Overseas Compensation & Benefits (C&B) Manager / Specialist (MENA Region)

Our client is a multi-industry corporation specializing in high-end equipment manufacturing, oil and gas engineering and technical services. With a team of about 7,000 staff worldwide, they are now opening a new manufacturing location in UAE. Here they will be expanding their current production of oil & gas equipment that is now mostly happening in China.

What we offer
Your salary is tax free! You will have the opportunity to expand your network and be a part of a dynamic and growing company. Our client offers a direct employment contract, competitive salary package, and other benefits as per UAE Labor Law.

Who you are
You are an analytical and detail-oriented professional with a strategic mindset and strong ownership of compensation frameworks. You navigate multi-country environments with confidence, handle sensitive data with discretion, and influence stakeholders through data-driven insights. You take a proactive approach to improving compensation practices, governance, and cost efficiency.

Skills & Competencies:

• Compensation frameworks, benchmarking, and global grading structures
• Workforce cost management and advanced analytics
• Stakeholder management and advisory
• Compliance and risk control in compensation
• Project management across regions
• Data-driven decision-making

Education & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Finance, Economics, Business, or related field
• 2+ years at Group/HQ level, or 3–5 years in multinational environments
• Experience in Compensation & Benefits, workforce cost management, or HR COE
• MENA exposure preferred
• Fluent in English; Chinese is an advantage

Description
In this role, you will act as a Center of Expertise (COE) within the Group HR function, responsible for the design, governance, and continuous optimization of Compensation & Benefits frameworks across the MENA region. You will ensure that compensation practices are standardized, competitive, and compliant, while supporting business leaders with strategic insights to enhance decision-making, cost control, and talent retention. You will play a critical role in aligning compensation strategies with business growth and regional market dynamics.

Role & Responsibilities:
C&B Framework Development & COE Management

• Design, implement, and continuously improve compensation frameworks, policies, and tools
• Localize global compensation strategies across diverse MENA markets
• Develop and optimize compensation structures, including fixed pay, incentives, and benefits
• Establish standardized processes for salary reviews, benchmarking, and bonus allocation

Business Partnering & Advisory

• Advise business leaders on compensation strategy and workforce cost management
• Support annual budgeting and workforce planning processes
• Provide guidance and training to HR teams and line managers
• Design competitive compensation packages for key roles

Compliance & Cost Control

• Ensure compliance with labor laws, tax regulations, and social security requirements across MENA
• Implement monitoring mechanisms to mitigate compensation-related risks
• Analyze workforce cost structures and drive optimization initiatives
• Manage compensation practices in complex scenarios such as expatriate and cross-border employment

Complex Case Handling & Problem Solving

• Lead and resolve complex compensation cases, including off-cycle offers and benchmarking
• Support compensation design for new market entries and strategic projects
• Address internal equity and market competitiveness challenges
• Liaise with external consultants for market data and insights

Market Intelligence & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct compensation benchmarking and market analysis across the MENA region
• Monitor industry trends, regulatory updates, and best practices
• Optimize compensation structures through data-driven insights
• Drive implementation of digital tools and systems for C&B management