Muhammad Saleem Awan, CHRMP

Highlights

Selected results

Experience

Where I've worked

1. Human Resources Specialist

   Nazih Group of Companies · Dubai, UAE

   Oct 2024 – Present

   • Manage end-to-end HR operations for the UAE business, including payroll, full-cycle recruitment, onboarding and the employee lifecycle.
   • Designed and implemented a new OKR- and competency-based Performance Management System, rolled out across the organisation.
   • Manage probation cycles: tracking, performance feedback, confirmations and extensions.
   • Handle employee grievances, investigations and resolutions in line with company policy and UAE Labour Law.
   • Oversee HRMS/HRIS operations, keeping employee records, contracts, leave, attendance and performance data accurate.
   • Manage all government and visa processes, including Emirates ID, MOHRE, GDRFA, ILOE, medical exams, entry permits, transfers and cancellations.
   • Liaise with Dubai Municipality, DED and Free Zone authorities on company licensing, renewals and compliance.
   • Prepare HR documents including offer letters, contracts, confirmation and warning letters, NOCs and salary certificates.
   • Manage company vehicle compliance with RTA, Darb, TAMM, Asateel and Salik.

2. HR Business Partner / Generalist (formerly Senior Executive HR)

   Defence Raya Golf & Country Club · Lahore, Pakistan

   Nov 2017 – Sep 2024

   • Joined the pre-opening team of a large mixed-use development (housing, high-rise construction, golf, hospitality and restaurants) with no HR in place.
   • Built the HR function from the ground up, starting with a hiring drive of 400 employees and growing it to manage over 800.
   • Implemented an HRMS that cut manual HR work by 60%, putting recruitment, onboarding, payroll and performance management on one system across all divisions.
   • Reduced time-to-hire from 15 days to 7 by streamlining recruitment workflows and approvals.
   • Ran engagement surveys, exit interviews and leadership development programmes, helping keep staff retention at around 95%.
   • Designed HR policies, SOPs and grievance processes across the housing, golf, hospitality and construction divisions.
   • Worked with senior management on restructuring and workforce planning during rapid, multi-site growth.

3. HR Consultant (Freelance)

   Independent Practice · Remote

   2020 – 2024

   • Provided HR consulting to clients in retail, hospitality, restaurants and technology.
   • Designed HR systems, policy manuals, salary structures, organisation design and compliance processes to support client growth.

4. HR Generalist

   EPIC Consulting Group · Lahore, Pakistan

   Jul 2017 – Nov 2017

   • Streamlined group-wide payroll and HR operations: compensation and benefits, final settlements, reporting and documentation.
   • Designed and implemented a Performance Management System from scratch and trained staff to use it.
   • Delivered outsourced HR and admin services to 3 client organisations, including Huawei (2,000 employees), Albayrak and Shahid Builders.

5. Senior Executive Human Resources

   Bundu Khan Foods · Lahore, Pakistan

   Jan 2016 – Jun 2017

   • Joined as the first HR hire and set up the HR function with no existing HR infrastructure.
   • Built a complete HR manual and policy framework from zero and rolled out an HRMS to digitise employee records and processes.
   • Played a key role in scaling the company from 11 to over 50 branches, with standard recruitment, performance and compliance systems across restaurants, bakeries and the factory.

6. Senior Executive Human Resources

   Gourmet Pakistan · Lahore, Pakistan

   Jan 2014 – Dec 2015

   • Supported HR leadership in scaling the company from 85 to over 250 branches with standard HR infrastructure, recruitment and performance management.
   • Managed payroll and attendance for over 25 branches and led recruitment across restaurant, bakery and factory operations.
   • Oversaw HR compliance audits, grievance handling and HRMS-based attendance and performance tracking for frontline staff.

7. Human Resources Officer

   Gourmet Pakistan · Lahore, Pakistan

   Jan 2013 – Dec 2013

   • Managed branch-wise attendance and payroll for a workforce of over 10,000 employees across 250+ shops, including UK operations.
   • Supported the group-level HRMS implementation that digitised attendance and employee records.
   • Handled employee documentation, final settlements and hiring verification for shop-level staff.

Credentials

Education & certifications