People Operations Manager

Description

Kaizen Asset Management Services is a trusted provider of real estate asset management, property management, owners association management, and facilities management solutions across the UAE. We prioritize operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and exceptional experiences for both our clients and our team members. As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented People Operations Manager to join our People & Culture team and lead all operational HR activities across the organization.

Role overview

The People Operations Manager serves as the operational backbone of the People & Culture function. You will lead and oversee all people operations activities — including payroll, compliance, employee lifecycle management, policy governance, and employee relations — ensuring efficient service delivery, precision, and full alignment with UAE Labour Law and company policies. You will act as the primary operational advisor to managers and employees, driving consistency, process improvement, and service excellence. This role focuses on delivering a seamless, compliant, and positive employee experience from hire to exit.

Key responsibilities

• Lead People Operations Function: Own and lead the end-to-end People Operations function; serve as the main point of contact for all operational HR matters; develop standards, procedures, and internal controls; drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across all People processes.
• Ensure Compliance & Governance: Guarantee full adherence to UAE Labour Law, MOHRE regulations, and company policies; manage investigations, grievances, disciplinary actions, and terminations in a fair and legally compliant manner; maintain accurate employment records and statutory filings; coordinate with PROs and government bodies; and conduct regular compliance audits and policy updates.
• Manage Payroll & Compensation Administration: Oversee monthly payroll processing ensuring accuracy and timeliness; resolve payroll queries promptly; and support annual salary reviews and compensation activities.
• Oversee Employee Lifecycle Management: Lead all stages of the employment journey — from offer issuance, contract management, and onboarding through promotions, transfers, and offboarding; administer probation reviews, confirmations, leave, attendance, and visa/work permit processes; and ensure accurate, timely updates to employee records and systems.
• Enhance Onboarding & Offboarding: Design, coordinate, and continuously improve onboarding processes to deliver a positive first experience; manage all pre-employment and induction activities; oversee resignations, terminations, and final settlements; conduct and analyze exit interviews to identify trends; and implement improvements to boost retention and engagement.
• Lead Employee Relations: Act as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters; support managers in resolving conflicts, performance issues, and workplace concerns; and ensure all cases are handled confidentially, consistently, and in line with legal requirements.

Key skills & competencies

Core skills:

• Strong communication, influence, and stakeholder management
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Ability to build strong business partnerships
• Adaptability, resilience, and sound professional judgment

Technical skills:

• HRIS administration and system management
• Advanced Excel, operational reporting, and dashboard management
• Process mapping, documentation, and workflow design
• Data analysis and record integrity
• Policy development, implementation, and governance

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s in HR, Business Administration, or related field; CIPD Level 5+, SHRM certification, or Master’s degree highly preferred.
• Experience: 7–10+ years of progressive HR experience, including minimum 3 years in a senior role; proven track record in the Dubai market. Strong advantage if background is in property, real estate, asset/facilities/owners association management, or professional services.
• Regulatory expertise: Deep knowledge of UAE Labour Law, MOHRE regulations, Dubai government frameworks, immigration procedures, and local HR practices.
• Core functional skills: Proficient across HR Operations, Employee Relations, Payroll, Compliance, Recruitment, Compensation & Benefits, and Performance Management.
• Soft & technical skills: Excellent written/spoken English; Arabic proficiency is a plus. Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; highly organized, detail-oriented, and effective at managing competing priorities in fast-paced environments. Skilled in HR software and MS Office suite.