Employee Relations Manager Full Time NEW

We are seeking an experienced and resilient Employee Relations Manager to lead and strengthen employee relations practices across a large and diversified group in Abu Dhabi. This role is critical in ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant employee relations processes while supporting business leaders in managing a complex, multicultural workforce. The ideal candidate will bring deep UAE labor law knowledge, strong case management experience, and the credibility to partner with senior stakeholders, while operating with discretion, judgment, and cultural sensitivity. Fluency in Arabic is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all employee relations matters across the group, including grievances, disciplinary cases, performance related issues, misconduct investigations, and terminations.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, HR Business Partners, and line managers on employee relations risks, best practices, and decision making.
• Ensure consistent application of HR policies, procedures, and disciplinary frameworks across business units, locations, and employee populations.
• Conduct thorough, fair, and well documented workplace investigations, ensuring due process and confidentiality at all times.
• Draft, review, and issue employee relations documentation, including disciplinary letters, warnings, investigation reports, and termination notices.
• Ensure full compliance with UAE Labor Law, internal policies, and local regulatory requirements, advising the business on legal exposure and mitigation.
• Manage escalated and sensitive cases involving senior employees, high risk scenarios, or potential legal implications.
• Liaise with legal counsel, government authorities, and external advisors when required on employee relations and labor matters.
• Support the development, rollout, and continuous improvement of employee relations policies, frameworks, and tools across the group.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Law, Business Administration, or a related field; professional HR certification is an advantage.
• 10 years of progressive Employee Relations experience within large organizations, diversified groups, or complex workforce environments.
• Strong, hands-on experience managing high volumes of complex employee relations and disciplinary cases in the UAE.
• In depth knowledge of UAE Labor Law and employee relations best practices.
• Proven ability to operate independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage sensitive issues with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to advise and challenge senior leaders when required.
• Excellent documentation, investigation, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multicultural and fast-paced environment.
• Fluent in Arabic and English (spoken and written) – mandatory.