Senior HR & Payroll Manager (UAE & UK Experience)

We are searching for an experienced Senior HR & Payroll Manager who will build the HR function from the ground up, putting in place the policies, processes and systems the Dubai operation needs, and leading recruitment as the team grows. You will also oversee payroll and bring UK HR and payroll expertise, working closely with the group's HR team at its UK head office.

What we're looking for

Essential

• Significant HR experience in both the UK and the UAE
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR practice, and of UAE labour law
• At least 3 years overseeing or running end-to-end payroll
• Experience setting up or scaling an HR function, ideally in a growing or start-up operation
• Recruitment experience in the UAE for administrative and first-line management roles
• Comfortable working on site in the Dubai office and travelling to the UK at least once a quarter for a week
• Excellent communication, organisation and discretion

Preferred

• CIPD Level 5 or above
• Sage Payroll experience (other payroll systems also welcome)
• Experience in manufacturing, operations or multi-site businesses
• A track record of using HR software to modernise and streamline processes

Key responsibilities

Setting up HR in Dubai

• Design and implement HR policies, procedures and employee handbook in line with UAE labour law
• Set up employment contracts, offer letters, onboarding, probation and exit processes
• Manage visas, work permits, labour cards, medical insurance and other UAE compliance requirements
• Select and implement HR and payroll systems; modernising and streamlining HR processes is a key objective in the first year

Talent acquisition

• Lead recruitment for the new Dubai team, from administrative to first-line management roles
• Build hiring processes, job descriptions and interview frameworks
• Shape onboarding and induction so new joiners settle in quickly

Payroll

• Oversee end-to-end payroll, ensuring accuracy and compliance
• Work with the UK team on UK payroll, including statutory payments, pensions auto-enrolment and HMRC submissions
• Reconcile payroll with Finance and lead annual pay reviews and payroll budgeting

Employee relations and compliance

• Advise managers on performance, absence, disciplinary and grievance matters
• Keep HR practice compliant with both UAE labour law and UK employment law
• Maintain accurate HR records and data protection
• Prepare HR and payroll reports for senior management