Associate Director, People – Dubai Holding Group Services (UAE National Only)

About Dubai Holding Group Services:

Group Services is Dubai Holding’s shared business services arm that provides consolidated business solutions in procurement, finance and human capital across the Group. With a commitment to talent, digital innovation and continuous improvement, it delivers best-in-class service, enhancing the Group's overall performance.

Group Services is dedicated to transforming operations, elevating service quality and cultivating specialised teams focused on excellence and innovation.

Group Services comprises of: Group Services Procurement delivers end-to-end value through strategic sourcing, supplier management, and contracting. Enabled by advanced technology, streamlined processes, strong governance, and data-driven insights, it ensures responsible sourcing, cost efficiency, and operational excellence.

Group Services Finance manages financial transactions, budgeting, and reporting to ensure strong fiscal health and cash flow. It empowers informed decision-making through insights that drive sustainable growth and profitability.

Group Services Human Capital manages the full employee lifecycle, ensuring a smooth journey from recruitment to offboarding while fostering a culture that values and supports people—the Group’s greatest asset.

Empowering talent for the future: Group Services’ greatest strength lies in its people; their collective capabilities serve as the driving force of the company. Dedicated to creating a vibrant talent hub where challenging the norm leads to innovation, collaboration fuels creativity and caring for people and partners cultivates strong relationships, Group Services aims to build a foundation for sustained success.

As a business that views success as a shared journey and celebrates every achievement along the way, Group Services offers the opportunity to grow, develop skills and make a meaningful impact.

Dubai Holding Group Services proudly supports a diverse portfolio of companies:

Dubai Holding Real EstateDubai Holding HospitalityDubai Holding EntertainmentDubai Holding InvestmentsDubai Holding Community ManagementDubai Holding Asset ManagementDubai Holding Land Estates

About the Job

• Here's your chance to step into the role of Associate Director, People at Dubai Holding Group Services.
• In this position, you'll take on key responsibilities that include:HR Business Partnering and Advisory
• Employee Relations and Case Management
• Policy Interpretation and Governance
• Employee Engagement and Culture

About You

The ideal candidate for this position will have the following experience and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience in HR leadership, HR business partnering, or people management roles.
• Postgraduate qualification or professional HR certification, such as CIPD, is an advantage.

About the

Benefits

At Dubai Holding, we're committed to nurturing the success and well-being of our colleagues. Join our dynamic and diverse team, and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive compensation, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment. We strongly believe in creating an empowered internal workforce that will help us build a connected city for tomorrow.

We are committed to attracting the brightest minds and nurturing the most pioneering candidates who desire to make a great impact on the future of Dubai.

Job Purpose

The Associate Director, People is responsible for leading the delivery of strategic and operational People services across Group Services, in close partnership with the Executive Director, People. The role focuses on employee relations, case management, HR business partnering, policy governance, employee engagement, talent management, and end-to-end employee lifecycle support.

The role holder ensures consistent application of People policies and practices, supports a positive and compliant workplace culture, and contributes to a high-performing environment aligned with Dubai Holding’s values and standards.

Key Responsibilities

• HR Business Partnering and Advisory
• Support the implementation of corporate People strategies across Group Services.
• Partner with senior leaders to align People initiatives with business objectives and organisational priorities.
• Provide guidance on organisational design, role clarity, workforce matters, and team effectiveness.
• Contribute to corporate People initiatives and support ad hoc HR projects as required.
• Employee Relations and Case Management
• Provide end-to-end guidance and oversight on employee relations matters, including grievances, disciplinary cases, workplace concerns, and investigations.
• Promote a positive, respectful, and compliant workplace environment in line with company policies and UAE labour law.
• Policy Interpretation and Governance
• Review, maintain, and support the effective implementation of HR policies and standard operating procedures.
• Advise managers and employees on policy matters, clarify policy intent, and resolve related queries.
• Identify recurring policy issues or gaps and provide feedback to the Corporate People team to support continuous improvement.
• Support internal audit requirements and ensure adherence to HR governance frameworks.
• Employee Engagement and Culture
• Promote a positive employee experience, inclusion, and alignment with Dubai Holding’s values.
• Lead colleague engagement surveys, analyse feedback, and coordinate action plans with the leadership team.
• Manage internal communications relating to People initiatives, updates, and policy changes.
• Performance and Talent Support
• Oversee performance management processes, including goal setting, mid-year reviews, and year-end reviews.
• Support talent review calibration, succession planning, and leadership pipeline development, including the 9-box grid matrix.
• Ensure the implementation and monitoring of Individual Development Plans.
• Manage and monitor Performance Improvement Plans.
• Coach managers on feedback, performance conversations, and development planning.
• Employee Lifecycle Management
• Oversee employee lifecycle activities, including recruitment, onboarding, promotions, transfers, probation confirmation, and resignations.
• Review internal promotion and resignation requests in accordance with applicable policies.
• Ensure employee movements are aligned with workforce planning requirements.
• Payroll and Rewards
• Oversee payroll processes and conduct payroll reviews to ensure accuracy, governance, and compliance.
• Support the implementation and oversight of incentives, promotions, and reward-related activities.HR Operations and Reporting
• Ensure effective management of HR operational processes, including leave management, payroll coordination, and employee data management.
• Prepare and maintain monthly HR and payroll cost reports.
• Maintain accurate organisational charts and reporting structures.
• Recruitment and Emiratisation
• Support recruitment and onboarding activities to ensure timely and effective hiring aligned with workforce plans.
• Lead and monitor UAE National recruitment, engagement, and retention initiatives.
• Support Emiratisation targets and related talent development initiatives.
• Key Stakeholders
• Internal:
• Group Services leadership team
• Department heads
• People managersExternal:
• Human Capital COEs (Talent, Rewards, Learning, ER, Operations)
• Legal
• Governance
• Internal AuditFinancial AccountabilityResponsible for supporting workforce cost management, People budget oversight, and payroll governance.
• Qualifications, Experience and Skills

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience in HR leadership, HR business partnering, or people management roles.
• Postgraduate qualification or professional HR certification, such as CIPD, is an advantage.
• Experience
• Experience managing HR operations within a complex organisational environment.
• 8–12 years of progressive HR experience, including a strong background in HR business partnering or employee relations-focused generalist roles.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience managing employee relations cases in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Experience working within shared services, corporate, or large matrix organisations is preferred.
• Technical Skills/

Competencies

• Strong working knowledge of HR policies, employee relations practices, and UAE labour law.
• Ability to assess risk and apply sound judgement in sensitive people matters.
• Strong documentation, reporting, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with HR systems is an advantage.
• Behavioural

Competencies

• Integrity & Confidentiality
• Sound Judgement & Problem Solving
• Business Awareness
• Resilience & Emotional Intelligence
• Clear Communication
• Planning & Organisation