Arseel Nasher

Senior HR Manager & HR Business Partner | Ambiance Group - UAE HQ Mar 2023 - Mar 2026
Furniture Manufacturers · Interiors · Fit-Out · Turnkey Projects · Façade · FF&E Procurement · Hospitality & Retail Multinational Operations: USA · New Zealand · Turkey · Italy · Spain | Manpower Strength: 1200+ employees
Key Highlights:
▪ Strategic HR Leadership - Designed and implemented a full-scale end-to-end HR department from the ground up for a UAE-based group, aligning HR strategy with business objectives across six international markets.
▪ HR Operating Model Design -Built and standardized HR policies, procedures, org structures, and workflows covering talent acquisition, performance management, compensation and benefits, L&D, employee relations, and career development frameworks supporting internal mobility, succession planning, and long-term talent retention for a 1200+ workforce.
▪ Workforce Planning & Manpower Optimization - Led manpower planning and headcount optimization for multi-country operations, aligning staffing with project pipelines and growth plans, saving nearly AED 1M through strategic planning during project mobilization and demobilization, reducing overstaffing and supporting scalable expansion.
▪ Cross-Border HR Governance - Implemented cross-border HR governance frameworks, harmonizing SOPs, documentation, and compliance across USA, New Zealand, Turkey, Italy, and Spain to ensure consistency and legal alignment.
▪ Talent Acquisition & Onboarding - Directed end-to-end recruitment, selection, and onboarding for white- and blue-collar roles, improving hiring quality, supporting rapid project mobilization, reducing vacancy turnaround time from 35 to 20 days, and supporting Emiratization.
▪ HRIS / HRMS Implementation - Drove the implementation from ODOO HRIS to Oracle HRMS, payroll systems, and ESS portals in coordination with IT, enabling centralized employee records, automated workflows, accurate HR analytics and MIS reporting, and saving 200+ administrative hours annually.
▪ Performance Management & Reward - Deployed KPI- and OKR-based performance management cycles, linking job evaluation appraisals, salary reviews, rewards framework and incentive schemes to business performance and productivity targets.
▪ Employee Engagement & Culture - Launched employee engagement, recognition, and HR induction programs (including blue-collar induction), reducing attrition from 18% to 11%, increasing retention by 40%, and lowering turnover by 20% across four international markets, strengthening motivation and a performance-driven culture.
▪ Cost Optimization & ROI Improvement - Led HR cost optimization through vendor standardization across recruitment agencies, medical insurance, and accommodation providers, elimination of duplicate roles, and lean staffing models, reducing HR and admin costs by 25% through process restructuring and internal realignment, contributing to 45% ROI within one fiscal year through measurable savings in recruitment spend, vendor consolidation, and operational efficiency.
▪ C-Level Advisory & Stakeholder Management - C-Level Advisory and Stakeholder Management — Acted as strategic HR Business Partner to owners and C-level executives, providing HR dashboards, workforce analytics, and risk insights that supported strategic decision-making, contributing to 20% YoY revenue growth and 30% market expansion across six international markets by enabling compliant workforce entry, scalable staffing models, and cross-border HR governance frameworks across UAE, USA, New Zealand, Turkey, Italy, and Spain.

Senior HR Manager & HR Business Partner | HR Policy, Procedure and Compliance. | Ambiance Group - UAE HQ Mar 2023 - May 2026.

Furniture Manufacturers · Interiors · Fit-Out · Turnkey Projects · Façade · FF&E Procurement ·
Hospitality & Retail Multinational Operations: USA · New Zealand · Turkey · Italy · Spain | Manpower Strength: 1200+ employees.

