Open to opportunities

Rajani Rajiv

@rajanirajiv

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Strategic HR leader driving workforce strategy, compliance, and talent development.

United Arab Emirates

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What I'm looking for

I seek a senior HR role in an education-focused or mission-driven organisation where I can lead workforce strategy, drive compliance, build talent pipelines, and improve engagement and retention.

I am a strategic, people-centric HR leader with over 13 years of experience in the UAE, including seven years in senior HR leadership across top-tier educational institutions. I specialise in aligning HR strategy with institutional goals, driving organisational transformation, and building inclusive, high-performing cultures.

I have led HR operations for large campuses (150–450+ staff), implemented HRIS improvements using Oracle HRMS, streamlined onboarding workflows, and produced data-driven workforce insights that improved resource utilisation and reduced processing times. I bring hands-on experience with UAE labour law, KHDA compliance, Emiratisation initiatives, compensation frameworks, and employee relations investigations.

I hold an MBA in HR and SHRM-CP certification, am pursuing a PhD in Management, and am recognised for designing succession planning, leadership pipelines, and engagement programs that boost retention and staff satisfaction.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

HR Advisor

Taaleem Education - Dubai British School

Nov 2022 - Jul 2025 (2 years 8 months)

Served as HR partner for two campuses and 280+ staff, improving workforce utilization by 10% and reducing onboarding/H RIS processing time by 60% through streamlined workflows and data-driven planning.

Workforce Planning HR Analytics Onboarding Compensation Benefits Employee Relations Succession Planning Emiratisation

HR Manager

GEMS Education - The Westminster School

Jun 2019 - Nov 2022 (3 years 5 months)

Established and led HR for a 450-staff campus, transforming people operations into a strategic partner and implementing data-driven recruitment and engagement initiatives that improved hiring quality and retention.

HR strategy Recruitment Performance Management Employee Engagement Talent Development HR Policies HRIS Data Driven Hiring

HR Manager

North London Collegiate School - Dubai

Apr 2018 - Mar 2019 (11 months)

Led HR for 150 staff, implementing policy frameworks, onboarding systems, and communication structures to enhance compliance and alignment with the school's vision.

HR Policies Onboarding & Compliance Performance Management

Training Coordinator

Air Arabia

Jul 2015 - Apr 2018 (2 years 9 months)

Managed training records and LMS administration for 500+ cabin crew, ensuring compliance with UAE aviation regulations and streamlining LMS reporting and coordination.

Learning Management Systems Training Administration & Compliance Reporting LMS Support

Senior Center Manager

Highfield International

Jan 2011 - Mar 2014 (3 years 2 months)

Oversaw operations, HR, and client relations for Ofqual-accredited aviation and corporate training programs, partnering with clients like Emirates and Qatar Airways to deliver tailored training.

Operations Management Client Relations HR Operations Stakeholder Management Business Development

Centre Operation Manager

MBA Entrance Coaching Institute

Jan 2008 - Jan 2009 (1 year)

Managed centre operations and faculty coordination for MBA entrance coaching programs, overseeing administrative and instructional activities.

Faculty Management Program Coordination Scheduling

Administration Executive

ABB Transmission & Distribution

Jan 2005 - Jan 2006 (1 year)

Performed administrative duties supporting transmission and distribution operations in Abu Dhabi, enhancing office workflows and documentation processes.

Administration Documentation Office Support Record keeping Process Improvement