Head of HR

Our client is a Maritime Transportation company, headquartered in Dubai, with over 10 years of experience in bunker management, commercial vessel operations and post-fixture services such as laytime (demurrage) and claims management. The team has a proven track record of creating bottom-line efficiencies by delivering commercial solutions for a large fleet of bulk carriers and tankers across the globe.

They are seeking a highly skilled Head of Human Resources to join the team in Dubai. This role involves leading the human resources function across the group, with a primary base in the Dubai office and oversight of HR delivery across all locations. Additionally, the job holder will shape and execute the people strategy that supports business growth, talent quality, culture, and statutory compliance across maritime operations, technology, and commercial teams. Moreover, He/She will build a scalable HR foundation that supports hiring, retention, development, and a strong employee experience across all jurisdictions where the group operates.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning

• Lead end to end talent acquisition for senior, commercial, technology, and operations roles across the group
• Build workforce plans linked to business growth, new office expansion, and capability gaps
• Develop strong hiring pipelines across maritime, technology, finance, and corporate talent communities
• Strengthen employer branding and candidate experience to attract quality talent in a competitive market

HR Operations and Compliance

• Own all HR operations including onboarding, employee lifecycle, transfers, and exits
• Ensure full compliance with local laws, and visa and immigration processes of the employee locations
• Manage HR delivery across the different offices and align processes across UAE, India and other group locations
• Maintain HRIS data integrity and drive automation of HR workflows and documentation

Compensation, Benefits and Payroll

• Work alongside the parent group to design and benchmark compensation structures across roles, levels, and geographies
• Manage payroll execution, end of service benefits, leave records, and statutory contributions
• Run annual review cycles linked to performance, market data, and approved budget
• Build benefits programs that support employee wellbeing, retention, and family care

Performance, Learning and Development

• Run goal setting and performance review cycles aligned with business priorities
• Identify training needs and roll out structured learning programs covering technical and behavioral skills
• Support manager capability building and succession planning for key roles
• Drive feedback and coaching culture that supports continuous improvement

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field. Master's degree (MBA or MHRM) preferred.
• 12 to 18 years of HR experience with at least 5 years in a senior HR leadership role
• Track record of building HR functions in growing organizations of around 100 to 500 employees
• Direct experience across maritime, shipping, technology, or services industries preferred
• Strong commercial mindset with the ability to link HR decisions to business outcomes
• Hands-on experience with HRIS platforms, payroll systems, and HR automation
• Excellent communication skills with employees, leaders, and external stakeholders
• Ability to operate across cultures and locations including India and UAE
• Comfortable working in a founder led, lean, and high growth environment