Key Highlights:
▪ Strategic HR Leadership - Designed and implemented a full-scale end-to-end HR department from the ground up for a UAE-based group, aligning HR strategy with business objectives across six international markets.
▪ HR Operating Model Design -Built and standardized HR policies, procedures, org structures, and workflows covering talent acquisition, performance management, compensation and benefits, L&D, employee relations, and career development frameworks supporting internal mobility, succession planning, and long-term talent retention for a 1200+ workforce.
▪ Workforce Planning & Manpower Optimization - Led manpower planning and headcount optimization for multi-country operations, with approval delegated by the CEO, aligning staffing with project pipelines and growth plans, saving nearly AED 1M through strategic planning during project mobilization and demobilization, reducing overstaffing and supporting scalable expansion.
▪ Cross-Border HR Governance - Implemented cross-border HR governance frameworks, harmonizing SOPs, documentation, compliance and Labour Law across USA, New Zealand, Turkey, Italy, and Spain to ensure consistency and legal alignment.
▪ Talent Acquisition & Onboarding - Directed end-to-end recruitment, selection, and onboarding for white- and blue-collar roles, improving hiring quality, supporting rapid project mobilization, reducing vacancy turnaround time from 35 to 20 days, and supporting Emiratization, achieved 367 hires over 36 months across 17 different Nationalities Broadening talent diversity.
▪ HRIS / HRMS Implementation - Drove the implementation from ODOO HRIS to Oracle HRMS, payroll systems, and ESS portals in coordination with IT, enabling centralized employee records, automated workflows, accurate HR analytics and MIS reporting, and saving 200+ administrative hours annually.
▪ Performance Management & Reward - Built KPI- and OKR-based performance management cycles, linking job evaluation appraisals, salary reviews, rewards framework and incentive schemes to business performance and productivity targets.
▪ Employee Engagement & Culture - Launched employee engagement, recognition, and HR induction programs (including blue-collar induction), reducing attrition from 18% to 11%, increasing retention by 40%, and lowering turnover by 20% across four international markets, strengthening motivation and a performance-driven culture.
▪ Cost Optimization & ROI Improvement - Led HR cost optimization through vendor standardization across recruitment agencies, medical insurance, and accommodation providers, elimination of duplicate roles, and lean staffing models, reducing HR and admin costs by 25% through process restructuring and internal realignment, contributing to 45% ROI within one fiscal year through measurable savings in recruitment spend, vendor consolidation, and operational efficiency.
▪ C-Level Advisory & Stakeholder Management - Acted as strategic HR Business Partner to owners and C-level executives, providing HR dashboards, workforce analytics, risk insights and Due diligence findings that supported strategic decision-making, contributing to 20% YoY revenue growth and 30% market expansion across six international markets by enabling compliant workforce entry, scalable staffing models, and cross-border HR governance frameworks across UAE, USA, New Zealand, Turkey, Italy, and Spain.

Senior Human Resources Specialist | HR Operations, Talent Acquisition and Onboarding.
Oil & Gas · Energy · Petrochemical · Industrial & Automotive · Lubricants | Manpower Strength: 300+ employees.

Armor Lubricants Manufacturers - Sharjah, UAE Feb 2021 - Feb 2023

Key Highlights:
▪ HR Operations - Managed end-to-end HR operations for a 300+ workforce including employment contracts, personnel files, HR documentation, and cross-functional coordination with operations and logistics teams, ensuring full compliance with UAE Labour Law and internal governance standards.
▪ Workforce Planning - Linked manpower planning to production schedules and supply chain requirements, mapping headcount needs across plant, warehouse, and sales functions within a 300+ employee manufacturing site, making sure every shift ran with the right staff and operators in place to maintain business continuity without overstaffing.
▪ Talent Acquisition - Led full-cycle recruitment for technical, blue-collar, and office roles, managing sourcing, screening, interviews, offers, and selection in a fast-paced industrial environment where every unfilled role directly impacted production output.
▪ Onboarding & Induction - Designed and delivered induction programs covering HSE & quality standards, and SOPs procedures for new joiners on technical, blue-collar, and office functions, reducing ramp-up time and getting new hires productive on the plant floor faster.
▪ HR Policy & Compliance - Implemented and enforced HR policies, procedures, and UAE Labour Law compliance, supporting audits and inspections including Tawjeeh, Emiratization, accommodation standards, ISO 45001 HSE, MOHRE, Taqyeem, and internal governance.
▪ Performance Management - Redesigned and executed KPI-based appraisal cycles via ODOO, working with line managers to track KPIs, assess productivity, and drive decisions on promotions, increments, and corrective actions across plant, warehouse, and sales functions.
▪ Compensation & Payroll - Coordinated and verified monthly payroll for 300 employees with finance, covering overtime, attendance, leave records, WPS adherence, EOSB, allowances, and deductions in full compliance with UAE Labour Law and company policies.
▪ Process Improvement & Six Sigma - Supported process optimization and Process Excellence using Six Sigma concepts, mapping HR and logistics workflows to reduce delays, eliminate waste, and improve cost efficiency.
▪ HR Analytics & Reporting - Designed and compiled HR MIS reports via Excel and ODOO covering headcount, turnover, recruitment, absenteeism, overtime, and leave utilization to support workforce planning, cost control, and operational decisions.
▪ Employee Relations & Engagement - Resolved employee issues, conflicts and grievances, supported disciplinary actions where needed, and contributed to engagement activities to maintain retention in a competitive industrial sector.

