Summary
Grant Thornton UAE is hiring an HR Generalist for its People & Culture function in Abu Dhabi. The role covers employee lifecycle processes, HR documentation and records, payroll support, employee queries, manager guidance, reporting, and HR process improvement. Applicants should have a relevant bachelor’s degree and at least four years of progressive HR experience across operations and business partnering; CIPD or equivalent is desirable. Experience with HRIS, advanced Excel, workforce data, and UAE employment practices is requested, while business-level Arabic is advantageous.
The posting
As published on grantthornton.ae. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Job Description
We’re a large and growing professional services firm that still feels like a community. With over 76,000 professionals in more than 150 countries, we combine global scale with local expertise to help dynamic organizations unlock their potential for growth. We truly care about our colleagues, our clients, and the communities where we work and live.
As a HR Generalist, you’ll be part of the backbone of the firm’s operations, providing the essential internal support that enables client‑facing service lines to deliver high‑quality work. ICS includes functions such as IT, HR Operations, People & Culture, Finance, Marketing, and other enabling teams that keep the firm running smoothly.Discover your purple and join our Internal Client Services Team today!
Let us paint a picture for you
Imagine being part of a team that puts “we before me”, where flexibility is a mindset, and where you trust your colleagues to have your back.
Imagine working for an organization that believes in the power of authenticity in everything that we do. Whether you're steering discussions in a client meeting, tackling your fear of heights at the top of the Burj Khalifa or ziplining across Jebel Jais – bring your true self to work. Be a part of a team driven by a purpose of shaping the world that we live in, based on trust and integrity in markets, dynamic businesses, and communities where businesses and people thrive.
Join us to expand your horizons, be inspired, face challenges, and most importantly, be yourself.
About People & Culture
The People & Culture (P&C) function, operating as part of ICS, is responsible for shaping and supporting the full employee lifecycle while ensuring that all internal people‑related processes run smoothly, compliantly, and consistently across the firm. P&C serves as a strategic partner to the business, enabling high performance and an excellent employee experience.
As a HR Generalist some of your responsibilities will include:
HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle
- Manage end-to-end employee lifecycle activities including onboarding, probation reviews, promotions, transfers, contract amendments, and offboarding
- Prepare and issue employment-related documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance
- Maintain employee records within HR systems and personnel files
- Coordinate visa, labour, and immigration-related HR activities where applicable
- Support payroll administration by ensuring accurate employee data and timely submissions
- Monitor probation periods, contract renewals, and key employee milestones
- Ensure HR policies, procedures, and employee records remain compliant with internal and regulatory requirements
- Respond to employee HR queries and provide guidance on policies and procedures
Business Partnering & Employee Relations
- Build strong working relationships with managers across assigned service lines
- Support managers on employee lifecycle decisions, performance management, organisational changes, and people-related matters
- Provide first-line advice on employee relations issues, escalating complex matters appropriately
- Assist with performance review cycles, calibration discussions, and talent management initiatives
- Support workforce planning, resource forecasting, and headcount tracking activities
- Contribute to employee engagement, wellbeing, and culture initiatives
- Support implementation of people strategies aligned with business objectives
HR Projects & Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, systems, and employee experience
- Contribute to HR transformation, digitalisation, and automation initiatives
- Assist in developing and maintaining HR dashboards, reports, and people analytics
- Support annual HR activities including budgeting, promotions, compensation reviews, and engagement surveys
- Participate in cross-functional projects and firm-wide people initiatives
Reporting & Data Management
- Produce regular HR reports and insights on headcount, turnover, recruitment, absence, and workforce trends
- Maintain data integrity across HR systems and reporting tools
- Support compliance, audit, and governance requirements through accurate documentation and reporting
- Analyse people data to support decision-making and identify trends
Skills Description
Think you've got what it takes to be a HR Generalist? Like the colour purple? Great. Here's a few more boxes we're also hoping you can tick:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or related discipline
- Professional HR qualification (CIPD or equivalent) is desirable
- At least four years of progressive HR experience across both HR operations and business partnering environments
- Experience within a professional services, consulting, financial services, or similar fast-paced environment preferred
- Strong HR administration and operational management capabilities
- Experience using HRIS platforms and reporting tools
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and strong PowerPoint and Word skills
- Ability to analyse workforce data and produce meaningful insights
- Strong understanding of HR policies, procedures, and compliance requirements
- Exposure to UAE labour law and employment practices
- Fluent business level Arabic speaking skills will be advantageous