Senior Manager - National Operations Recruitment

Our client is the world’s leading producer of premium aluminium and the largest industrial company in the UAE outside the oil and gas sector. It operates major facilities, including aluminium smelters in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, an alumina refinery in Abu Dhabi, and a bauxite mining and export operation in Guinea.

The company plays a vital role in driving aluminium innovation, supporting products that are central to modern life such as electronics, construction materials, packaging, and automotive components. As the UAE’s largest export after oil and gas, it generates billions in annual export revenue and contributes significantly to the country’s economic diversification.

Producing around 4% of the world’s aluminium and nearly half of the GCC’s supply, the organisation is responsible for approximately one in every 25 tonnes of aluminium produced globally.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategy and execution of national / Emirati recruitment across operational functions, including plant, production, and technical roles.
• Partner with operations leadership and senior stakeholders to understand workforce planning requirements and support long-term national talent development initiatives.
• Drive initiatives aligned with Emiratisation targets and workforce nationalisation strategies across the organisation’s operational workforce.
• Develop and strengthen national talent pipelines through partnerships with universities, government programs, and national workforce initiatives.
• Ensure recruitment practices align with UAE nationalisation policies and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the end-to-end recruitment lifecycle for Emirati talent across operational roles, ensuring an efficient and high-quality candidate experience.
• Provide strategic guidance on national workforce planning, helping business leaders anticipate and plan for future talent needs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government entities, educational institutions, and national talent programs supporting Emirati workforce development.
• Monitor and report on Emiratisation progress and hiring outcomes, providing insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Lead and mentor recruitment teams supporting national hiring initiatives across operations.
• Engage with stakeholders across EGA’s locations as required to support national recruitment initiatives and workforce programs.

Requirements:

• UAE National preferred, with a strong understanding of Emiratisation and national workforce initiatives.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in talent acquisition or recruitment, with significant exposure to national or Emirati hiring programs.
• Proven experience recruiting within operational, industrial, manufacturing, energy, or large-scale production environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead national recruitment strategies and Emiratisation initiatives within complex organisations.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to partner effectively with operations leadership and senior management.
• Solid understanding of UAE labour regulations and Emiratisation policies.
• Experience building national talent pipelines and partnerships with universities, government bodies, and workforce initiatives.
• Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels, balancing long-term workforce planning with immediate hiring needs.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; postgraduate qualifications are advantageous.
• Willingness to engage with teams across EGA locations in the UAE as part of supporting national recruitment initiatives.