Senior Human Resources Specialist | HR Operations, Talent Acquisition and Onboarding.
Armor Lubricants- Lubricant Oil Manufacturer and Supplier in UAE · ContractArmor Lubricants- Lubricant Oil Manufacturer and Supplier in UAE · Contract
Feb 2021 - Feb 2023 · 2 yrs 1 moFeb 2021 to Feb 2023 · 2 yrs 1 mo
Sharjah Emirate, United Arab Emirates · HybridSharjah Emirate, United Arab Emirates · Hybrid
(Oil & Gas · Energy Sector · Petrochemical · Industrial & Automotive Lubricants).

• Reduced overall turnover by 20 percent in two years by improving hiring standards, clarifying job descriptions and setting clear probation review steps for production and sales teams.

• Cut overtime and allowance leakage by 18 percent by tightening attendance controls, clarifying approval limits and coordinating with finance on monthly checks before payroll release.

• Shortened recruitment cycle by 30 percent by creating standard role profiles, using simple screening questions and building a pool of technicians, operators and sales staff for the lubricants and petrochemical sector.

• Managed end to end recruitment for oil and gas, energy and automotive lubricants by hiring lab chemists, QC engineers, plant operators, maintenance staff, warehouse teams, local and export sales, customer service and admin roles.

• Improved compliance with UAE Labour Law by updating contracts, offer letters and exit processes and by training supervisors on warnings, investigations and settlement steps.

• Supported ISO and HSE audits by keeping accurate HR records, training files and attendance reports and by responding quickly to auditor requests.

• Increased completion of safety and product training to above 90 percent by setting a yearly training plan, tracking attendance and following up with line managers on overdue sessions.

• Reduced onboarding time for new hires by 25 percent by using standard checklists, contract templates and document packs for production, warehouse, sales and office roles.

• Cut payroll and WPS errors by 40 percent by matching HR data with finance records each month and resolving attendance and allowance issues before final submission.

• Improved grievance and complaint handling by setting a simple log, time targets and written responses, closing most employee cases within seven working days.

specific recruitment, ISO and HSE, UAE Labour Law compliance.

Led HR and logistics for a growing industrial lubricant manufacturer, linking workforce planning with supply chain
Operations to improve cost efficiency and performance through Six Sigma methodology & Talent Acquisition.

Group Regional HR Manager | Admin and HR Operations, Organizational Development and HR Metrics.
Almotajaded Group..شركة المتجدد · Full-timeAlmotajaded Group..شركة المتجدد · Full-time
Jan 2019 - Jan 2022 · 3 yrs 1 moJan 2019 to Jan 2022 · 3 yrs 1 mo
United Arab Emirates · On-siteUnited Arab Emirates · On-site
Al-Motajaded Group is a dual entity group in furniture manufacturing - retail and MEP, M&E and EPC Constructions with a manpower strength of more than 800 employees across UAE and Libya.

Directed HR operations for a Dual-entity Group spanning furniture manufacturing and retail, as well as M&E/EPC
contracting, across UAE and Libya standardized SOPs across countries and Combining HR practices with legal and OPS
frameworks.

Led HR operations, admin oversight and regional coordination while reporting to regional directors and supporting cross border teams.

• Led HR and admin plans between UAE head office and Libyan operations by setting clear structures, reporting lines and support for project and retail teams.

• Rolled out standard SOPs across both regions, increasing process efficiency and workflow consistency by 20 percent.

• Reduced operational overhead by 16 percent by consolidating vendors, controlling support costs and simplifying admin procedures.

• Developed and enforced HR policies and internal guidelines, contributing to an 18 percent reduction in employee turnover.

• Managed HR operations for multiple entities in furniture retail and construction by handling workforce planning, hiring, employee relations and HR administration across UAE and Libya.

• Reduced absenteeism by 15 percent in one year by tracking patterns, coaching managers on early action and setting clear rules for attendance and leave.

• Improved hiring quality for project and site roles by creating role scorecards, interview packs and reference check steps for engineers, supervisors and technicians.

• Cut agency and external recruitment cost by 20 percent by building direct sourcing channels, referral schemes and talent pools for repeat roles.

• Managed full cycle recruitment and onboarding for UAE and Libya teams for retail showrooms, warehouses, project sites and head office positions.

• Conducted internal HR audits and worked with finance and procurement to improve documentation accuracy, contract control and task coordination.

• Kept employee records, contracts and admin systems in full compliance with UAE Labour Law and internal company rules.

