Payroll & Social Security Director - Dubai/UAE Full Time
About the role:
The Social Security and Payroll Director for the Middle East will be responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and management of payroll and social security strategies across the region. This role ensures compliance with local regulations, manages complex payroll operations, and ensures alignment between organizational policies and country-specific laws. The ideal candidate will have expertise in regional payroll practices, social security schemes, and related compliance requirements, while driving operational efficiency and fostering collaboration with stakeholders.
The Social Security and Payroll Director holds overall accountability for the strategic direction, operations, and success of the function across the Middle East. This includes maintaining a highly satisfied and growing client base, leading a team of engaged and motivated employees, and enhancing market visibility. The Director will also collaborate with regional Partners and Practice Leaders to drive the profitability and sustainability of the function.
Key responsibilities will include:
Client Service
- Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers in client organizations, including HR managers, finance directors, and business stakeholders.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with prospective clients to understand their payroll needs and present tailored solutions.
- Solve unique and complex client problems and develop solutions that influence the positioning of the firm within the marketplace.
- Possess a deep understanding of each client’s business, objectives, and needs in their portfolio.
- Direct the production of high-quality, thorough and accurate work products that are flawlessly executed with focus on attention to detail.
- Anticipate market and/or regulatory changes; provide market intelligence and identify opportunities across accounts.
- Manage or collaborate on proposals - from informal pitch meetings to structured RFP responses - holding prep and debrief meetings and participating in client presentations where appropriate.
Productivity, Accountability and Efficiency
- Identify and research potential clients and target markets for payroll and social security services.
- Develop and implement strategic business development plans to generate leads and expand the client base.
- Conduct market analysis to identify trends, competitive landscape, and opportunities for differentiation.
- Negotiate and close business deals, ensuring mutually beneficial agreements that meet client needs and revenue targets.
- Actively prospect for new clients through networking, cold calling, attending industry events, and utilizing marketing campaigns.
- Track and report on sales activities, opportunities, and pipeline, using CRM systems or other tools.
- Stay updated with industry trends, payroll regulations, and best practices to effectively position and differentiate our payroll services.
- Attend industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events to build brand awareness and generate new business leads.
- Oversee the onboarding process for new clients and ensure a smooth transition to the company's payroll system.
- Accountable for the development and performance of the Payroll and Social Security team across the region.
- Set up the function regionally including setting business development strategies, developing processes and workflows.
- Manage business and client results in terms of revenue, profit, cost control, retention and turnover.
- Ensure team follows firm procedures with respect to file maintenance, record keeping and use of firm's systems including Fragomen Connect.
About you:
Qualifications and Experience:
- Proven track record in sales, particularly within the payroll or HR services industry.
- Deep understanding of payroll regulations and compliance requirements.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Strong negotiation and closing skills.
- Ability to build relationships with key decision-makers within businesses.
- Proficient in CRM tools, capable of managing leads, tracking activities, and maintaining accurate sales records.
- Develop and execute comprehensive business development strategies to drive the growth of our payroll services.
- Identify and prioritize target markets and industries for potential clients.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders.
- Conduct market research to identify emerging trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape.
- Collaborate with internal teams to develop and deliver compelling sales presentations and proposals.
- Participate in industry conferences, networking events, and trade shows to generate leads and promote our payroll services.
- Stay updated on regulatory changes related to payroll and ensure compliance in all customer engagements.
Also Required:
- Bachelor's degree in finance, HR, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's preferred).
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in payroll and social security management, with a focus on the Middle East.
- In-depth knowledge of regional labor laws, tax regulations, and social security frameworks.
- Proven track record of managing complex, multi-country payroll operations.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Proficiency in payroll software and systems, as well as MS Office Suite.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and analytical abilities.
- Certification in payroll or HR-related disciplines (e.g., CPP, SPHR).
- Fluency in English and Arabic.
- Experience in the immigration sector or understanding of related regulatory frameworks.