JOB PURPOSE:

The Saudization Manager - KSA will spearhead the execution and success of the organization's Saudization (Localization) strategy, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030, MHRSD regulations, and Nitaqat requirements.

Acting as the primary point of contact for all KSA localization initiatives, this role drives candidate attraction, workforce development, cultural integration, and government relations, ensuring the company exceeds compliance while fostering long-term national workforce sustainability.

The role combines high-level strategic design with operational ownership, providing direct oversight over localization team members and championing engagement programs, government partnerships, and impactful development initiatives. The ideal candidate is proactive, highly organized, and capable of independently driving both strategy and execution.

SCOPE MANAGEMENT:

This role covers KSA-wide localization strategy, talent attraction, government liaison, national program partnerships, compliance reporting, employee engagement, cultural integration, and stakeholder alignment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS:

1- Strategic Objectives & Reporting

• Translate the KSA Localization & Saudization strategy into a detailed, actionable plan with clear timelines, deliverables, and KPIs.
• Provide regular, executive-level reporting (monthly/quarterly/annual) on localization progress, quota achievements, and program performance.
• Monitor regulatory changes (MHRSD, GOSI, Nitaqat updates) and proactively adjust strategies to maintain compliance and competitive positioning.

2- Candidate Attraction & Recruitment

• Build and maintain partnerships with Saudi universities, technical colleges, talent programs (e.g., HRDF, Tamheer), and community initiatives.
• Lead the design and execution of high-visibility recruitment campaigns, career fairs, and industry events targeting Saudi nationals.
• Oversee the full recruitment lifecycle: from outreach and selection to documentation, onboarding, and retention tracking, ensuring seamless handover between recruitment, business units, and HR operations.
• Develop fast-track, part-time, and internship programs specifically designed for Saudi graduates, youth, and women in alignment with government employment goals.

3- Employee Engagement & Development

• Collaborate with L&D to design tailored development programs, leadership acceleration tracks, and technical upskilling for Saudi employees.
• Conduct structured feedback sessions, townhalls, and focus groups to gather Saudi employee insights, identify gaps, and propose actionable solutions.
• Ensure clear role definitions, KPIs, and development pathways are communicated to Saudi nationals, with aligned support from HRBPs and line managers.

4- Cultural Integration & Employer Branding

• Champion Saudi-specific cultural initiatives (e.g., Saudi National Day, Founding Day, Women's
• Empowerment Day), fostering a culturally inclusive work environment.
• Strengthen employer branding by promoting localization success stories across internal (Viva Engage, internal newsletters) and external platforms (LinkedIn, media, government PR channels).
• Launch ambassador programs, recognition initiatives, and employee storytelling campaigns to celebrate Saudi talent and increase internal engagement.

5- Government Relations & Program Partnerships

• Act as the primary liaison with Saudi government entities, including MHRSD, HRDF, GOSI, and relevant public-sector institutions, ensuring full alignment and compliance.
• Establish and nurture government relationships to secure access to national funding programs, incentives, and public-private partnerships.
• Lead participation in key government initiatives (e.g., Tamheer, HRDF training grants) and ensure accurate, timely reporting on localization achievements to regulatory authorities.

6 - Stakeholder Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Foster strong relationships with senior business leaders, HR partners, and operations teams to align localization goals with business priorities.
• Organize regular cross-functional alignment sessions, workshops, and steering committee meetings to drive unified execution of localization strategies.
• Ensure internal stakeholders understand the commercial and regulatory value of successful Saudization, embedding it as a shared organizational priority.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Public Policy, or a related field.

• Experience: Significant experience in localization, Saudization, or nationalization strategies, ideally within KSA's private sector; prior government relations experience is a strong advantage