Our client is seeking an experienced Group HR & Admin Manager to lead the Human Resources and Administration function across a diversified group of companies operating in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.Based at the Dubai Head Office, the role will have responsibility for approximately 400 employees, covering both office-based professionals and a substantial blue-collar operational and site workforce.The successful candidate will establish a consistent, compliant and practical HR framework across multiple group entities, while managing the full employee lifecycle, workforce welfare, HR policies and procedures, payroll coordination, immigration, employee relations, performance management and HR administration.This is a hands-on leadership position requiring someone who can operate comfortably at both strategic and operational levels and act as a trusted HR partner to senior management while remaining visible and approachable to employees across the organisation.Key ResponsibilitiesHR Strategy

• Review, update and implement HR policies, procedures and the employee handbook in accordance with UAE and KSA labour legislation.
• Establish a consistent HR framework across all group entities while accommodating the operational requirements of office-based and blue-collar workforces.
• Advise senior management on organisational structure, workforce planning, employee matters and people-related risk.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• Manage end-to-end recruitment across office, operational and site-based positions, including job descriptions, sourcing, interviews, offers and mobilisation.
• Lead structured employee onboarding, induction, offboarding and exit processes.

Workforce Welfare

• Oversee the welfare, accommodation, transport and day-to-day HR management of the blue-collar workforce.
• Ensure compliance with WPS and applicable labour accommodation requirements.
• Promote fair treatment, timely grievance handling and a strong duty of care for site-based employees.

Payroll & Benefits

• Coordinate the HR component of monthly payroll, WPS compliance, leave administration, gratuity and end-of-service calculations in partnership with Finance.
• Administer group medical insurance and employee benefits, including enrolments, additions, deletions and annual renewals.

Compliance & Immigration

• Ensure compliance with UAE requirements including MOHRE, GDRFA and DHA, and Saudi requirements including GOSI, Qiwa, Muqeem and Mudad.
• Direct and coordinate the PRO function for visas, work permits, Emirates ID, medicals, labour quotas and related government processes.
• Support Saudisation requirements and other applicable workforce compliance obligations within Saudi Arabia.
• Employee RelationsManage employee grievances, disciplinary matters and employee relations cases fairly, consistently and with appropriate documentation.
• Advise managers on performance management, warnings, terminations and settlements in line with applicable legislation and company policy.

Performance & Development

• Manage the performance appraisal cycle and support managers with objective setting and performance reviews.
• Identify training and development requirements across the organisation.
• Coordinate mandatory health, safety and compliance training where required.

HR Administration

• Maintain confidential, accurate and audit-ready employee records and HR systems across all group entities.
• Ensure employee documentation, contracts, personnel files and related HR records remain current and properly controlled.

HR Reporting

• Provide senior management with regular HR reporting and dashboards covering headcount, turnover, employee costs, recruitment, visa status and compliance.
• Highlight workforce trends, compliance risks and areas requiring management action.
• Candidate RequirementsMinimum 8 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 3 years in an HR management position.
• Proven experience supporting a multi-entity or group organisational structure.
• Strong practical experience managing a substantial blue-collar workforce alongside professional and office-based employees.
• Strong working knowledge of UAE Labour Law, employment practices and relevant government platforms.
• Experience with Saudi Arabian labour requirements, government platforms and Saudisation would be a strong advantage.
• Hands-on experience across recruitment, employee relations, payroll coordination, immigration, benefits, HR administration and policy development.
• Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related discipline preferred.
• CIPD or an equivalent professional HR qualification would be advantageous.
• Strong judgement, discretion and integrity when handling confidential and sensitive employee matters.
• Clear and respectful communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with employees at every organisational level.
• Highly organised, practical and comfortable operating across multiple companies, locations and jurisdictions.
• Willingness to travel between UAE and KSA operations when required.
• Key Performance Indicators