EY
Senior Associate - HR Operations Specialist - GCC Cluster (Emirati National)
- Permanent
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Experience 5 - 10 yrs
Job expiry date: 12/04/2026
Job overview
Date posted
26/02/2026
Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Salary
Undisclosed
Compensation
Comprehensive package
Experience
5 - 10 yrs
Seniority
Senior & Lead
Qualification
Bachelors degree
Expiration date
12/04/2026
Job description
The Senior Associate – HR Operations Specialist for the GCC Cluster (excluding KSA) is responsible for delivering high-quality HR operational support across the employee lifecycle within a complex, cross-border professional services environment. Reporting to the GCC HR Operations Lead, the role partners with Service Line leaders, Talent teams, and Managed Services to ensure consistent, compliant, and efficient HR service delivery. The position focuses heavily on employee relations, risk management, performance management governance, and legal compliance, while also contributing to process optimization and HR enablement initiatives. Acting as an escalation point for HR matters, the role manages sensitive cases including disciplinary actions, grievances, probation terminations, and performance dismissals, ensuring alignment with company policies and local labor regulations. The position requires strong stakeholder engagement skills, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to influence at senior levels across the GCC cluster.
Required skills
Key responsibilities
- Partner with business leaders and Talent teams to provide HR operational expertise and insights across the GCC cluster (excluding KSA).
- Act as an escalation point for Managed Services and complex HR matters, ensuring timely and compliant resolution.
- Manage employee relations cases including grievances, disciplinary actions, probation terminations, PIPs, and performance dismissals.
- Govern investigations and documentation through HR systems (e.g., ERCMS), ensuring policy and regulatory compliance.
- Provide guidance on involuntary separations, exit packages, and associated legal implications.
- Support counsellors and managers by coaching them on performance management and talent development practices.
- Deliver induction programs and onboarding initiatives for new joiners.
- Collaborate with HR Enablement and Performance Improvement teams to drive operational efficiencies.
- Monitor HR metrics and reporting to provide actionable insights and identify process improvements.
- Advise on local labor law updates and communicate legal changes to business stakeholders and Talent teams.
Experience & skills
- Emirati National.
- Minimum 4–5 years of experience in HR operations within a professional services firm or complex organization.
- Strong employee relations expertise including management of PIPs, grievances, and disciplinary processes.
- Sound knowledge of HR policies, talent management practices, and risk management.
- Experience working across the MENA region and in cross-border environments.
- Exposure to Shared Services models and large-scale HR projects.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field.
- Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong analytical and reporting skills with high proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and challenge constructively when required.