HR Manager

Job description / Role

HR Manager (Architecture & Interior Design Sector)

Location: Dubai, UAE (Overseeing 3 Studios)

About the Role

Our client, a leading and expansive Interior Design studio, is looking for a proactive and strategic HR Manager to lead their human resources function across three dynamic studios. This is an exceptional opportunity for an HR professional who thrives in a creative environment and is looking for the autonomy to build, refine, and truly own an HR department.

You will be the backbone of the studio's culture, ensuring that as the firm grows, the talent is supported, compliant, and engaged.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations & Employee Relations

* Policy Development: Develop and execute comprehensive HR policies and procedures in strict alignment with UAE Labor Law.
* Employee Engagement: Design and implement retention strategies that align with the company's creative business goals and "friendly" culture.
* Expert Advisory: Serve as the subject matter expert on employment law and employee relations, providing support on all day-to-day HR matters.
* Compliance & Records: Ensure total adherence to local regulations and maintain accurate, up-to-date HR records and reporting systems.

Recruitment & Talent Acquisition

* Full-Cycle Recruitment: Manage the end-to-end hiring process for all levels, including high-stakes senior leadership positions.
* Creative Talent Pipelines: Proactively build and maintain pipelines for specialized roles within Architecture and Interior Design.
* Strategic Partnering: Work closely with hiring managers to define technical requirements and selection criteria for unique design roles.
* Market Benchmarking: Regularly analyze and benchmark salaries and benefits to ensure the studio remains a competitive employer of choice.

Strategic Workforce Planning

* Future Proofing: Partner with senior management on immediate hiring needs, 3-5 year growth plans, and long-term succession planning.
* Organizational Mastery: Maintain and coordinate company organization charts and oversee workforce planning.
* Performance Management: Lead the annual performance review process, ensuring a culture of continuous feedback and development.

Qualifications & Experience

* Industry Experience: Previous experience working within an Architecture, Interior Design, or Creative Agency environment is highly preferred.
* Regional Expertise: A minimum of 5+ years of HR experience in the UAE, with a deep and current understanding of UAE Labor Laws.
* Recruitment Savvy: Proven track record of identifying and attracting high-caliber design talent in a competitive market.
* Leadership Style: A "department-builder" mindset-someone who is organized, assertive yet approachable, and comfortable working across multiple locations.
* Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise with everyone from junior designers to studio directors.

What We Offer

* Autonomy: The chance to "make the department your own" and implement your vision for HR.
* Environment: A fantastic, creative, and collaborative work culture.
* Growth: A senior-level role with a significant impact on the success of a top-tier international design firm.

About the Company

Blake Anderson is a boutique consultancy based in the UK, with a satellite office in Dubai. Specialising in Technical and Construction Recruitment, Blake Anderson provides a superior service to clients and candidates within the construction and technical sectors.

We concentrate on placing professionals throughout the world, focusing mainly on the Middle East and Asia, drawing on both the global and local markets for highly qualified professionals. In order to attract the best talent, we invest in various high-end advertising mediums.

With a database of 1,000's of candidates, our experienced consultants have a wealth of recruitment knowledge and have a consultative approach at all times, ensuring a second to none service.