Human Resources Manager Dubai

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Murdoch University is seeking a Dubai based Human Resources Manager to lead strategic and operational HR for the transnational campus in Dubai, onsite, full-time, for a three-year fixed-term appointment. Reporting to the Head of Leadership Services and People Strategy in Perth with a dotted-line to the Dean Dubai, the role oversees change management, HR operations, workforce planning, recruitment and employee relations while ensuring compliance with university frameworks and local law. You will partner with senior campus leaders and Perth teams to deliver aligned people strategies and lifecycle management across complex transitions. To apply, tailor your cover letter to the selection criteria, demonstrate experience with senior leaders and organisational design, confirm Dubai work eligibility, and apply online with CV and cover letter by 1 July 2026, referencing JR105413; inquiries to Carla Loney.

About The Team

The Global Engagement team leads Murdoch University’s international activities across its campuses in Singapore and Dubai, and through partnerships across Southeast Asia and beyond. This collaborative team delivers high-quality transnational programs, strengthens global partnerships, and supports student and staff mobility to ensure the University remains globally connected and competitive.

Working in partnership, the People and Culture team is a collaborative group of HR professionals committed to a values-led, people-centred approach. The team supports leaders and staff through strategic and operational HR services, fostering an inclusive and high-performing workplace.

This role sits within People and Culture, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the PVC Transnational; Dean Dubai, offering the opportunity to work across both teams.

Your New Role!  

The Human Resources Manager – Dubai, is a Dubai-based role providing strategic and operational HR leadership for Murdoch University’s transnational campus in Dubai. Reporting to the Head of Leadership Services and People Strategy in Perth, with direct oversight of the Dean of Dubai, the position is responsible for change management, HR Operations, workforce planning, recruitment, employee relations and grievance management, and the development and interpretation of policies and processes. The role ensures alignment with university frameworks and local legislative requirements, while supporting the delivery of effective, compliant and high-quality HR practices within the Dubai campus.

Acting as the primary on-the-ground HR partner to senior campus leadership, the role works in close collaboration with Perth-based People & Culture teams to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with leaders to develop and implement people strategies that align with business goals, offering practical guidance on workforce planning, organisational design and change management.
• Take full ownership of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, development and offboarding, ensuring a seamless and high-quality employee experience.
• Oversee the delivery of HR operations and administration, including employment contracts, contract variations, employee records, HR systems, and data integrity, along with other related responsibilities.

Please refer to the Position Description for further details.

What we offer You!

This is a full-time, fixed-term (3 year) appointment offering a competitive remuneration package.

You’ll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. As a global university with a strong presence in Dubai, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, multicultural community that reflects the diversity of the UAE and the wider region. Sustainability is central to our mission and, guided by clear and confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits.

Join us!

Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -

• A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria
• Your most recent resume (CV)

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Ability and willingness to undertake frequent travel between campuses, with occasional travel to Perth and other locations, while based in Dubai.
• Experience partnering with senior leaders to deliver aligned people strategies, including workforce planning and organisational design.
• Capability to lead organisational change, including restructures and complex workforce transitions in line with legislation and best practice.
• Experience across the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to separation, with a focus on a high-quality employee experience.
• Flexibility to work outside standard business hours to support cross-time zone operations and global stakeholders.
• Eligibility to work in Dubai, including the ability to meet all visa, regulatory and compliance requirements (e.g. background and probity checks).
• An understanding of host country legislative and regulatory frameworks, particularly in employment and higher education.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details of responsibilities, requirements and selection criteria. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.

Please see the Applicant Guide for more information. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Contact Us

For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Carla Loney, Head of Leadership Services and People Strategy, [email protected] and quote JR105413 as the reference.

Applications Close on 1 July 2026 (11:59pm AWST)

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time. Interviews may take place upon application, and prior to the end date of advertising.

Murdoch University Dubai is proud to be part of the UAE’s diverse and globally connected higher education community and is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all.

Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.