ABOUT DEPARTER - THE KNOW-WHO PEOPLE
Departer is a leading German Executive Search firm with over 20 years of experience in global leadership recruitment. We specialize in placing executives in medium-sized enterprises and private equity portfolio firms across DACH, MEAI, ASIA, and ANZ regions. With a deep understanding of the DACH economy, we facilitate successful placements within global management teams across corporate headquarters and entities abroad.
Our German client, a well-established industrial company, is launching a new, dynamic business venture in the UAE with a start-up spirit. Under a new brand focused on digital and service-driven solutions, the goal is to enhance efficiency, transparency, and sustainability for highly sophisticated clients with complex business models in market segments such as construction and infrastructure, operations and facility management, manufacturing as well as vertical multiples, which comprises projects in AI and vertical farming amongst others. We are looking for hands-on, forward-thinking professionals eager to build, shape, and drive something new from the ground up.
In this entrepreneurial set-up, we are looking for a smart, hands-on, and versatile Office Manager (m/f/d) who is ready to wear many hats and thrive in a fast-paced environment. You’ll play a key role in shaping the company culture, overseeing core business functions, and being the heartbeat of the office.
Your duties and responsibilities will include:
- Lead end-to-end HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, training, compensation, and benefits. Align people strategy with business growth
- Drive initiatives to attract top talent, foster professional development, and promote a high-performance, people-first culture
- Ensure smooth day-to-day office operations – from vendor coordination to facilities, supplies, travel logistics, and scheduling
- Coordinate external communications, support media and PR efforts, and plan internal events, workshops, or customer-facing functions that elevate the company brand
- Monitor regulatory frameworks and ensure full compliance with local labor, tax, and administrative laws
- Develop and manage office- and HR-related budgets, identify cost efficiencies, and support financial reporting
- Work closely with the Managing Director and senior leadership team, supporting key initiatives and acting as a central point of coordination across departments
- Backbone of the Start-up: As a core team member in a flat-structured, start-up-style environment, you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and jump into anything from contracts to event logistics or culture-building projects.
To be successful in this role you should have the following skills and experiences:
- A completed Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field is required; a Master’s degree is a plus
- Several years of experience in Office Management, Human Resources, or a similar all-round role – ideally in a dynamic or international setting
- Self-organized, adaptable, and solution-oriented, with a pragmatic and hands-on mindset
- Strong expertise in HR operations, talent acquisition, employee relations, and a sound knowledge of UAE labor and tax law
- Confident in public communication, whether organizing events, supporting PR, or representing the company externally
- Fluent in English (German or Arabic a plus), and have excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Your professionalism is matched by your emotional intelligence, personal integrity, and ability to handle sensitive topics with discretion
- Thrive in a collaborative, fast-moving environment and are motivated by growth, change, and continuous improvement