Head of HR – UAE & KSA Full Time NEW

We are a leading provider of innovative and high-performance solutions for airport logistics. Our portfolio includes products and solutions for baggage and cargo handling, high-end software for the digitalization of logistics processes as well as an extensive range of maintenance and services. Major customers include renowned airports and airlines around the globe.

About The Role

Are you energized by partnering with senior leaders to enable business success through people-focused solutions? As Head of HR, you will work closely with leaders and their leadership teams across the Middle East with focus on UAE and Saudi-Arabia to support the delivery of the people agenda.

In this role, you will act as a trusted HR advisor on a broad range of people and organizational topics, helping leaders translate business priorities into effective people actions and play an important role in supporting leadership teams through change, organizational development, talent decisions, and workforce planning.

This role combines senior HR partnering with hands-on execution of (a.o.) HR cycle topics.

What are my job responsibilities?

Strategic HR Leadership & People Advisory

• Act as a strategic advisor to Executive Management on all HR and workforce-related matters
• Partner with leaders to design organizations that effectively support both operational and office-based teams
• Translate business priorities into practical people-centered actions that resonate across all workforce segments
• Lead employee relations initiatives, including dispute resolution and organizational interventions

Workforce Planning, Talent & Employee Lifecycle

• Lead workforce planning aligned with business growth and operational realities
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and employee lifecycle processes
• Partner with leadership on hiring strategies, workforce structures, and succession planning
• Ensure smooth onboarding and integration, especially for expatriate and site-based employees
• Ensure attraction, development, and retention of talent while maintaining workforce stability

Employee Relations, Labour Law & Compliance

• Manage employee relations and labor matters in line with UAE & KSA labor laws
• Act as a key point of contact for complex employee relations matters, with strong on-the-ground involvement
• Build trust with blue-collar employees through visibility, accessibility, and consistent communication
• Support leaders in resolving employee issues, conflicts, and workplace challenges
• Ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant HR practices
• Develop and implement HR policies and conduct audits to ensure governance and continuous improvement

Performance, Development & Engagement

• Implement performance management practices aligned with business goals
• Support leaders in driving performance through effective people management
• Drive career development, succession planning, and talent initiatives
• Foster a high-performance culture while ensuring employee engagement and sustainable workloads

Compensation, Benefits & Employee Value Proposition

• Design and manage competitive compensation and benefits structures
• Lead salary benchmarking, job evaluations, and incentive programs
• Enhance benefits and offerings to meet both organizational and employee needs

HR Operations, Systems & Employee Experience

• Oversee HR operations including HRIS, payroll coordination, and employee records
• Ensure smooth delivery of employee services (facilities, travel, housing, etc.)
• Manage HR systems, reporting, and workforce analytics
• Drive efficient processes while maintaining a positive employee experience

HR Transformation, Projects & Change Management

• Lead HR transformation and digitalization initiatives
• Manage HR projects end-to-end, ensuring delivery and impact
• Drive change management with strong focus on communication, adoption, and employee impact
• Ensure change initiatives are clearly communicated and understood by all workforce segments, including non-office employees
• Define and track KPIs to measure both business and people outcomes

What do I need to qualify for this role?

• Strong experience in an HR Business Partner or HR leadership role, preferably in a global or matrixed organization
• Experience partnering with senior leaders on people, workforce, and organizational topics
• Experience managing large blue-collar or operational workforce populations
• Proven experience in employee relations, labor law, and workforce management
• Experience supporting organizational change and leadership decision-making
• A collaborative style and confidence working across all levels

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field (master’s preferred)
• 12–15 years of HR experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role within UAE & KSA
• Strong knowledge of UAE & KSA Labor Law
• Experience in HR transformation and project management

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Leadership and stakeholder management
• Change management and transformation expertise
• Communication and influencing skills
• Strong business understanding and the ability to translate business priorities into people actions
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities an end-to-end experience which anchors improved performance
• A pragmatic, resilient, and solutions-oriented mindset
• The ability to work effectively in a dynamic and fast-changing environment

About The Team

You will report to Global HR BP ICS of VL and work closely with the regional VL and VI HR colleagues, and HR Functions and HR Service team.