Workforce Manager

Job Description

Location: Abu Dhabi / Desert (with accommodation provided onsite)

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced People & Culture / Workforce Manager to oversee all workforce welfare, engagement, and cultural management for a Festival. This is a unique opportunity to be at the heart of one of the UAEs most prestigious festivals, ensuring that the large workforce is well-supported, engaged, and operating smoothly.

You will act as the primary point of contact onsite for workforce matters, reporting directly to the Project Director and supported by a team of coordinators. The role involves both office-based preparation and extensive onsite management during the build and live phases of the event.

• Manage day-to-day People & Culture operations for the Festival.
• Serve as the primary point of contact onsite for workforce-related matters.
• Conduct regular welfare checks: hydration, wellbeing, rest breaks, and adherence to safety rules.
• Lead crisis management and conflict resolution, ensuring issues are handled quickly and effectively.
• Attend daily project meetings and provide clear workforce updates to the Project Director.
• Support and guide workforce coordinators throughout the project.
• Oversee onboarding, integration, and engagement for 120 freelancers and coordinate with agencies managing 800+ front-of-house staff.
• Implement and refine procedures and workforce manuals already in place from previous editions of the festival.
• Drive onsite engagement activities (BBQs, film nights, welfare initiatives).

• Proven experience in People & Culture / Workforce Management within major festivals, live events, or remote build projects.
• Strong background in crisis management, conflict resolution, and staff welfare.
• Ability to thrive in a remote, onsite environment for extended periods (up to 2 months during build).
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills to manage a diverse workforce.
• Flexibility and resilience to work long hours onsite, particularly during the live festival.
• Culturally aware, empathetic, and approachable.

• Accommodation: Private cabin/bedroom with a shared bathroom (1 person).
• Facilities provided: Catering, laundry service, gym, games room.
• Wellbeing perks: Weekly day off during live phase in December, with access to a 5-star hotel pool, gym, and restaurant.
• Community engagement: Onsite BBQs, film nights, and staff activities.
• Travel: Weekends out to Dubai possible during the build phase.
• Salary Package: AED 25,000 30,000 per month (depending on experience).