What is driving demand for HR Manager jobs in Dubai?

Since the move towards hybrid workforces and adaptive workplaces, many organisational managers in the UAE are facing the significant loss of time and resources to attract and recruit qualified candidates.

To solve this challenge, many organisations are now looking for human resources experts to not only address their talent pipeline, but also continue to manage the changing workplace environments in Dubai. They are looking for a strong focus on people, culture and retention. 

In fact, the role of the HR Manager in Dubai can include:

• Recruiting local or international talent
• Onboarding and talent management
• Employee engagement
• Creating wellness initiatives
• Developing training and team-building programs

With this increased focus on people management, it may be necessary for your company to begin recruiting for your next HR leader.

If you are considering or currently hiring for HR Manager jobs in the UAE, here are some factors that are driving demand for this role, and how to hire the right professional for your organisation.

Why are HR Managers in such high demand in Dubai?

Since the impact of the pandemic continues to affect organisations across the UAE, here are three reasons driving the hiring boom for HR managers:

Return to the office

HR workloads skyrocketed during the pandemic, and for companies in the UAE transitioning to a hybrid model, with employees working remotely and at home, HR managers will be needed to update company policies and procedures. As the business transforms to a new way of working, experience of transformation will also be highly sought after.

High workloads

If the amount of work is increasing at your organisation, new permanent staff may be required to handle the additional responsibilities. That is a sign you will need a HR Manager to help with hiring, rolling out updated benefits packages or new employee programs, especially if you are creating multiple roles.

Long selection process

If your leading candidates are being snatched up by other companies in the UAE before you can make an offer, you will want to bring on HR experts to help ensure you are conducting interviews and extending offers in a timely manner.

How to recruit for HR Manager jobs in Dubai

Because of the competition for HR managers, strategy is key when striving to fill these positions. As you search, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Be unambiguous

Knowing how to write a compelling job description can give you a springboard to identify candidates who match your specific requirements. Job descriptions should contain an overview of all the relevant skills and experience you are seeking. Provide the role's broadest responsibility, function or priority within the company. Include an overview of expectations for the person who fills the HR role, the immediate and longer-term objectives, and define what constitutes outstanding performance.

Gill McIntyre, HR recruitment expert says "With large volumes of candidate applications being received daily, it is helpful to review your job description to ensure you are clear on key skills required to help you identify suitable talent quickly.

This can be a time consuming and lengthy process; however this is where Robert Half can support you to speed up the recruitment process and quickly find you a great candidate shortlist."

2. Ask for referrals

Your professional contacts and existing employees are valuable resources when looking for accomplished HR professionals. You might even offer incentives, such as gift cards or bonuses, to employees who provide referrals leading to promising new hires.

3. Look for balanced skill sets

Along with HR expertise, a HR Manager should have outstanding soft skills. Particularly valuable today are collaborative abilities and an aptitude for problem solving. Also essential are strong communication skills, including a capacity to work well with others and clearly explain HR matters that can be confusing to employees, such as benefit elections.

4. Keep an eye toward the future

Transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping HR as they change processes and take over routine responsibilities like scanning resumes and data entry. You will need HR professionals who are tech savvy and adaptable to help you in this age of digital disruption.

5. Do not wait for a unicorn

Keep in mind that the perfect candidate might not exist. Spending time looking for someone who ticks every single box could cause you to miss out on a wealth of talented individuals who would shine with your company. Instead, be open to providing on-the-job training to develop additional skills required for the role.

6. Make your offer quickly

If you drag out your hiring process, you will likely lose skilled HR specialists to your competition. Once you have pinpointed the candidate you want to hire, make an offer. At the very least, stay in close contact with promising applicants throughout the process to keep them interested in the position.