Government Services Manager | Group HR | Corporate Services

Job description / Role

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United A"rab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group's entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organisation to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate.

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day.

Overview of the role

The Government Services Manager will manage Al-Futtaim's visa management and work permit activities on behalf and in the name of the Group's businesses in the UAE. Lead the Immigration and MOHRE teams within the Government Services department and deliver efficient, cost-effective processes for the Group's employing entities, in accordance with relevant SLAs and KPIs. Provide advisory services to the Group's businesses and management based on applicable laws, regulations, and market trends. Collate, analyse, and report on relevant HR- and business data, to enable effective data-supported decision making by HR leaders and the business. Work with the Head of Government Services and the Group HRIS team on any HR analytics-, reporting- or technology projects and activities that may improve our service delivery, efficiency, and effectiveness in Government Services.

What you will do

- Lead and develop the Immigration and MOHRE teams in Government Services.
- Manage the Immigration and MOHRE related activities for Al-Futtaim's businesses and employing entities in the UAE.
- Deliver efficient and effective processes for new joiners, renewals, and leavers, and other scheduled or ad-hoc activities.
- In partnership with HRIS and the Contact Centre, establish case management practices for the Immigration and MOHRE process areas.
- Coordinate with third parties, joint ventures, and the relevant Government authorities, and attend in-person activities with the Government, typing centers or other third parties as and when required.
- Ensure that continuously improving employee experience is the heart of the Immigration team's service delivery and process management.
- Work with the Head of Government Services to design streamlined processes for a seamless integration between Government Services and operational departments such as Onboarding, Offboarding, the Contact Centre and our Emiratization department.
- Together with the Head of Government Services, liaise with counterparts in other MENA countries to drive alignment and best practices in service delivery, efficiency, and employee experience.
- Deliver transactional and standard HR services in a timely manner and in line with the SLA.
- Act as a trusted service partner to our HR community and management teams.
- Provide advisory services to the Group's HR teams, businesses and management based on applicable laws, regulations, and market trends.
- Act as change agent and facilitate change management and transition management, especially through expansion, business development and growth.
- Work with other functions and internal stakeholders on business requirements for which Government Services are an enabler or contributor.
- Ensure full compliance to local labor laws, regulations, and Group AFG policies and guidelines.
- Ensure that compliance with HR policies is maintained; review and strengthen internal controls and procedures; and provide guidance to leadership teams on process and governance.
- Identify policy improvements and provide recommendations to the Management for implementation. Provide solutions to employees and managers as per company HR policies and procedures.
- Collect relevant data from all process areas and report on government and employee data that will inform decision making and direction setting, as well as provide data on service performance and employee experience.
- Work with the Head of Government Services and the Group HRIS team on any HR analytics and reporting projects and activities that are relevant to the area of Government Services.
- Use digital solutions available from the enterprise systems landscape to enhance process delivery, employee experiences and cost efficiencies.
- Work with the Head of Government Services and the Group HRIS team on relevant HR technology implementations that will improve our service delivery.
- Drive innovation in Government Services practices through the use of bots, cloud-based technology, and artificial intelligence, among other available and current tools.

- Knowledge of the UAE Labour Law, employment regulations, and governmental practices and procedures.
- Effective communication skills, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to create an environment where the Al-Futtaim values are a strong and living reality that embraces the diversity of co-workers and employees.

What equips you for the role:
- Undergraduate degree desirable; Must have a minimum of 5 years Human Resources Operations / Shared Services management experience, preferably with Government Services / Relations. Experience from related industries preferred.
- Must have analytical and data management abilities.
- Must have knowledge of local laws and regulations concerning the labour market.
- Enhanced computer skills using recent MS Office suite. Experience with HR technology, preferably with SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central or SAP HCM; Oracle Fusion or Oracle E-Business Suite, or Workday, is desired.

We're here to provide excellent service but a little help from you can ensure a five-star candidate experience from start to finish.

Before you click "apply": Please read the job description carefully to ensure you can confidently demonstrate why this opportunity is right for you and take the time to put together a well-crafted and personalised CV to further boost your visibility. Our global Talent Acquisition team members are all assigned to specific businesses to ensure that we make the best matches between talent and opportunities. We not only consider the requisite compatibility of skills and behaviours, but also how candidates align with our Values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence.

As part of our candidate experience promise, we also want to make ourselves available to you throughout the application process. We make every effort to review and respond to every application.

About the Company

Established in the 1930's, the Al-Futtaim Group initially operated as a trading enterprise. Rapid development throughout the 1940's and 50's saw it establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself one of the leading business houses in the lower Gulf region. Today, it operates collectively over 40 companies bearing the Al-Futtaim name, dominates many market segments in the UAE, and has expanded its sphere of operation to include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.

The Group comprises a diverse range of strategically positioned operating subsidiaries and associate companies, structured to give the Al-Futtaim Group the flexibility and versatility to keep ahead of local competition while keeping pace with the ever-evolving global business scenario. The Groups continued investment in world-class systems technology is clear evidence of its commitment to maintain leading edge performance and service delivery.

The success of the Al-Futtaim Group can be attributed to a business approach that combines the ability to change with the traditional values of integrity, service and social responsibility that define its core business philosophy. This, linked with the Groups belief in decentralisation, gives the heads of the operating companies a high degree of functional autonomy and authority, providing the Group with essential flexibility, and individual employees a clearly defined work culture and sense of responsibility.