Employee Relations Specialist

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 a calm and structured professional who handles sensitive situations with discretion and confidence. You balance empathy with objectivity, thrive in multicultural environments, and bring a detail-oriented, process-driven approach to influencing stakeholders and maintaining compliance.

Skills & Competencies:

• ER framework design and standardization
• Labor law compliance and HR risk management
• Complex case handling and dispute resolution
• Cross-cultural communication and stakeholder management
• Problem-solving and decision support
• Project management across regions
• Data-driven ER improvement

Education & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Law, Business, or related field
• 2+ years at Group/HQ level, or 3–5 years in multinational environments
• Experience in ER, HR COE, or centralized HR models
• Strong knowledge of MENA labor laws (UAE, KSA, Egypt, etc.)
• Experience handling complex ER cases
• 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, leading the design, governance, and continuous optimization of employee relations frameworks across the MENA region. You will ensure standardized, compliant, and effective ER practices, while supporting business leaders with strategic guidance to mitigate risk, enhance compliance, and maintain stable operations.

Role & Responsibilities:
ER Framework Development & COE Management

• Design, implement, and continuously improve ER frameworks, policies, and tools
• Localize global ER policies in line with MENA labor laws and practices
• Establish standardized ER processes (onboarding, transfers, disciplinary actions, grievance handling)
• Develop ER risk management frameworks, including identification and mitigation strategies

Business Partnering & Capability Building

• Advise business leaders on employee relations and labor law compliance
• Deliver training and coaching to HR teams and managers
• Support employee engagement, communication, and culture initiatives
• Strengthen ER capabilities and compliance awareness across regions

Risk Control & Compliance Management

• Identify and assess ER risks, including disputes and non-compliance
• Implement ER audits and monitoring mechanisms
• Ensure alignment with local labor laws and regulatory requirements
• Manage sensitive cases to minimize legal and reputational risks

Complex Case Management

• Lead or support resolution of complex ER cases and disputes
• Provide expert input on high-risk employment decisions
• Handle cross-border and expatriate employee relations matters
• Liaise with legal counsel and authorities when required

Market Intelligence & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor labor law changes across MENA countries
• Analyze ER data (attrition, grievances, disputes) to improve strategies
• Capture best practices and drive continuous improvement
• Support implementation of ER systems and digital tools