Middle East HR Risk & Employee Relations COE Manager

About the Role
As the HR Risk and Employee Relations (ER) CoE Manager, you will play a strategic role in shaping the HR Risk and Employee Relations framework for the organization in the Middle East. This is a 12-14 month temporary role where you will drive the development and implementation of policies, lead high-impact employee relations initiatives, and act as a key advisor to senior leadership on complex workplace matters. You will own critical HR processes, including ER investigations, and act as a trusted advisor to HR services, partnering with business leaders and employees to offer expert guidance on best practices in employee relations, workplace conduct, and HR risk management. Collaborating with legal, compliance, and HR teams, you will proactively address potential risks, enhance employee experience, and foster a culture of accountability and transparency.

What You'll Do

• Employee Relations and Conflict Resolution

  • Manage sensitive ER cases, including investigations into grievances, misconduct, and workplace conflicts, ensuring fair and compliant resolutions.
  • Provide guidance and support on complex ER matters, acting as a subject matter expert.
  • Proactively identify potential workplace issues and address them through preventative measures, such as training or policy updates.
  • Maintain Middle East case data up to date in the relevant tools; document conversations and prepare high quality reports.
  • Lead the analysis of trends and data insights on cases, outcomes, and recommendations throughout the year. Through the analysis and interpretation of internal and external ER-related data sources, identify trends and develop appropriate recommendations for value-adding and strategic ER interventions that meet organizational and customer specific needs. Ensure the impacts of these initiatives are measurable and evidenced.

• Policy Development and Implementation

  • Own and develop HR policies and processes related to employee relations, workplace conduct, and HR risk management.
  • Collaborate with HR leadership to align policies with organizational objectives and compliance requirements.
  • Ensure that all policies are effectively communicated and understood across the organization.
  • Drive efficiency improvements through offshoring/outsourcing solutions, and the application of technology.

• Knowledge Building and HR Support

  • Support the HR Services team by providing structural solutions and knowledge-sharing initiatives to enhance team capabilities in handling challenging discussions.
  • Develop resources, including clearly structured and complete templates, as well as training programs to improve the HR Services team’s and other stakeholder proficiency in managing processes independently where possible.
  • Ensure awareness and compliance with organizational values, enabling a welcoming and non-threatening work environment for all staff and contributors.
  • Act as a liaison between HR Services and other functions to address escalated issues and align on resolutions.

• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build strong relationships with HR Services and other HR CoE teams to drive alignment on ER and risk-related matters.
  • Act as a trusted partner to employees, managers, and leadership by providing guidance and ensuring fair treatment in all workplace matters.
  • Represent the organization in interactions with regulatory bodies or external auditors when required.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in HR Management or Business.
• Educational background in employment law or demonstrable practical experience with handling complex employment/workplace issues with a legal angle.
• 7 years of professional experience in HR operations, employee relations, or HR risk management.
• Experience in employee relations is mandatory for the role.
• Strong understanding of workplace policies and risk management frameworks.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with an approach to addressing HR challenges.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion and professionalism.
• Collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively across teams and with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in English; Arabic is a plus.

Additional Info
Key Competences

• Conflict Resolution: Effectively manage and resolve workplace conflicts, ensuring fairness and compliance with organizational policies.
• Task Management: Balance multiple priorities efficiently, delivering high-quality outcomes in a timely manner.
• Policy Expertise: Demonstrate deep knowledge of labor laws and organizational policies, applying them effectively in employee relations and risk management scenarios.
• Communication Skills: Build trust and foster transparency through clear, empathetic, and professional communication.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Work well with cross-functional teams, aligning stakeholders on solutions and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Integrity and Confidentiality: Uphold the highest standards of integrity, maintaining confidentiality in all employee relations and risk management matters.