Senior HR Associate

Job Summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic Senior HR Associate  for a 6 months contract to make a meaningful impact and be part of a dynamic team. Join us in shaping the magic behind the scenes!

The Senior HR Associate plays a pivotal role within the Global HR Operations team, balancing complex transactional HR responsibilities with strategic process improvement initiatives. This position serves as a key liaison between employees, business leaders, and HR partners across the EMEA region focused on the MENA market, ensuring high-quality service delivery in line with regional policies and global standards.

The Senior HR Associate provides expert guidance on escalated HR matters, recommends enhancements to HR processes, and ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations. They mentor junior staff members, uphold operational excellence through quality assurance assessments, and actively support the Regional Manager in team oversight.

This is an office based role, 4 days working in our Dubai Office with 1 day working from home (Monday or Friday). During July and August, it will be working from home only as our office will be closed for the summer.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Inquiries & Case Management

• Manage complex HR-related inquiries and requests via all service channels, including those involving senior leadership.
• Utilize the case management system (ServiceNow) to accurately document, resolve, and track cases.
• Identify and resolve recurring issues, providing coaching and guidance to junior team members.
• Update and maintain knowledge management content to ensure accurate and accessible information for employees.

HR Transactions & Policy Application

• Administer and process high-complexity HR transactions (e.g., onboarding, separations, pay and position changes) across multiple business units and countries.
• Apply in-depth knowledge of local and regional legislation and policies to ensure transactions are compliant, accurate, and timely.
• Maintain data integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with internal controls and regulatory standards.
• Develop tools and manage key milestones related to employee life-cycle events such as probation reviews, contract renewals, maternity/paternity leaves, and more.

Process Improvement & Project Management

• Lead initiatives to improve end-to-end HR processes, incorporating feedback from employees, clients, and leadership.
• Present proposals and gain buy-in from stakeholders, including executive-level leaders.
• Assist junior team members with process implementation and issue resolution.

Communication & Documentation

• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, including HR Business Partners, Legal, Payroll, Employee Relations, and external vendors.
• Draft and manage employee-related documents, including offer letters, contract amendments, leave notifications, and separation letters.
• Maintain accurate digital and physical filing systems, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

Payroll Management  & Vendor Management

• Process and administer payroll for all employees in Dubai on a monthly basis
• Review and load data for payroll purposes (including annual leave quotas, severance payments, absence data).
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard  new vendors and service providers. 

Systems & Technology

• Utilize and maintain proficiency in HR systems including Workday, SAP, ServiceNow, timekeeping tools, and Microsoft Office Suite and Procurement Management tools such as Coupa.
• Manage visa processing through the AXS Portal and oversee contingent worker contracts in coordination with external vendors.

Operational Excellence & Problem Solving

• Identify process inefficiencies and content gaps within HR tools and systems.
• Recommend and contribute to process improvements and participate in system testing as required.
• Demonstrate sound judgment in identifying root causes of issues and proactively offering solutions.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or equivalent.

Experience

• Significant HR experience in a shared services or employee services environment.
• Prior experience working within The Walt Disney Company is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with UAE labor law and past experience using the AXS portal is a strong advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Fluent in English; proficiency in Arabic is a plus.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to high-quality service and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to navigate and prioritize multiple tasks in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Sound understanding of local market differences and cultural nuances across EMEA markets.

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. 

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.