Human Resources Manager

Job description / Role

Description

Human resources manager (UAE national only)

Start date: 1 December 2025

Employment type: Full time

Closing date for applications: 10 November 2025

Scope of the job

Reporting to: Deputy Director

Responsible for: Ensuring full compliance of HR policies, procedures, and practices with the Academy's strategic plans and applicable laws and regulations

Works closely with: Senior team

Job purpose

The human resources manager is responsible for aligning Academy objectives with the Deputy Director and the Executive Director. The manager will actively support discussions and transfer best practices from different functions in the Academy. The position serves as a consultant to management on human resources related issues.

Duties and responsibilities

• Oversee the HR functions relating to manning, recruitment, HR budget, employee relations and benefits, performance management, academy payroll, compensation and other related HR functions.
• Lead internal human resources tasks and projects, tracking the necessary actions and updating the monthly and weekly reports.
• Manage and control departmental expenditures within the approved budget.
• Develop new policies or revise existing ones for the full range of areas within human resources.
• Ensure consistent implementation of the HR policies and procedures, applicable legislation and Human Resources Law - Sharjah and Academy bylaws.
• Assess the operational needs, develop aligned HR solutions, and implement strategies in recruitment, talent and performance management, employee engagement and recognition, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and HR administration.
• Prepare the annual HR plan and staffing budget and ensure an effective business strategy and planning process.
• Develop and maintain salary range structures, establish cost effective allowances and market-based benefits.
• Make recommendations based on developing and revising employee benefit programs by examining, evaluating, and optimising employee understanding, acceptance, interests, costs, regulatory requirements, and competitive advantage.
• Define recruitment strategies with consideration of budget and headcount guidelines and lead the recruitment and hiring process of the Academy.
• Manage the talent acquisition process, which may include recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of qualified job applicants, particularly for managerial and professional roles; collaborate with departmental managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings.
• Ensure that the Emiratization focus is maintained and diversification goals are reinforced and achieved.
• Sourcing candidates through various platforms while balancing the diversity and gender targets.
• Administer the employee records management system; oversee the maintenance of employee information in the personnel database and personnel files.
• Investigate employee motivation and job satisfaction concerns, and implement effective employee motivation strategies.
• Oversee employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.
• Administer grievance/discipline procedures and employee relations protocol.
• Investigate and resolve complex HR issues related to employee disputes and grievances, advise and collaborate with management on all aspects related to the processes of handling grievance/discipline-related issues, and recommend remedies and solutions as necessary.
• Monitor employee turnover and propose recommendations to improve retention and engagement.
• Create learning and development programs and initiatives that provide internal development opportunities for employees.
• Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
• Responsible for the HR social media channels as part of the employer branding.
• Ensure adequate, accurate, confidential HR records are maintained across the organisation.
• Assist with other human resources functions and tasks as required.

Key interactions

The HR manager is actively involved in the recruitment of all staff, including volunteers, peripatetic teachers, coaches and other personnel deemed to be included under safer recruitment recommendations and in accordance with the Academy staff recruitment policy and procedures.

Knowledge and experience

Essential:

• Master's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field required
• A minimum of seven years of human resource management experience is preferred
• Solid knowledge of budget preparation and implementation techniques

Desirable:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field required
• A minimum of three years of human resource management experience is preferred

Context

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) is an independent Academy established by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, to address a growing demand in the UAE and MENA region for formal education and quality professional training in the performing arts sector. SPAA is the only performing arts conservatoire in the Middle East and North Africa region, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programmes taught in English. The purpose-built Academy includes a 432-seat theatre, two fully equipped studio performance spaces, TV/recording studios, twelve sprung rehearsal studios, 12 singing tutorial spaces, resource library, gymnasium and cafe.

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy specialises in training graduates for work in the international professional performing arts industry. The SPAA faculty are highly experienced practitioners within their respective fields. The focus of the Academy is practical rather than academic. The Academy's primary goal is to equip graduates with the highest level of practical skills in their field, along with the tools necessary for successfully creating their own work or practice.

Salaries and benefits

Salaries in the UAE are tax-free and disbursed monthly in United Arab Emirates dirhams. Staff members receive a competitive benefits package that includes private medical insurance, a residency visa and an annual return ticket to their home country.

Additionally, eligible staff members based on their role and salary grade will also receive private medical insurance, education allowance and annual return tickets to their home country for their eligible dependents.

Additional information

The individual in this position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all SPAA policies and procedures, including the workplace health and safety and confidentiality policies.

This position is full-time based at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

The Staff Handbook is an important resource and sets out the expectations and conditions of employment. Prospective candidates for this position can request the Faculty Handbook, which will be sent to them via email.

Requirements

• Master's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field required
• A minimum of seven years of human resource management experience is preferred
• Solid knowledge of budget preparation and implementation techniques

Desirable:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field required
• A minimum of three years of human resource management experience is preferred