Job Description

Knauf stands for opportunity. We know that opportunity looks different to each person, and we are proud that we see opportunity in everyone. This exciting role within Knauf GCC, based in Dubai, UAE could be the perfect next opportunity for you to build a unique career, in a values-led culture with a clear purpose of making tomorrow a home for all of us.


We are a global manufacturer of construction materials and within our Group, our 42,000 team members in 90 countries across 300 sites provide a huge opportunity for anyone with ambition and energy. We value everyone's contribution equally and we ask that you bring your whole self to work, to enrich the business further, as together we achieve more in a safe and inclusive environment.

Knauf GCC is proud to be part of the Knauf Group. We have heritage in Gypsum manufacturing and have big plans for the future. Our global reach continues to grow and we are looking for passionate, ambitious people to help us achieve our goals. We are all led by the same core values and believe in the powerful potential of large companies to have a positive impact on the world. We are now looking for another team member to join us in the People Department as the People Operations Country Manager - GCC, based in Dubai, UAE .

Can you say 'yes'?


Do you treat your colleagues with respect?


Do you always have the customer in mind?


Do you act with future generations in mind?


Do you like to seek out opportunities to grow and develop?


Do you have a proven track record of delivering results?


As a People Operations Country Manager - GCC, you will play a pivotal role in driving people initiatives that align with business objectives across GCC. As a trusted advisor, you will work closely with GCC leadership in the head office and plant to foster a high-performance organization. Your efforts on delivering impactful people solutions and driving efficient HR operations and processes, with focus on UAE, will contribute to the overall success and growth of the business.


What you'll be doing:

Business Partnership

• Understand business goals and challenges and translates into people strategies, initiatives, campaigns, and projects that drive organizational success.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the department heads for all people related processes and decisions.
• Work with leadership team to develop a strong talent pipeline through various talent processes.
• Lead and support people-related organizational change efforts, and ensure a smooth transition.
• Deploy the Global Competency Framework and ensure adherence to the framework in all HR processes.
• Design and Implement people and Admin related policies and processes to enhance operational efficiency.

Employee Services and HR Operations

• Manage a team (2-3 team members) who is responsible for effective and efficient employee services and HR operations such as: immigration, payroll and benefits administration, employee relations, travel and admin, etc
• Oversee efficiency of immigration/PRO related activities, payroll processing, benefits administration, and other daily HR Operations.
• Manage employee inquiries and resolve issues related to HR policies, procedures, and benefits.

Performance Management

• Ensure effective deployment of end-to-end People Processes including Performance Management, Reward & Recognition, Org design.
• Train department heads, managers and supervisors on the performance management process.
• Support the performance management process by providing resources and guidance to managers and employees.

Culture and workplace

• Monitor and report employee pulse through regular engagement with employees.
• Co-create and drive employee engagement plans and maintain and strengthen relationships.
• Drive diversity, equity, and inclusion culture by leading initiatives and developing infrastructure for inclusive workplace.
• Identify required initiatives to nurture the Knauf culture and values.

Employee Relations

• Drive key Change initiatives to ensure engagement, development as well as productivity improvement.
• Ensure compliance to Labor Laws.
• Foster and nurture a smooth Industrial relations climate in the plant by ensuring right behaviors/ discipline.
• Deal with employee complaints, grievances and resolve it timely/ proactively and ensuring healthy work relationships and a supportive atmosphere at the workplace.
• Conduct exit interviews and analyze turnover data.

HR Projects and Initiatives

• Collaborate with Country/Regional People team to implement people related projects and initiatives.
• Manage people projects and provide regular updates to senior management.
• Manage and monitor HR budget.

What we'd love for you to have:



• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive HR experience with at least 2 years in a manufacturing or plant environment.
• Strong understanding of GCC labour laws, standards, and regulations specific to the plant environment.
• Demonstrated success in driving organizational change and managing people initiatives and projects.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.
• Proven track record of managing employee relations issues and resolving conflicts effectively.


We are interested in you as a person, your attitude, behaviours, and values. As long as you have the willingness to learn anything you need for the role that you don't already have, we'd love to speak to you. If you have experience in the following areas - this is an added advantage:



• Flexibility to work from both Dubai head office and RAK plant.
• Efficient execution of people processes.
• Engagement surveys management.
• Excellent communication skills and Stakeholder Management.
• Strategic thinking and problem solving skills.
• Learning agility.
• Drive for results.
• Analytical skills and attention to details.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations and policies.