HR Manager

Job Description Summary:

As HR Manager for our new Saudi investment, you will play a pivotal role in building the HR function from the ground up. This is a hands-on, strategic position that requires a strong generalist capable of balancing local needs with global HR standards. You will lead the design, implementation, and evolution of people practices during the setup phase and beyond, supporting a high-growth environment with a focus on organizational development, talent acquisition, culture building, and change management.

This role is ideal for a confident HR leader who thrives in dynamic environments and can influence, execute, and adapt at every stage of the organization’s development.

Job Description:

???? Organization Setup & Change Management

• Lead the design and implementation of HR infrastructure, policies, systems, and procedures in line with global standards and local requirements.
• Act as a key member of the startup team, ensuring HR supports the build-up of a scalable, compliant, and performance-driven organization.
• Drive and support cultural development, organizational design, and change initiatives that align with strategic business goals.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership and employees during times of transformation and growth.

???? People Strategy & Talent Management

• Own the full employee lifecycle: recruitment, onboarding, development, retention, and separation.
• Design and implement a talent acquisition strategy to ensure timely hiring of qualified and capable staff.
• Develop and maintain succession planning, talent mapping, and leadership pipeline processes.
• Partner with line managers to set performance expectations, conduct reviews, and enable employee development.
• Identify and address underperformance constructively and fairly.

???? HR Operations & Compliance

• Ensure effective and efficient HR operations including personnel administration, employee relations, legal compliance, and documentation.
• Monitor and ensure full compliance with Saudi labor laws, regulatory obligations, and internal policies.
• Address and resolve employee concerns, grievances, and workplace conflicts with professionalism and discretion.
• Oversee payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality.

???? Compensation & Benefits

• Design and manage competitive and equitable C&B programs tailored to local market realities and aligned with global frameworks.
• Conduct market research and benchmarking to maintain attractive, fair, and compliant reward structures.
• Develop incentive programs to attract, retain, and engage key talent.

???? HR Analytics, Reporting & Budgeting

• Prepare and manage the HR budget in alignment with business needs and growth targets.
• Deliver regular reports on HR KPIs, headcount, turnover, performance, and cost metrics.
• Use workforce analytics to influence decisions and optimize HR strategy.

Staff Management: Management of Human Resources Department

Financial Management: N/A

Travel: Occasional travel within the country will be required (~10–15%)

Location: Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Personal Requirements for the role:

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field (Master’s or HR certification preferred).
• Minimum 7+ years of HR experience in generalist or managerial roles, with proven capability in HR setup or transformation projects.
• Strong knowledge of Saudi labor law and employment practices.
• Experience working in multinational or matrixed organizations is highly desirable.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills across all levels and cultures.
• Fluent in English & Arabic

Key Competencies

• Change Leadership: Able to guide people through transition with empathy and clarity.
• Execution Excellence: Delivers results while balancing strategic thinking with tactical delivery.
• Business Acumen: Understands how HR contributes to business value.
• Stakeholder Management: Builds trust and influences effectively across all levels.
• Cultural Agility: Works well across local and global teams, sensitive to regional norms.
• Problem Solving & Judgment: Uses data and experience to make sound HR decisions.

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