HR Manager

EMKAAN | Dubai, UAE | Full-time About EMKAAN EMKAAN is a UAE-based, design-led architecture and engineering consultancy. Alongside our established practice, we are expanding into new business areas spanning property development, home services and research. As our group evolves, we're looking to strengthen the people, processes and systems that support our teams and enable sustainable growth. The Opportunity We are looking for an experienced, hands-on Head of HR to lead, strengthen and modernise the HR function across EMKAAN. This is an opportunity to take ownership of HR within a growing, entrepreneurial organisation, working directly with the Founder and senior leadership to establish professional, consistent and scalable people practices. You'll oversee the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding through to performance, development, employee relations and offboarding. You'll also shape the future of HR at EMKAAN by introducing improved processes, appropriate technology and smarter ways of working. We're looking for someone who has done this before. Someone who has successfully built, restructured or professionalised an HR function and knows how to translate improvements into practical, lasting change. This is both a strategic and operational role. You must be equally comfortable advising senior leadership, managing sensitive employee matters, developing policies and personally driving improvement initiatives. Key Responsibilities HR Strategy & Leadership Develop and deliver an HR strategy and implementation roadmap aligned with EMKAAN's business priorities and growth plans. Act as a trusted adviser to the Founder and senior leadership on people-related decisions, organisational effectiveness and workforce requirements. Assess existing HR practices, identify gaps and implement practical improvements. Establish clear HR governance, responsibilities, approval processes and management reporting. Build an HR function that supports employees, strengthens accountability and enables the business to operate efficiently. People Operations, Compliance & Employee Relations Review, update and standardise HR policies, procedures, employee handbooks and working arrangements. Ensure HR practices comply with applicable UAE employment legislation and regulatory requirements. Oversee employment contracts, employee records, leave administration, payroll coordination and end-of-service processes. Oversee visa, work permit and residency administration, coordinating with relevant internal and external parties. Serve as a trusted, confidential point of contact for employees, managing sensitive employee relations matters with professionalism and sound judgement. Guide managers through performance concerns, grievances, workplace adjustments and other employee-related matters. Develop transparent and consistent approaches to compensation, benefits and salary reviews. Organisational Development & Workforce Planning Maintain and develop organisational structures, reporting lines, job descriptions and role frameworks. Partner with department heads to understand workforce capacity, skills gaps and future recruitment requirements. Establish consistent recruitment, onboarding, probation and offboarding processes. Introduce practical performance management, employee development and progression frameworks. Support managers in building effective teams and developing strong people-management practices. Promote a professional, inclusive and supportive working environment. Plan and coordinate team-building activities, company get-togethers and events that bring people together and strengthen engagement. HR Systems, Digitalisation & Transformation Review existing HR processes and identify opportunities for simplification, standardisation, digitalisation and automation. Evaluate, recommend and implement suitable HR systems and tools. Establish accurate, accessible and appropriately controlled employee data and HR reporting. Identify opportunities to improve HR efficiency through technology, including responsible use of AI-enabled tools. Lead HR improvement projects from requirements gathering and planning through implementation, communication and adoption. Support employees and managers through organisational changes, ensuring new processes and systems are understood and consistently applied. Essential Experience & Qualifications A minimum of 5 years' progressive HR experience, including substantial responsibility in a senior HR role. Strong UAE HR experience (minimum 2 years UAE) with practical knowledge of applicable employment legislation, employee relations and immigration processes. Demonstrable experience building, restructuring or professionalising an HR function. Proven experience developing and implementing HR policies, procedures and governance frameworks. Confidence managing complex employee relations matters and advising senior leadership. Experience in compensation and benefits, including salary benchmarking, salary structures and review processes. Experience supporting recruitment, workforce planning, performance management and organisational development. Practical experience with HR information systems and digital HR processes, including participation in system selection, implementation or process improvement. Strong written and spoken English communication skills. A bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related discipline, or an equivalent relevant qualification. Desirable But Not Mandatory Experience within architecture, engineering, construction, consultancy or related professional services. Experience within an growing SME, founder-led organisation or multi-business group. Experience managing HR across multiple companies or legal entities. Proven project management, HR transformation or change management experience. Experience introducing new HR systems, automating workflows or improving HR reporting. A recognised professional HR qualification, such as CIPD Level 5 or 7, SHRM-CP/SCP or equivalent. The Person We're Looking For Beyond your qualifications, we're looking for someone with the judgement, initiative and mindset to make a meaningful difference. A proactive builder: You identify what needs improving, develop a plan and take ownership of delivering it. A confident and credible adviser: You're comfortable constructively challenging senior leaders and providing balanced, professional recommendations. Commercially minded: You understand how effective HR supports business performance, rather than creating unnecessary bureaucracy. Empathetic, discreet and fair: You build trust across the organisation and handle sensitive situations with professionalism and care. Digitally curious: You embrace technology, actively seek opportunities to simplify processes and are interested in the practical application of AI and automation. Structured and delivery-focused: You can translate ideas into clear actions, priorities and measurable outcomes. Pragmatic and hands-on: You're happy to manage day-to-day HR responsibilities while building the function for the future. Adaptable and culturally aware: You thrive in a dynamic environment and communicate effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. What You'll Have the Opportunity to Achieve In your first six months, we'd like you to focus on: Assessing the current HR environment and identifying priority improvements. Establishing an HR roadmap with clear milestones and responsibilities. Updating and standardising key policies and employee lifecycle processes. Strengthening employee support, workforce planning and HR governance. Developing a practical plan for HR digitalisation and introducing appropriate systems. Establishing a more proactive, consistent and professional HR function across EMKAAN. What We Offer A compensation and benefits package in line with UAE labour law. A UAE work permit. How to Apply Please submit your CV, highlighting your experience leading HR func