Location: Dubai, UAE
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Construction
Job Function: HR, Recruitment & Training
Nationality: Open

Guildhall is seeking an experienced Senior Compensation & Benefits Specialist to lead and optimise compensation, benefits, and total rewards initiatives for a diversified construction and landscaping group operating across the UAE and additional regional office locations.

This is a strategic, hands-on role requiring deep expertise in UAE labour law, compensation structures, and benefits administration. The successful candidate will act as a subject matter expert, partnering closely with leadership and HR stakeholders to ensure competitive, compliant, and business-aligned reward programs.

Key Responsibilities

Compensation Management

• Design, analyse, and administer compensation programs including base pay, incentives, allowances, and bonus structures

• Conduct job evaluations and market benchmarking using salary surveys and industry data

• Maintain and update salary structures, pay grades, and compensation frameworks

• Support annual merit reviews, bonus cycles, and promotion processes

• Advise managers on compensation decisions, internal equity, and pay practices

• Ensure compliance with UAE wage, hour, and employment regulations

Benefits Administration

• Manage employee benefits programs including medical insurance, gratuity, leave, and statutory benefits

• Act as the primary point of contact for employee benefits queries and issue resolution

• Monitor benefits utilisation, cost trends, and provider performance, recommending improvements where required

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure all compensation and benefits programs comply with UAE Labour Law and applicable DIFC/ADGM regulations

• Prepare regular reports, dashboards, and insights for senior management

• Maintain accurate and confidential compensation and benefits records

Analytics & Total Rewards Strategy

• Analyse compensation and benefits data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities

• Support the development and execution of a total rewards strategy aligned with organisational objectives

• Prepare presentations and recommendations for leadership decision-making

Stakeholder & Employee Support

• Serve as the organisation’s subject matter expert for compensation and benefits

• Partner with HR Business Partners on workforce planning and reward initiatives

• Provide training and guidance to managers on compensation policies and reward programs

• Support employee relations cases, grievances, and appeals related to pay and benefits

• Ensure clear, consistent communication of total rewards programs across the organisation

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field

• 15+ years of experience in compensation and benefits, preferably within the UAE or GCC

• Strong knowledge of UAE Labour Law and employee benefits regulations

• Proven experience in compensation structures, market benchmarking, and benefits administration

• Experience working with HRIS and payroll systems

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

• High level of discretion, integrity, and confidentiality

• Experience supporting multinational or large-scale organisations in the UAE

About the Company

Guildhall is one of the most respected HR and headhunting consultancies in the MENA region. With deep expertise in regional HR and recruitment markets, Guildhall partners with leading organisations to deliver tailored talent solutions across MENA and Asia-Pacific.