People & Operations Manager - UAE

Job Description

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

We are looking for a UAE People & Operations Manager to be the cornerstone of our UAE offices growth and smooth running. This role blends HR expertise with business operations leadership from ensuring compliant and effective HR processes, to managing PRO and government liaison activities, to making sure our Dubai office operates at peak efficiency.

Youll work closely with Talent Acquisition, People Operations, Legal, Finance, and our Executive Team to build a strong foundation for our UAE presence while integrating into our vibrant, global team.

Key Responsibilities

In your capacity as UAE People & Operations Manager, your role will be continuously evolving, but day to day your duties will include:

• Acting as the primary HR contact for UAE-based employees, handling all HR, people, and business operational inquiries.
• Managing the full UAE employee lifecycle onboarding, contracts, payroll coordination, benefits administration, offboarding.
• Coordinating with PRO services and/or directly managing government and free zone processes, including visas, work permits, Emirates IDs, labor cards, and trade license renewals.
• Overseeing office administration, vendor relationships, , and day-to-day operational needs.
• Enabling local business setup and compliance activities, ensuring alignment with UAE labor laws, free zone regulations, and corporate governance requirements.
• Partnering with leadership on organizational culture initiatives, employee engagement, and well-being programs.
• Ensuring timely and accurate monthly payroll operations in coordination with Finance, including updates to personal and employment data, time off, and absence tracking.
• Maintaining and optimizing HRIS (Personio) and other operational systems for UAE operations.
• Formulating and updating HR policies, procedures, and operational guidelines to ensure compliance and efficiency within the UAE.
• Coordinating internal and external events in the UAE for team building, client engagement, and business development.

What we would love to see from you

In the role of UAE People & Business Operations Manager, ideally, you will have the following:

• Minimum 45 years of experience in HR / People Operations, Admin, or Operations roles within the UAE.
• Strong working knowledge of UAE labor law, free zone regulations, and PRO/government processes.
• Proven experience managing visas, work permits, Emirates IDs, and other government-related services.
• Track record of managing payroll operations in the UAE, including statutory compliance and benefits administration.
• Hands-on experience in office management, vendor procurement, and operational coordination.
• Ability to manage end-to-end HR and business operations autonomously, with minimal day-to-day supervision.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with HRIS systems (Personio a plus) and MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent communication skills in English; Arabic is a plus
• Comfort working in a startup or high-growth environment, where flexibility and adaptability are key.

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:

• Were Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind
• Were Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them
• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. Its a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge

We&aposd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.

The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.