Description

As an HR Leader, I focus on aligning HR strategy with business objectives, ensuring we attract and retain top talent, driving performance and accountability, maintaining full compliance with UAE labour laws, and supporting organizational growth through effective workforce planning and leadership development. I also prioritize data-driven decision-making and strong stakeholder management to deliver real business impact.

Industry field of expertise

Languages

English
Native or bilingual
Arabic
Native or bilingual

Workplace preferences

Can work on-site

Abu Dhabi (up to 50km)

JAN DE NUL DREDGING (Infrastructure, Marine, Land Reclamation)
Head of Human Resources
HUMAN RESOURCES
March 2022 - Today (4 years and 3 months)
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Projects: Dubai Waterfront office, F3 Fujairah, Hudayriat, Taweelah, G Island (Al Omairah )- (ADNOC, NMDC & Nakheel projects).
• • Own full HR, Crewing & Admin operations across UAE/Middle East: recruitment, Emiratization, policies, onboarding, payroll, ER/IR, and compliance.
• • Led 29 HR, Crewing, and Admin staff across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, managing ~2,400 employees across corporate offices, project sites, labor camps, and facility management operations throughout the MENA region.
• • Delivered 1,600+ direct-hire employees and 800+ outsourced (white and blue collar) hires through strategic university partnerships, career fairs, and industry networks, while ensuring full quota compliance.
• • Run compensation & benefits cycles, salary reviews, and PDRs; produce monthly HR metrics (turnover, hiring, absence, relief schedules).
• • Introduced salary scale & grading and process automation, cutting hiring & mobilization cycle time by ~30%.
• • Designed well-being and engagement programs: +60% participation; +40% engagement; −20% absenteeism.
• • Govern disciplinary/grievance cases; ensure Code of Conduct, privacy/conflict-of-interest compliance, and statutory reporting.
Leading the HR Function 8. Financial & Strategic Workforce Planning Governance, Risk & Compliance Culture & Employee Experience Setting HR Strategy
National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC Group)
Head of Human Resources
February 2019 - February 2022 (3 years)
Projects: UAE (ADNOC Mega Project)
• • Led HR/Crewing/General Services (25 staff) for 4,000+ employees across five on/offshore locations on a USD 1.36B islands project.
• • Hired 1,200 direct and 2,500+ outsourced employees; managed talent flow in TALEO aligned to manpower budgets, salary scales, and mobilization plans.
• • Maintained site presence via regular offshore/onshore visits; delivered induction/orientation, organizational charts, and manpower transfer plans.
• • Drove performance management cycles, training plans with ADNOC-aligned standards, and end to-end C&B/payroll coordination.
• • Oversaw Staff& Labour accommodation/transport (incl. eight offshore barges, ~1,700 bed spaces) and crew-change logistics.
• • Ensured UAE Labor Law compliance; led investigations on harassment/disciplinary matters with confidentiality and rigor.
DEPENDABLE TRUCK & TANK LIMITED (Manufacturing - Oil, Fire & Propane Tanks)
Human Resources Manager
January 2014 - January 2019 (5 years)
Toronto, ON, Canada
• • Scaled workforce from ~60 to 160+ through full-cycle recruitment (including foreign worker programs), branding, and career fairs.
• • Implemented HR handbook and employment agreements to de-risk operations; managed ER/IR, grievances, and disability claims.
• • Established appropriate HR solutions aligned with the business direction and goals while maintaining knowledge and sources of current HR trends, to maintain a progressive "Best Practice" stance, as well as compliance with the (ESA) Employment Standards Acts.