People Generalist - Ras Al Khaimah

People Generalist

Knauf stands for opportunity. We know that opportunity looks different to each person, and we are proud that we see opportunity in everyone. This exciting role within the Knauf GCC could be the perfect next opportunity for you to build a unique career, in a values-led culture with a clear purpose of making tomorrow a home for all of us.

We are a global manufacturer of construction materials and within our Group, our 42,000 team members in 96 countries across 300 sites provide a huge opportunity for anyone with ambition and energy. We value everyones contribution equally and we ask that you bring your whole self to work, to enrich the business further, as together we achieve more in a safe and inclusive environment.

Knauf GCC is proud to be part of the Knauf Group. We have a heritage in Gypsum manufacturing and have big plans for the future. Our global reach in 96 countries continues to grow and we are looking for passionate, ambitious people to help us achieve our goals. We are all led by the same core values and believe in the powerful potential of large companies to have a positive impact on the world. We are now looking for another team mate to join us in Ras Al Khaimah as People Generalist.

Can you say ‘yes’?

Do you treat your colleagues with respect?

Do you always have the customer in mind?

Do you act with future generations in mind?

Do you like to seek out opportunities to grow and develop?

Do you have a proven track record of delivering results?

This role will serve as the plant’s primary HR partner, overseeing end-to-end people operations; policy implementation, data-driven workforce planning, payroll/benefits and attendance, performance management, employee relations, engagement and culture/DEI initiatives, health and safety support, talent acquisition and onboarding, training coordination, and HR projects, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and impactful solutions.

What You’ll Be Doing

Business Partnership

• Main point of contact to the Plant leadership and employees for people related processes.
• Implement HR Policies and processes to enhance operational efficiency.
• Proactively assess gaps, propose and implement impactful solutions.
• Maintain accurate headcount records and support manpower planning.
• Provide data-driven people insights and recommendations to support business decisions.
  
  

Employee Services and HR Operations

• Responsible for effective and efficient employee services and HR operations such as immigration, payroll and benefits administration, employee relations, travel and admin, etc. either through self or coordination with responsible peers.
• Manage attendance, absenteeism, overtime and leave administration and any shift adjustments.
• Support in - and acts as a back-up for - payroll processing, benefits administration, vacation settlement, and other daily HR Operations.
• Manage employee inquiries and resolve issues related to HR policies, procedures, and benefits.
  
  

Performance Management

• Support implementation of performance management and other people processes in the Plant.
• Support on performance management timelines and documentation by providing resources and guidance to managers and employees.
• Ensure performance reviews are completed on time and properly documented for all plant employees.
  
  

Culture and workplace

• Support execution of annual engagement survey and support plant leadership with executing relevant impactful engagement actions to drive employee engagement.
• Monitor and report employee pulse through regular engagement with employees e.g. Gemba walks, round tables, employee suggestion box, voice of the people, etc.
• Co-create and implements continuous employee engagement plans and work environment.
• Implement recognition programs that enhance employee engagement and retention, in alignment with regional recognition program.
• Implement various diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and develop infrastructure for inclusive workplace.
• Support health and safety initiatives.
  
  

Employee Relations and Engagement

• Implement key initiatives in the Plant to ensure engagement, development as well as productivity improvement.
• Ensure compliance with local labour laws and internal policies.
• Foster and nurture a smooth Industrial relations climate by working closely with the Shop floor team in ensuring right behaviours/ discipline.
• Support in disciplinary processes, conduct investigations and implement corrective actions in line with UAE labour law.
• Handle / deal with employee complaints, grievances and resolve it timely/ proactively and ensuring healthy work relationships and a supportive atmosphere at the workplace.
• Conduct exit interviews and support basic turnover analysis.
• Prepare regular people metrics and reports.
  
  

Talent Acquisition and Onboarding

• Support hiring requests and coordinate recruitment activities with Talent Acquisition.
• Assist in screening candidates and interview coordination for Plant vacancies.
• Ensure smooth onboarding of new joiners, including documentation, inductions and follow-ups.
  
  

Training and Development

• Coordinate delivery of training programs in the Plant.
• Track training participation and maintain training records.
• Support identification of local training needs with line manager.
  
  

HR Projects and Initiatives

• Support implementation of People projects led by People Operations Manager.
• Track progress and provide updates for plant-level initiatives.
  
  

Candidate Profile

What we’d love for you to have:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration.
• 5 years of progressive HR experience with at least 2 years in a manufacturing or plant environment.
• Strong understanding of UAE labour laws, standards, and regulations specific to the plant environment.
• Proven track record of managing employee relations issues and resolving conflicts effectively.
• Strong data and analytical skills.
  
  

We are interested in you as a person: your attitude, behaviors and values. As long as you have the willingness to learn anything you need for the role that you dont already have, wed love to speak to you. If you have experience in the following areas – this is an added advantage:

• HR related processes.
• On time execution of HR processes.
• Engagement surveys management.
• Excellent Communication skills and Stakeholder Management.
• Problem solving skills.
• Learning agility.
• Drive for results.
• Analytical skills and attention to details.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations and policies.
  
  

We’ll Provide

• A competitive salary
• Benefits
  
  

What happens next?

We appreciate that your time is precious and applying for a new job can be a lengthy process - so we have committed to replying to your application within 10 working days.

Founded in 1932, Knauf is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction materials for interior design, building insulation, and design ceilings.

Knauf entered the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) in 1997. Today, we are a leading player across the region, with operations spanning 15 countries and 19 state-of-the-art production facilities, driven forward by 2,000 high-performing professionals.

Headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, MEASAs reach extends across Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, the GCC, Ghana, Greece, India, Iraq, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Turkey.

In MEASA, we offer the opportunity to be part of a global family of over 41,500 colleagues in 96 countries, who are dedicated to the same core values, and to a shared sense of purpose. We encourage all our people to shape their own career, with the freedom to stretch their skills and learn new ones.

Driven by an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability, we are building more than just exceptional gypsum-based solutions — we’re shaping a future we can all be proud of.

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