Human Resources Manager, HRBP, Personal Manager, People Manager.

group Regional HR Manager | Admin and HR Operations, Organizational Development and HR Metrics.

Almotajaded Group..شركة المتجدد · Full-time

Key Highlights:
▪ HR Strategy: Directed regional HR strategy for dual-entity group covering manufacturing, retail, and EPC/MEP contracting operations across UAE and Libya.
▪ HR Operations: Led end-to-end HR operations including contracts, employee records, HR documentation, attendance, leave management, and disciplinary procedures for 800+ employees.
▪ Workforce Planning: Developed and executed manpower planning aligned with project pipelines, construction schedules, and manufacturing capacity requirements.
▪ HR Governance: Standardized HR policies, SOPs, and procedures across countries, ensuring consistency between HR practices, operational frameworks, and legal requirements.
▪ UAE & Libya Labour Law Compliance: Ensured full compliance with local labour laws, employment regulations, and statutory requirements across both jurisdictions.
▪ Organizational Structure: Designed and optimized organizational structures, job descriptions, and reporting lines to support scalable growth and operational efficiency.
▪ Talent Acquisition: Led the recruitment strategy and execution for white-collar and blue-collar roles across technical, engineering, manufacturing, and site-based functions, with talented hires spanning 7 Arab and 4 Asian nationalities. Performance Management: Implemented KPI-based performance management systems linked to productivity, project delivery, and operational outcomes.
▪ Employee Relations: Managed employee relations cases, grievances, disciplinary actions, and investigations while maintaining legal compliance and business continuity.
▪ Payroll & Compensation: Supervised payroll coordination, compensation structures, overtime controls, EOSB calculations, GPSSA, NAFIS, Health Insurance and benefits administration in alignment with group policies.
▪ Cross-Border HR Management: Coordinated HR activities across UAE and Libya, managing cross-border documentation, mobility, onboarding, and governance alignment.
▪ Process Excellence & Optimization: Improved HR workflows and administrative processes, reducing manual effort and enhancing control, reporting accuracy, and turnaround times.
▪ Stakeholder Management: Acted as HR advisor to senior management, project directors, and operations leaders on people risks, cost control, and workforce optimization.
▪ Audit & Compliance Readiness: Prepared HR documentation and practices for internal audits, inspections, and compliance reviews across manufacturing and contracting entities.

Group Human Resources Specialist | Recruitment Specialist, Compensation and Performance Management.
Sharjah Coop · Part-time Sharjah Coop · Part-time.
Jan 2019 - Dec 2019 · 1 yrJan 2019 to Dec 2019 · 1 yr
Sharjah, Sharjah Emirate, United Arab Emirates · On-siteSharjah, Sharjah Emirate, United Arab Emirates · On-site
FMCG, F&B, FSD and CD

Managed end-to-end HR operations and talent acquisition strategies in a large-scale fast paced retail, environment
improving hiring efficiency, onboarding outcomes, and workforce development.


• Managed end to end HR operations and talent acquisition in a high volume cooperative retail environment with more than 4, 500 employees, focusing on hiring, onboarding, records, performance support and compliance with UAE Labour Law.

• Reduced time to hire by 20% for store, warehouse and head office roles by building vacancy trackers, using job boards and LinkedIn and coordinating interview schedules with line managers.

• Improved first 90 day retention and new hire performance by standardizing induction agendas, contract and document packs and checklists for supermarket and hypermarket staff.

• Maintained accurate HR records for more than 4, 500 employees by updating HRMS data, personnel files and reports and running regular checks against UAE Labour Law and internal policies.

• Coordinated annual performance review cycles for retail branches and support functions by preparing lists, tracking completion and supporting managers in recording ratings and comments.

• Supported employee relations by logging complaints, preparing investigation notes and assisting HR leadership in resolving cases within agreed timelines.

• Helped the HR Manager and HR Business Partner deliver HR plans by providing data on headcount, turnover, absenteeism and recruitment status for weekly and monthly reviews.

• Reduced external recruitment cost by 15% by using lower cost job boards, building a referral program and keeping an active pool of retail, warehouse and driver candidates.

• Coordinated compensation and benefits actions by preparing salary change inputs, checking insurance and benefit eligibility lists and working with finance on payroll support documents.

• Supported training and development by tracking mandatory training, booking sessions and keeping attendance records for store staff and supervisors.

• Represented the Society at job fairs and community events to attract candidates and promote the employer brand in Sharjah and nearby emirates.

