Human Resource Director
Kids First Group is seeking an experienced and strategic HR director to lead the group's human resources function and drive people strategies that support the organisation's continued growth and success.
The HR director will provide strategic HR leadership across the organisation, partnering closely with senior management and leadership teams to build a high-performing, engaged, and values-driven workforce.
This role will oversee the full HR lifecycle, including talent acquisition, employee engagement, performance management, learning and development, succession planning, employee relations, Emiratisation, HR policies, and compliance.
Key responsibilities
Develop and implement the group's overall HR strategy in alignment with business objectives.
Provide strategic HR advice and guidance to the CEO and executive leadership team.
Lead and manage the HR function across the group, ensuring effective delivery of HR services.
Develop and implement effective talent acquisition and workforce planning strategies.
Oversee recruitment, selection, onboarding, retention, and succession planning across the organisation.
Drive employee engagement, culture, wellbeing, and initiatives that strengthen employee experience.
Establish and continuously improve performance management frameworks and processes.
Lead learning, development, training, and career progression initiatives.
Develop succession plans and talent development strategies for key roles.
Oversee compensation, benefits, salary structures, and reward strategies.
Ensure compliance with UAE labour law, MOHRE requirements, and relevant regulatory requirements.
Lead Emiratisation strategies and ensure the organisation meets its regulatory requirements and targets.
Manage employee relations, grievances, disciplinary matters, and other complex people issues.
Review and develop HR policies, procedures, and frameworks to support organisational effectiveness.
Work closely with finance and other business functions on workforce planning, payroll, budgets, and HR-related costs.
Use HR data, analytics, and reporting to support informed business and people decisions.
Drive HR transformation, process improvement, and effective use of HR technology and systems.
Build strong relationships with employees, managers, and senior leadership across the group.
Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Ensure HR practices support the organisation's commitment to safeguarding, quality, and employee wellbeing.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, management, or a related field.
Master's degree or relevant advanced HR qualification is preferred.
Professional HR certification such as CIPD, SHRM, or equivalent is highly desirable.
Strong knowledge of UAE employment legislation and HR best practices.
Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
Experience
10+ years of progressive HR experience, with significant experience in a senior HR leadership role.
Proven experience leading HR strategy and operations within a sizeable organisation or group.
Strong experience managing and developing HR teams.
Demonstrated experience across talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, learning and development, compensation and benefits, and workforce planning.
Strong understanding of UAE labour regulations and HR compliance.
Experience in the education, childcare, hospitality, healthcare, or other multi-site/service environments would be an advantage.
Proven experience partnering with CEOs, executive leadership teams, and senior stakeholders.
The ideal candidate
We are looking for a strategic and people-focused HR leader who is:
A confident and credible HR professional with strong leadership presence.
Commercially minded and able to align people strategies with organisational objectives.
An excellent communicator and relationship builder at all levels.
Strong in decision-making, problem-solving, and handling complex employee matters.
Highly organised, analytical, and able to manage multiple priorities.
Passionate about employee experience, engagement, development, and organisational culture.
Proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced and growing organisation.
A strong leader who can inspire, develop, and empower HR teams.
Discreet and trusted when dealing with confidential and sensitive matters.
Committed to continuous improvement and delivering measurable HR outcomes.
Why join Kids First Group?
At Kids First Group, our people are at the heart of our success. We offer:
Competitive tax-free salary.
Annual air ticket and paid annual leave.
Medical insurance as per company policy.
Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
A senior leadership role within a growing and established early years group.
Opportunity to shape and influence the group's people strategy.
A collaborative and supportive leadership environment.
Opportunities to drive meaningful HR transformation and organisational development.
A culture that values innovation, professional growth, and employee wellbeing.