Overview
Human Resources Director Jobs in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates at Confidential Careers
Title: Human Resources Director
Company: Confidential Careers
Location: Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Job Title: HR Director – Asset Maintenance (Oil & Gas / Utilities)
Location: Abu Dhabi – Middle East (with frequent travel across Middle East & Caspian Region)
Reporting To: Group HR Director / Business Unit CEO
Role Overview
We are seeking a seasoned HR Director to lead the human resources function for our Asset Maintenance Division, supporting large-scale Oil & Gas and Utilities projects across the Middle East and Caspian region.
This role requires a strategic HR leader with strong experience in project-based environments, workforce mobilization, and managing multicultural teams across geographically dispersed operations.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic HR Leadership
Develop and execute HR strategies aligned with business objectives for asset maintenance operations
Partner with senior leadership to drive organizational effectiveness and workforce planning
Lead transformation initiatives including restructuring, workforce optimization, and localization
Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
Oversee large-scale recruitment for technical roles (engineering, maintenance, shutdown projects)
Build pipelines for critical roles across multiple countries
Ensure compliance with local labor laws and nationalization programs
Employee Relations & Engagement
Manage complex employee relations issues across diverse cultures
Drive engagement, retention, and performance culture in remote project sites
Lead grievance handling, disciplinary processes, and conflict resolution
Performance & Talent Management
Implement performance management frameworks and succession planning
Identify high-potential talent and leadership development programs
Support leadership capability building across regions
Compensation & Benefits
Design competitive compensation structures aligned with regional benchmarks
Oversee payroll, benefits, and expatriate packages
Ensure internal equity and external competitiveness
HR Operations & Compliance
Ensure compliance with labor laws across Middle East and Caspian countries
Oversee HR policies, procedures, and governance
Manage audits, risk, and HR reporting
Candidate Profile
Experience
15–20+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 8+ years in a leadership role
Strong background in Oil & Gas, Utilities, EPC, or Asset Maintenance projects
Experience managing HR across multiple countries (Middle East / Caspian preferred)
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field
Master’s degree or MBA preferred
Skills & Competencies
Strategic thinking with strong business acumen
Experience in project-based workforce environments
Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
Deep knowledge of international labor laws and mobility
High cultural intelligence and adaptability
Preferred Criteria
European national with willingness to relocate/travel extensively
Experience working in emerging markets or remote project environments
Exposure to joint ventures or multinational organizations