HR operations at scale is not about policies on paper. It is about making sure that thousands of employees across multiple countries are onboarded correctly, paid accurately, and supported consistently. Michael Page, a global recruitment firm operating in the UAE through its DIFC office, is recruiting a Group HR Operations Manager for a client in the Industrial sector. This is a role for a senior HR professional who has managed the complexity of multi-country operations and understands that in a blue-collar industrial workforce, operational precision is not optional.

This is a senior role for someone with at least ten years of progressive HR experience, including significant leadership responsibility in HR operations . You will lead end-to-end HR operations across multiple countries, driving consistency, compliance, and service excellence. You will manage the full employee lifecycle, from onboarding and contracts to transfers and separations, and oversee UAE immigration, expatriate employment contracts, and international assignment documentation . You will also drive HR governance, coordinate payroll and benefits administration, and own HR systems and workforce data integrity . Leading and developing HR Operations, HR Data, Systems, Administration, and PRO teams will be part of your remit, along with influencing territory HR teams .

The ideal candidate has proven experience managing HR operations across multiple countries and legal jurisdictions, which is essential for this role . You have a strong HR generalist background covering the full employee lifecycle, employee relations, contracts, compliance, payroll, and HR systems . Experience supporting large blue-collar workforces within industrial, engineering, construction, manufacturing, mining, logistics, or heavy equipment sectors is critical . You have strong knowledge of UAE employment legislation, immigration processes, and expatriate workforce administration . You are a hands-on leader who can drive transformation while maintaining operational discipline.

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Dubai. The salary range is AED 35,000 to AED 45,000 per month (AED 420,000 to AED 540,000 per year) .

To apply:
Send your CV to elleappleby@michaelpage.ae with the job reference "Group HR Operations Manager" and quote job ref JN-102026-7128260. When you apply, take a moment to make your application stand out. Highlight your experience managing HR operations across multiple countries and legal entities specifically, including the countries you have covered and the complexity of the workforce structures you have managed, because this is the core requirement for the role and the hiring team will screen for it immediately. In your cover letter, describe a time you drove an HR operations transformation or standardized processes across multiple territories, showing that you can lead change while maintaining compliance and service delivery. If you have experience supporting large blue-collar workforces in industrial, engineering, manufacturing, or mining sectors, state that clearly, as it is a critical requirement for this specific client. If you have managed UAE immigration processes, expatriate contracts, and PRO teams, mention that explicitly, as it is essential for the role. Finally, confirm your years of progressive HR experience and your availability to join, as these are key requirements. Michael Page receives a high volume of applications, so keep your CV concise, relevant, and aligned with the job description—if you are shortlisted, expect a call from Elle Appleby's team.
Feel free to share this opportunity with anyone in your network who might be a strong fit.

About the Company:
Michael Page is a global recruitment consultancy with a strong presence in the UAE, operating from its DIFC-registered office in Dubai . The firm specializes in mid-to-senior level appointments across a wide range of industries and is known for its professional, industry-focused approach to recruitment. This position is being recruited on behalf of a client in the Industrial sector, offering a senior HR operations leadership role with exposure to a complex international workforce .