Lead IR & Compliance Advisory

Purpose/Objective

The Lead – IR & Compliance Advisory is responsible for providing specialist advisory, execution, and governance support on industrial relations (IR) and labour law compliance across the GCC and business units. The role ensures that workforce practices, IR frameworks, and compliance requirements are consistently implemented, monitored, and reported, enabling a risk-free and employee-trust-driven workplace. The role acts as a bridge between BU HR/IR teams, GCC Legal, and Group Compliance, ensuring operational alignment with policies and regulatory standards while supporting early risk identification and resolution of IR issues.

Key Responsibilities of Role

IR Advisory & Risk Management Provide guidance on industrial relations matters, including union management, grievance handling, and workforce negotiations. Conduct risk assessments on IR issues, flagging emerging risks and recommending mitigation strategies. Support BU HR teams in maintaining positive employee relations and addressing IR escalations. Labour Law Compliance Monitor adherence to labour laws, statutory requirements, and employment regulations across GCC operations. Partner with BU HR and Legal teams to ensure timely compliance filings, audits, and corrective actions. Maintain a compliance framework and ensure BU teams are trained on applicable legal requirements. Employee Relations & Governance Oversee policy implementation related to employee conduct, workplace practices, and disciplinary frameworks. Ensure consistency in employee relations governance across BUs and GCC. Track grievances, disputes, and case outcomes; prepare dashboards and reports for GCC leadership. Stakeholder Collaboration Partner with BU HR/IR teams, GCC Legal, and Group Assurance to ensure alignment on IR and compliance priorities. Act as the operational link with regulatory authorities, external legal advisors, and consultants. Support Tower Lead – LEA in group-wide compliance and IR governance councils. Monitoring & Reporting Prepare and maintain compliance dashboards, IR risk heatmaps, and governance reports. Track closure of IR-related risks, audit findings, and statutory compliance gaps. Provide early-warning insights to leadership for proactive decision-making.

Technical Competencies

Data-Driven Insights: Using data to support HR strategies and initiatives, such as workforce planning and employee engagement programs, is essential.,HR Software Proficiency,Process Improvement: HR professionals should be able to identify areas for improvement in HR processes and implement solutions using technology.,Talent Management Systems (TMS): TMS platforms are used to manage the employee lifecycle from onboarding to performance management and development.

Qualifications and Experience

Internal Stakeholders: Tower Lead – LEA GCC Leadership Team BU HR & IR Teams GCC Legal & Compliance Teams Risk & Audit SPOCs External Stakeholders: Statutory & Labour Regulators External Legal Advisors & Consultants Industry Forums & Compliance Networks Auditors & Assurance Consultants Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Law, HR, or Industrial Relations. Certifications in Labour Law, Compliance, or Risk Management preferred. Work Experience: 8–12 years of experience in IR, labour law compliance, or HR employee relations, preferably in large organizations, GCCs, or industrial setups. Strong understanding of labour legislation, compliance frameworks, and IR practices. Experience in grievance management, union negotiations, or compliance audits. Exposure to compliance dashboards, risk tracking tools, and audit processes.