Key Highlights:
• Talent Acquisition - Led end-to-end recruitment for head office, retail, and warehouse roles, managing sourcing, screening,
interviewing, offers, and onboarding in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Recruitment Strategy - Developed and executed talent acquisition strategies to meet aggressive hiring targets, improving time-to-hire
and quality-of-hire across multiple business units.
• Workforce Planning - Supported manpower planning with retail and operations managers to align staffing levels with store openings,
seasonal peaks, and promotional campaigns.
• Onboarding & Induction - Implemented structured onboarding and induction programs for new joiners, enhancing early engagement,
reducing first-90-day attrition, and speeding up productivity ramp-up.
• HR Operations - Managed HR operations including employee records, contracts, transfers, promotions, and coordination with payroll,
ensuring accuracy and compliance with internal policies.
• Stakeholder Management - Partnered with store managers, department heads, and senior leadership to understand hiring needs,
define role profiles, and agree on selection criteria and SLAs.
• Employer Branding - Supported employer branding and candidate engagement initiatives, including career fairs, walk-in interviews,
and digital sourcing channels to attract frontline and specialist talent.
• HR Compliance - Ensured compliance with labour regulations and organizational policies, supporting audits and internal reviews for a
semi-government entity.
• HR Analytics & Reporting - Prepared recruitment and HR MIS reports (vacancy status, time-to-fill, offer acceptance, joining ratio) to
track efficiency and guide decision-making.
• Training & Development Support - Coordinated with L&D to identify onboarding and skills training needs, feeding recruitment insights
into workforce development plans for store and support staff.

Avana Lubricants Manufacturer logo
HR Generalist and Admin Manager | Manpower Budget planning, Payroll, HR Analytics and MIS reports.
HR Generalist and Admin Manager | Manpower Budget planning, Payroll, HR Analytics and MIS reports.
Avana Lubricants Manufacturer · Full-timeAvana Lubricants Manufacturer · Full-time
Jan 2015 - Dec 2018 · 4 yrsJan 2015 to Dec 2018 · 4 yrs
Sharjah Emirate, United Arab Emirates · On-siteSharjah Emirate, United Arab Emirates · On-site
(Oil & Gas · Energy Sector · Petrochemical · Industrial & Automotive Lubricants).


Avana Lubricants is a manufacturer in oil and gas, energy, automotive lubricants and petrochemical products. Managed HR and admin operations in a plant environment, reporting to the Director and covering workforce planning, compliance, cost control and executive level support.

• Increased profitability by 65% through lean changes in overhead, better shift planning and automation of routine plant and office workflows.

• Designed and implemented HR programs for onboarding, performance management and staff engagement, which increased employee satisfaction by 30%.

• Reduced staff turnover by 23% by updating pay structures, putting in place simple retention actions and improving internal communication channels between plant, sales and office teams.

• Managed end to end recruitment for lab chemists, QC engineers, plant operators, warehouse teams, drivers, local and export sales and office staff for the lubricants and petrochemical business.

• Delivered daily executive support by preparing internal reports, confidential memos, meeting packs and schedules for the Director and department heads.

• Managed HR documentation, audits and employee records in full compliance with UAE Labour Law and company policies.

• Worked with department heads to keep headcount, shifts and roles in line with production targets, quality standards and safety requirements.

• HR Operations - Managed end-to-end HR operations including contracts, personnel files, HR letters, attendance, and leave
administration for a 200+ manufacturing workforce.
• Admin Operations and HR Reporting - Managed office administration, facilities, PRO services, and vendor coordination for a 200+
workforce, supported by HR MIS reporting on headcount, turnover, leave, and cost analytics for management decision-making.
• Workforce Planning - Led manpower planning and deployment across plant, logistics, and sales functions, aligning staffing levels with
production schedules and business demand.
• Talent Acquisition - Handled full recruitment cycle for blue-collar and white-collar roles, including sourcing, screening, interviews,
offers, and onboarding in a competitive industrial market.
• Onboarding & Induction - Conducted HR induction and orientation programs, communicating company policies, HSE requirements,
and job expectations to new employees.
• Payroll & Compensation - Coordinated monthly payroll processing, verifying attendance, overtime, deductions, benefits, and EOSB in
line with company policy and UAE Labour Law.
• Policy & Compliance - Implemented and enforced HR policies, procedures, and labour compliance, supporting internal audits and
ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.
• Employee Relations - Managed employee relations, grievances, and disciplinary cases, promoting fair treatment, documenting actions,
and maintaining a positive work environment.