cycle within the agreed payroll calendar.Prepare final settlement calculations and obtain the required approvals in line with policy and UAE Labour Law.Administer employee benefits enrolment and ongoing management accurately and on time.Manage the annual health insurance renewal data (UAE and Bureaus), including but not limited to census preparation, provider coordination, member additions and deletions, technical evaluation, service provider rating and selection, and renewal documentation.Fulfil audit requirements for the assigned entities, including but not limited to preparation of documents requested by the auditor and closure of corrective actions.Employee Lifecycle AdministrationAssure a complete onboarding documentation for all new joiners, ensuring files are accurate and complete in the system and in the employee file.Process all employee status changes end-to-end – including but not limited to transfers, title changes, contractual amendments, and compensation revisions – from documentation through to confirmed system update.Manage the full offboarding process, including but not limited to clearance, final settlement approvals, system deactivation, and completion of supporting documentation.Maintain and update employee system records and workflows, ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality at all times.HR Analytics and ReportingDeliver group analysis across all entities, including but not limited to data analysis, attendance analysis, and any further analysis requested by management or within HR data.Produce group reports across all entities, including but not limited to HR data reports, HR-related reports, and reports requested by other departments that draw on HR records.Prepare and issue the monthly HR dashboard for management.Support the People Services Lead in the annual bonus analysis, including data preparation, model inputs, and validation of outputs.Create and run customized HR reports to support strategic decision-making.Provide data and insights for cross-functional projects and initiatives.Use HR analytics and data insights to identify trends and provide reports to HR management to inform decision-making.Data ExcellenceUtilize visualization tools such as Power BI and/or Visio to transform HR data into meaningful insights.Provide HR analytics and data visualization to support business leaders in workforce planning.Develop automated reporting solutions to improve efficiency and accuracy.Maintain the centralized HR data model so that it continues to serve as the single source of truth for HR processes.Ensure consistency and alignment with organizational objectives and industry standards.HR System Management and Data ReconciliationMaintain HRIS platforms and workflows, ensuring data accuracy and system efficiency.Conduct regular audits to ensure data integrity and resolve discrepancies.Identify and correct data inconsistencies between different HR reports.Apply data validation protocols to enhance accuracy and compliance.Apply HR data privacy policies and access controls in day-to-day processing.Partner with HR specialists and business units to integrate HR data with broader organizational datasets.Support special projects when needed, including HR system and process enhancements, to improve efficiency across People Services.Employee Services and CommunicationAct as first point of contact for employee queries on HR processes and policies, providing guidance and timely resolution.Support the drafting and release of HR communications when required.Guide HR administrators and users on system usage, data entry best practices, and reporting functionalities.QualificationMinimum of 5 years’ experience in HR operations, payroll administration, or HR reporting, preferably within a multi-entity environment.Bachelor’s degree in business administration or human resources, Data Analytics, or a related field.Practical knowledge of end-to-end payroll processing, final settlements, and employee benefits administration.Working knowledge of UAE Labour Law and related HR compliance requirements.Proficient in Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel skills, and working knowledge of Power BI, Visio and PowerPoint.Hands-on experience with HRIS platforms and HR data analysis tools.Strong knowledge of HR metrics, reporting, and analytical methodologies.Understanding of data privacy and security protocols for HR data.Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple priorities and fixed payroll deadlines.Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present data insights effectively to management.Exceptional problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy in data analysis.Strong service orientation, with the ability to handle employee queries professionally and confidentially.