Human Resources Director (Bilingual)

Job Description

K2 is looking for a Human Capital Director for one of our Partners, you will lead the establishment and end-to-end development of the Human Capital function for a fast-growing autonomous logistics startup based in Abu Dhabi. You will be responsible for building the HR organization from the ground up, including strategy, policies, systems, and full HR operational capability to support rapid business scaling.

You will ensure full compliance with UAE Labor Law while acting as a strategic partner to the executive leadership team in shaping organizational structure, workforce capability, and company culture. An ideal candidate for this role will bring strong experience in IPO readiness, corporate transformation, and policy harmonization across entities, ensuring alignment of HR frameworks, compensation structures, and governance systems.

• Develop and execute the Human Capital strategy aligned with business growth and expansion plans
• Design and build the HR function from inception, including structure, policies, systems, and governance frameworks
• Lead organizational design, workforce planning, and capability development initiatives
• Partner with executive leadership and headquarters to align global and local HR strategies

• Oversee payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with UAE regulations
• Design and implement compensation structures, benefits frameworks, and reward systems
• Manage payroll inputs including attendance, leave, overtime, and adjustments
• Conduct salary benchmarking and support annual compensation reviews
• Coordinate with Finance on payroll reconciliation and reporting

• Lead manpower planning in alignment with business strategy and operational requirements
• Develop and manage HR budgets, including headcount costs, recruitment spend, and HR operations expenses
• Monitor workforce cost efficiency and provide optimization recommendations
• Partner with Finance and department heads on forecasting and workforce planning cycles

• Oversee end-to-end recruitment strategy across all business functions
• Manage Employer of Record (EOR) arrangements for international or contract-based hiring where applicable
• Build talent pipelines for roles in autonomous logistics
• Ensure structured onboarding and integration of all new hires

• Manage employee relations, grievances, conflict resolution, and disciplinary processes
• Ensure fair and compliant handling of performance and conduct issues in line with UAE Labor Law
• Develop and enforce disciplinary frameworks and escalation procedures
• Act as a trusted advisor to leadership on sensitive employee matters

• Design and implement performance management systems, KPIs, and appraisal frameworks
• Drive a performance-driven culture focused on accountability, innovation, and execution excellence
• Lead employee engagement and retention initiatives
• Strengthen organizational culture in a fast-paced startup environment

• Lead IPO readiness HR transformation initiatives, ensuring organizational and governance structures are aligned with public company requirements
• Drive policy harmonization across entities, ensuring alignment of HR policies, compensation structures, benefits, and governance frameworks across multiple regions or business units
• Support large-scale organizational transformation programs, including restructuring, integration, and scaling initiatives
• Ensure HR frameworks are compliant, audit-ready, and aligned with investor and regulatory expectations
• Partner with Finance, Legal, and executive leadership on corporate transition readiness and reporting structures

• Ensure full compliance with UAE Labor Law, visa regulations, and employment requirements
• Oversee HR audits, reporting, and regulatory compliance frameworks
• Maintain updated HR policies and employee handbook
• Mitigate legal and operational workforce risks

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field
• CIPD, SHRM, or equivalent HR certification is highly preferred

• 12–15+ years of progressive HR experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (Director level or above)

• Proven experience building HR functions, systems, and policies from scratch in a startup or high-growth environment
• Strong expertise in UAE Labor Law and HR compliance frameworks
• Hands-on experience in HR operations, payroll management, and full employee lifecycle administration
• Strong experience in manpower planning, HR budgeting, and organizational scaling
• Solid background in employee relations and disciplinary management
• Proven experience in IPO readiness, corporate transformation, and HR policy harmonization across multiple entities
• Experience in logistics, autonomous mobility, robotics, or technology platform companies preferred
• Strong cross-cultural experience, particularly working with Chinese organizations or multinational teams
• Strong ability to operate in fast-paced, execution-driven environments

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Chinese (Mandarin) is a must